fell out of bed - General Health Message Board

twizliz · 07-16-2006, 06:31 PM

This just isn't my week. I fell out of bed and hurt my ankle and wrist.. I went to the dr and they did xrays on both. They were clear, but said that there is a bone that sometimes doesn't show a break until a week later in the arm (scapula?) ... I'm still in a lot of pain in my arm and my thumb is swollen to twice its size. I went to the dr on Friday and he said to call in a week if it is still bothering me... I'm just concerned about the swolleness of my thumb.

Misty800 · 07-16-2006, 08:26 PM

Icing may help the swelling go down in your thumb. I like to use ice-water and soak hand or use a package of frozen peas and place over a cloth on the thumb.

Keep the thumb elevated as much as possible.

kehorner · 07-16-2006, 10:09 PM

It's the scaphoid bone, in the wrist. Anyway, it is true that a fracture may not show up there for a week or two. Repeat x-rays or an MRI or other tests might be needed to determine if there is a fracture. Fractures of the scaphoid can be problematic because of a limited blood supply to the bone. So, if it isn't better in a week, go back for another x-ray.

twizliz · 07-17-2006, 07:33 PM

Thanks for the info.. is there anyway I could tell if it was fractured? I have limited mobility with it, but when I move it. It kind of feels like someone is driving a nail through the top of my thumb, through it and then down to my wrist. If it is fractured, what would they do for it?

kehorner · 07-18-2006, 09:27 PM

If it is a broken scaphoid, they will generally start out with a cast, but will monitor it for signs of the bone not healing properly. If it doesn't heal, surgery may be necessary. This is why it's important to follow up if the pain does not get any better.

You can palpate the scaphoid to see if it is tender. When you extend your thumb, you can see a pair of tendons pop out at the base of the thumb/hand on the back. Put your finger in the space between those tendons down near the wrist. Then bend your wrist. Try this on your good wrist first. You'll notice that it is a bit tender normally, so go more on whether it hurts more on one side than the other.

And of course, if you're not sure and the pain continues, go back to the doctor.