A fracture occurs when there is enough force to break a bone.
The fracture may be a hairline fracture that heals easily or it may be offset to the degree that it requires stabilization with wire fixation, screws, plates or pins.
A hand fracture occurs when there is trauma to one of the 19 bones of the hand.
Common Symptoms
Pain, tenderness, bruising and swelling following an injury in the fingers and hand.
Stiffness or inability to bend or straighten the fingers.
In a more severe fracture, the finger may have an unusual bump or be positioned at an odd angle.
Common Treatments may include:
Depending upon the severity of the fracture or the degree of stability of the fracture, use of a finger brace, splint, orthotic or cast at all times until the bone has healed (approximately 5-6 weeks following injury)
If the fractured bones are so offset that they can not be held in stable alignment with a cast, surgery may be required to stabilize the fracture.
Following the immobilization period, treatment may include:
Regaining mobility of the joints that had to be immobilized while the fracture healed.
Gradually regaining strength in the hand, wrist and arm.
Use of Heat and cold
Use cold packs for acute pain or swelling.
Use heat packs to control more chronic pain or relax the muscles.
Wearing compression sleeves or Isotoner gloves at night may help control swelling and provide a comforting, neutral warmth.
Modalities such as ultrasound and paraffin to reduce inflammation and pain.
Scar management techniques if surgery was required.
Techniques to reduce swelling such as using a compression glove or sleeve or cold packs.