My 12yr old daughter dislocated her elbow and fractured her wrist and elbow. She just had her cast removed on Monday but is in lots of pain, even to the touch, on her elbow. The Otho. said she needs to have physical therapy but i don’t think she could handled the pain. She is usually never a baby about pain so i’m really concerned. I don’t want to overreact if this is normal.
#1 by Loz on December 30, 2009 - 10:06 pm
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Hi Sonia,
Is reinjury a possibility? If not – I don’t want to cause you any worry or concern, but just wanted to make you aware of a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It’s difficult to explain, but is a painful disorder of the nervous system that can occur after injury. Casting/immobilisation is something that can contribute to its development and the one constant about the condition is severe pain, including pain on touch. Her muscles are probably a little wasted from being in the cast, but other than that does her elbow look normal? If she has any change in colour or temperature of her skin compared with her other arm, or any swelling, then I would be really concerned. If this happens, you need to hassle her doctors ASAP, because it is something that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Regardless of the cause of her sensitivity to touch, you can try to reduce this with gentle contact. Begin by brushing her skin with soft materials (e.g. cotton wool), and gradually increase pressure and coarseness as she is able to tolerate it. Placing her arm in warm and cool water baths may also help her.
I’m no doctor, and obviously in no position to make a diagnosis, but I am happy to answer any questions.
I really hope that her pain settles soon and that she is able to get underway with her physiotherapy.
#2 by ana aestheic on December 31, 2009 - 4:05 am
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I am no expert, but I am one who has experienced a broken bone three times and once the cast is removed, there is a feeling of numbness and may be unable to have as much strength as normal but other than that, extreme pain is not common, at least in my three cases. Maybe she injured it again right after.. the bone may be weaker and need time of rest. Hope my experience helped!
#3 by mistify on December 31, 2009 - 5:13 am
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If she was in less pain with the cast and she is now in constant severe pain, this is not normal. CRPS may be an issue as mentioned above, but I’d also consider re-injury. Call the doctor right away.
#4 by Polly P on December 31, 2009 - 11:32 am
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#5 by Rita Rose on December 31, 2009 - 12:47 pm
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I would take her to the family doctor now that the cast is off. This doctor will check it out and help your daughter.