Even though the bones present in the hands are small in size, finger fractures are not a minor injuries. The bones in a normal hand should line up accurately and they have several specialized functions such as holding a pen or manipulating objects. If an individual has a finger fracture, the whole hand is out of alignment. An injured finger will remain painful and stiff unless treatment is provided.
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhp25UVn7RQ”]Causes
In most cases, a finger fracture occurs due to injuries to the hand. A finger can end up fractured once the fingers are slammed against a hard surface, when you use your hand to prevent a fall or when the fingers jams when attempting to catch a ball. Understandably, even carelessness when using tools and equipment can lead to a fractured finger.
Symptoms of a fractured finger
- Tenderness at the site of the fracture
- Swelling of the affected area
- Bruising at the site of the fracture
- Deformed appearance of the affected finger
- Inability to move the affected finger
When to consult a doctor
If an individual has a finger fracture, it is best to consult your doctor what happened and when. The doctor will not only determine which bone was damaged, but also how it broke. Always remember that bones can breaks in different ways. The doctor will also check how the fingers line up when extended or when forming a fist. An X-ray will be carried out on both hands for comparison for the normal hand and the injured hand.
Treatment for a fractured finger
The treatment can be carried out in two ways – non-surgical or the surgical treatment. For the non-surgical approach, the doctor will adjust the broken bone back into place without involving surgery. The individual will get a splint or cast to keep the affected finger straight as well as protect it from further injury during the healing process. In some cases, the doctor can splint the fingers close to the affected finger for additional support. In most cases, the splint is used for about 3 weeks. X-rays are performed over time to keep track of the healing process.
As for the surgical approach, this depends on the type and the severity of the fracture. In this treatment approach, small-sized devices such as screws, pins and wire are used to hold the fractured bones in place.
Rehabilitation for a fractured finger
One can start using the affected hand as soon as the doctor determines that it is ready to be moved again. It is best to perform simple rehabilitation exercises on a daily basis in order to help minimize the swelling and stiffness of the finger. A physical therapist might be required to help you in these exercises.