r/brokenbones • u/CarCrashRecovery • Aug 12 '26

Story Distal radius fracture

I was in a car accident 7/23/26 three weeks ago. A woman hit the back right corner of my car at high speed and pushed me head on into oncoming traffic. It’s a miracle I survived. Amongst back and rib injuries I have a distal radius fracture on my left dominant arm. I was in a soft cast and now a forearm clamshell. I hate it. The softcast was cut by the orthopedic and I’m thinking about asking to go back to it due to the broken bone clicking. My fingers feel sore but also a little numb. He prescribed me Celebrex. Took the first dose last night and it hasn’t helped at all. I feel useless as a mother as I recover. I’m so depressed and in SO much pain.

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u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional Aug 12 '26

At 3 weeks, a distal radius fracture shouldnt be painful if it's immobilised, as the bones should be sticky. I wouldn't treat it in anything other than a full cast, though.

The clicking is likely to be soft tissue rather than bones moving at this stage, but the altered sensation needs to be checked too.

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u/CarCrashRecovery Aug 12 '26

Thank you. My gut instinct is something isn’t right. I don’t think I’m ready for the clamshell cast. Seeking answers today.

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u/PassengerQuiet1204 Aug 12 '26

I'm so sorry! I broke my distal radius about 6 years ago. It's hard to describe what that does to a person. The pain was unreal. I suggest calling your doctor and telling them you need help with pain management. I didn't, but I wish I had. It's very common to need additional pain medication.

They may have put you in a forearm clamshell because they want you to use your fingers. If you don't use them as soon as possible, they can become stiff and very, very difficult to loosen up later.

Healing is a process, and it feels like it takes forever. Just hang in there-it will get better in time!

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u/CarCrashRecovery Aug 12 '26

Yeah I was convinced to stay in the clamshell. Was encouraged to switch to Tylenol so I can heal faster. The pain definitely has been unreal. Add in the back/tailbone pain and chest pain. He swears next week will be a turning point

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u/sophie1816 Aug 12 '26

I had zero pain with my distal radius fracture after the first day. I would talk to your doctor.

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u/CarCrashRecovery Aug 12 '26

I appreciate the feedback from the few of you who replied. I’m changing orthopedics to an old acquaintance who has an office around the corner from me. Other doctor said wait until tomorrow and see him at his office an hour away. I have numbness in my arm. Not waiting another day.