How long will my wrist weakness persist, given that I have been experiencing weakness for 13 days, can move all fingers, have no wound, and have power only on the ventral (palmar) side of my hand, but not on the dorsal (back) side?

Recovery Timeline for Wrist Weakness with Preserved Finger Function

Your wrist weakness will likely persist for 3-6 months with appropriate rehabilitation, but you need to start intensive task-specific wrist training and functional electrical stimulation immediately—at 13 days post-injury, you are in the critical early recovery window where active rehabilitation produces the greatest gains. 1, 2

Your Clinical Pattern Indicates Radial Nerve Involvement

Your specific presentation—weak wrist extension with preserved finger movements and power only on the palmar (ventral) side—is diagnostic of radial nerve dysfunction. 1 The radial nerve controls wrist extensors (dorsal power), while the median and ulnar nerves control wrist flexion and finger movements (palmar power). 1 The fact that you can move all fingers and perform pinching rules out more severe proximal nerve or spinal cord pathology. 1

Immediate Treatment Protocol (Start Now)

Dynamic Splinting - Critical First Step

• Begin dynamic splinting immediately that supports wrist and finger extension through a tenodesis mechanism while avoiding static immobilization. 1, 3
• The splint allows you to extend fingers via a tenodesis effect at the wrist, maximizing functional use during nerve recovery. 3
• Never use static casting or prolonged immobilization—this demonstrably worsens outcomes, causes muscle deconditioning, promotes learned non-use, and can trigger complex regional pain syndrome. 1, 2

Task-Specific Wrist Practice (Primary Therapy)

• Start with supported wrist movements on a table surface, then progress to unsupported movements as wrist control improves. 2
• Practice functional activities that progressively challenge wrist extension and flexion with graded difficulty, focusing on normal movement patterns with good alignment. 4, 2
• Perform repetitive, goal-oriented activities that require active wrist use—this promotes neural reorganization and motor recovery. 2
• Avoid compensatory movement patterns during therapy, as these reinforce abnormal motor control and delay recovery. 1

Functional Electrical Stimulation (Essential Adjunct)

• FES is strongly recommended for your specific presentation of wrist motor impairment with preserved finger function. 4, 2, 5
• Apply FES to the wrist and forearm extensor muscles to address persistent weakness and impaired muscle contraction. 4, 2
• Use FES in combination with task-specific training, not as standalone treatment—it enhances motor control and provides sensory input that facilitates more complete muscle contractions. 2, 5
• FES leads to short-term increases in motor strength and motor control when combined with active practice. 4, 2

Structured Resistance Training (Add After Initial Phase)

Once you have some active wrist control:

• Start with low-intensity resistance at 40% of 1-repetition maximum with 10-15 repetitions. 2
• Progress to moderate intensity (41-60% of 1-RM) with 8-10 repetitions as tolerated. 2
• Perform resistance training 2-3 times per week to allow adequate recovery between sessions. 2, 5
• Implement static stretches held for 10-30 seconds with 3-4 repetitions for each stretch. 2
• Continue flexibility training 2-3 times per week in conjunction with resistance work. 2, 5

Expected Recovery Timeline

Most motor recovery gains occur within the first 6 months, making this a critical window for intensive rehabilitation. 4, 2, 5 Your specific timeline:

• 3-4 months: Rapid relief of symptoms typically occurs with appropriate structured rehabilitation. 5
• 6 months: The majority of motor recovery gains will be achieved by this point. 4, 2
• 9-12 months: Continue rehabilitation for optimal functional recovery depending on your specific goals. 2, 5

Positive Prognostic Indicators in Your Case

• The presence of voluntary finger extension indicates good potential for upper extremity motor recovery. 2, 5
• You have power on the palmar side, which means the median and ulnar nerves are intact. 1
• No wound present reduces risk of infection or complications. 1

Critical Monitoring Schedule

• Reassess function every 2-3 weeks to evaluate splint effectiveness, adjust therapy progression, and monitor for any adverse effects from splinting. 1
• Monitor for unremitting pain during follow-up, which would warrant reevaluation. 2

What Will Happen Without Proper Rehabilitation

The absence of motor function outside extension represents incomplete recovery that will not spontaneously improve without structured resistance training and task-specific practice. 2, 5 Your specific deficit pattern (preserved finger function with wrist weakness) requires active intervention—passive waiting will not restore function. 2