Any broken bone experts please?

[seeker]

Ds broke his wrist badly 5 weeks ago. It's been in a fibreglass cast and he's been fine - doing practically everything he wants to do - including football! The cast came off today (sooner than I expected) and the doctor said it's healed brilliantly and he should just carry on - except no contact sports for another 4 weeks. I didn't ask any sensible questions except can he swim. Does anyone know if it's OK for him to play tennis, for example, or to bowl at cricket? He's 7 and VERY sporty! Why didn't I ask more questions!!!!! Help!

yes fine to play cricket, swim, tennis, cycle, whatever he can manage

no contact sports
no trampolining
no climbing trees/ falling off things for t least 4 weeks

My DS (6) broke his arm on 1st April (!!) with exactly the same outcome...cast off after 5 weeks. He was a bit limp wristed for a day or two and a bit lacking in strength but was wall climbing within a week. The doc said no wheeled activities (we took that to mean roller skates and bike, though he had been riding his bike with the cast on!) for 2 weeks but swimming would build up his muscles. I would agree with Tissy and say yes to all those things as they will build up his muscle strength, too. But avoid anything where he can't stop if it hurts or is more likely to have an accident. Apparently, a third of kids break the bone(s) again within a year. Hope your DS is happy to be free of the cast!

tennis is hard wrist contact if the wrist he broke is his dominant hand? I played tennis as a teen quite a lot and when I broke my wrist horseriding, tennis was not allowed until 8 weeks, 3 post cast and with physio incl swimming and wrist resistance balls... You know those squeezy ones?

Trampolining is one of his things - I've already vetoed that til it starts again in September. He's been playing tennis left handed - I think I might tell him to carry on - it'll be good to strengthen his non dominant hand more. Watch out Andy Murray - seeker's Patrick's on your tail!

Good tip about the squidgy ball - I'll get him one.

I suspect he's a bit sad to lose his cast - he's had so much attention - particularly as the accident was so dramatic. Love's back to boring normal for him now!

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