Recovery time after broken arm

[turkeymama]

So DD broke her arm about 8 weeks ago. She did a temporary cast for a week, full cast from fingers all the way above elbow for 4 weeks, and a removable splint for 2 weeks. She's been out of the splint for about a week. She wants to try out for the school softball team. I'm waiting to here back from the orthopedic doctor. In the meantime, I'll ask the Dis parenting experts. Would she actually be okay for softball tryouts? I know she can catch and throw (broke the left arm and she is right handed). I'm worried about her batting though. That was something I had not even thought about until the coach asked if she was cleared to play. The doc released her, but we had not asked specifically about softball. Any experience?

 

[diznygirl]

When my son broke his arm we got a final x-ray that confirmed that the bone was all healed through. (or whatever the technical term would be!)

But it was the muscles and ligaments that still needed to be stretched. It was awhile before he could completely straighten his arm, touch his shoulder, etc. It wasn't very noticeable, he noticed and it didn't really interfere with anything. I would suggest she practice a little - short throws and some catching, some bat swinging, no hitting type stuff, to see what her range of motion is.

Good luck!

 

[EveDallas]

When my son broke his arm we got a final x-ray that confirmed that the bone was all healed through. (or whatever the technical term would be!)

But it was the muscles and ligaments that still needed to be stretched. It was awhile before he could completely straighten his arm, touch his shoulder, etc. It wasn't very noticeable, he noticed and it didn't really interfere with anything. I would suggest she practice a little - short throws and some catching, some bat swinging, no hitting type stuff, to see what her range of motion is.

Good luck!

I don't have experience with broken arms, but my son broke his leg back in May and it took six months for him to be 100% again.

 

[mommasita]

My DD had the full cast for 4 weeks, then 1/2 cast for 2, and was cleared for all sports.

I would wait for a call back though, just to hear the words, if indeed she is cleared..

 

[turkeymama]

I don't have experience with broken arms, but my son broke his leg back in May and it took six months for him to be 100% again.

In doing some research for my answer, I read that legs take much longer since they have to actually support the weight of our bodies. Six months seems like the gold standard.

There were different answers for arms based on location and type of break. Hopefully the doc will call back in the morning.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Coming from someone who broke their wrist last summer, I would say to not have her push it too hard. She may think it feels okay, but sudden movement (like swinging a bat) could be really uncomfortable. I had my cast on for 6 weeks, and then had to wear a removable brace for a few more weeks, which I stopped wearing gradually. I found that even after the cast was off, it was a while before that wrist felt back to normal. And that was doing normal activities, not trying to play sports.

In the meantime while waiting to hear from the doctor, I would say that practicing and all is a good idea. It will get some motion/strength back without forcing it too hard.

 

[sam_gordon]

When are tryouts and what kind of team is it? Regardless, I'd let the tryout organizers know she broke her arm and needs to build up her muscles again. If it's a rec league, it really doesn't matter, she'll be placed on a team.

 

[soccerdad72]

My 7 year old broke his arm (left ulna) in soccer practice back in October. After 3 weeks in a full arm cast, he was given a removable cast and cleared to play the next day (and played in a tournament that weekend). He wore the removable cast for 3 weeks and now just wears it for indoor soccer games (for protection and/or our peace of mind).

After 3 weeks, it was amazing to see how much bone regrew over where he had broken his arm. They're pretty resilient at that age.

 

[DebD4T]

When DD broke her arm the doctor told us that for about a year after the bone heals it is actually stronger than before.

As for muscle and ligament, I know when DD broke her foot it took a while for her to work back to being able to dance full out. She worked privately with the dance instructor to stretch and strengthen her foot.

I would imagine it would be the same for an athlete that uses their arm.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Shouldn't be a big deal unless the break was on a joint. Even then I'd imagine she be okay by the time the season starts. I had a fracture in my elbow and 3 in my wrist the Summer before my sophomore year and still wrestled that year.

 

[EveDallas]

In doing some research for my answer, I read that legs take much longer since they have to actually support the weight of our bodies. Six months seems like the gold standard.

There were different answers for arms based on location and type of break. Hopefully the doc will call back in the morning.

I figured arms would be different. Hope everything goes well.

 

[turkeymama]

After playing phone tag all day long, I finally spoke to the nurse at the doctor's office. She says DD can play but they want her to wear the splint when she bats. She is excited!