Jordan Ellis
A broken finger is a common injury that occurs when one or more of the bones in the finger break. Treatment for a broken finger depends on the severity and type of fracture, with mild cases sometimes requiring only a splint to be worn for a few weeks, while more severe breaks may necessitate surgery. If you suspect you have a broken finger, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | X-rays are taken to diagnose the fracture and recommend treatment |
| Treatment | Splinting, taping, bracing, casting, surgery |
| Pain relief | Ice, pain relievers, elevation, immobilization, paracetamol, stronger painkillers |
| Healing time | 6-8 weeks for healing, 3-4 months for full strength to return |
| Exercises | Rehab exercises, hand exercises, range-of-motion exercises |
| Prevention | Safety equipment, protective gear, reducing obstacles at home |
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What You'll Learn
Diagnosis: X-rays and pain relief
If you suspect you have a broken finger, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A broken finger refers to any injury where the bones of a finger are broken or fractured. The first step in diagnosis is for a healthcare provider to take X-rays to determine the type and severity of the fracture and recommend treatment.
X-rays can show the shape and position of the bones and joints, and even small disruptions to the joint surface that may require surgery. X-rays are also used to monitor the progress of the finger as it heals. The type of break can vary from a closed fracture, where the bone is broken but does not break the skin, to an open fracture, where the bone breaks through the skin. The least severe type of break is a non-displaced fracture, where the bone is cracked but not misaligned, whereas a displaced fracture is where the bone is cracked and there has been displacement causing the bone parts to become misaligned.
While waiting to see a doctor, you can take paracetamol to help with the pain, and apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce swelling. It is also recommended to keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling.
The best way to ensure your finger heals properly is to get in touch with a hand specialist as soon as possible.
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Splinting and taping
Splints are often used for mild cases where the bones are not too out of line with one another. They are also used to immobilise the finger, which means keeping it in one position and not putting stress on it while it heals. The amount of time a splint is worn depends on the injury's severity and the original injury. Typically, a splint is worn for a few weeks, but it could be a month or longer.
Taping is another method of immobilisation, where the fractured finger is taped to the finger next to it, keeping the injured finger straight and protecting it while it heals. This method is usually used for nondisplaced fractures, where the bones are aligned.
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Surgery options
If the fracture is stable, treatment may be as simple as splinting one finger to another by taping them together. However, if the fracture is unstable, the injured finger will need to be immobilized. This can be done by applying a splint after aligning the fracture fragments.
If the bone fragments are not stable with a splint, surgery may be required. Surgical options range from pinning the bones with small wires to open procedures using plates and screws to keep the bones in place. The surgeon will discuss the options with the patient and explain which procedure might be considered best.
The type of surgery will depend on the location and severity of the injury. Some fractures cause an obvious deformity, such as a crooked or bent finger, and they almost always need surgery. Even small disruptions of the joint surface may require surgical intervention.
Some of the types of finger fractures include:
- Closed fracture: the most common type where the bone does not break the skin
- Open fracture: the bone breaks through the skin or the skin tears over the fracture location
- Oblique fracture: occurs with diagonal loading, such as falling and hitting your hand
- Spiral fracture: caused by a rotational force, such as a finger caught in a drill
- Transverse fracture: usually happens with a crush injury, such as a dumbbell falling on a finger
- Comminuted fracture: multiple fragments, which can happen with any type of fracture
- Avulsion fracture: where a tendon or ligament pulls a piece of bone off
- Buckle fracture: occurs only in children, where the bone bends but does not break
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Recovery and rehab
The recovery time for a broken finger is usually between 6 and 8 weeks, but it can take up to 3 to 4 months for full strength to return to your hand. Once the finger has healed, you can use it as normal, but you may need to do rehab exercises to regain motion and prevent stiffness. Your doctor may recommend gentle hand exercises, or refer you to a specialised hand therapist for physical therapy.
It is important to keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor or orthopedic surgeon, as they will be able to evaluate the position of the fracture fragments and ensure that your finger is healing correctly. If the finger is not aligned correctly, it may affect the healing process and cause permanent disability.
If you have had surgery, there is a small risk of infection. Symptoms of infection include fever, increasing redness, swelling, severe pain in the finger, discharge of pus, or a foul smell from the surgery site. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
To aid the healing process, you can take paracetamol to relieve pain, and your doctor may recommend different or stronger painkillers if needed. You should also keep your hand elevated and rest it on a cushion or pillow to reduce swelling. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours will also help with swelling and pain.
It is important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy use of the injured hand until your follow-up appointment, as this may aggravate your injury and cause increased pain.
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Prevention
Broken fingers are common bone breaks that occur when one or more of the bones in your finger break. They can be caused by accidents, weakened bones, or injuries from sporting activities.
- Use Safety Equipment: When engaging in activities that may potentially injure your hands, always wear protective gear such as gloves, pads, or other specialized safety equipment. This is especially important when playing contact sports or working with machinery.
- Strengthen Bones: Weakened bones are more susceptible to fractures. Ensure you are getting adequate calcium and vitamin D in your diet to promote bone health. Regular weight-bearing exercises can also help to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Many finger fractures occur due to accidents, such as a fast-moving object hitting the hand. Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards, especially when engaging in activities where your hands are at risk.
- Hand and Finger Exercises: Regularly performing gentle hand and finger exercises can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength. This can include simple stretching exercises, grip strengthening, and dexterity exercises.
- Avoid High-Risk Activities: If you have weakened bones or are at a higher risk of fractures, it may be advisable to avoid activities that put excessive strain on your fingers or increase the chances of injury. Discuss with your doctor the types of activities you should refrain from and explore alternative exercises or therapies to maintain hand health.
Remember, while prevention is essential, accidents can still happen. Always seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a broken finger to ensure proper treatment and optimal healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. You can visit an urgent care centre or a hospital's emergency department.
The doctor will take X-rays to diagnose the fracture and recommend treatment. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. In mild cases, a splint may be used to stabilise the finger. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the break.
A broken finger usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it may take up to 3 to 4 months for full strength to return to your hand.
You can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetamol, to relieve pain. You can also apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel to the finger for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce swelling.
