Hand Fracture

If you suffer from a hand fracture, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Hand Fracture?

Hand fractures occur when bones in the hand break. The hand comprises multiple small bones, known as phalanges in the fingers and metacarpal bones in the palm. Fractures can happen in any of these bones, with severity ranging from minor cracks to complete breaks. Trauma is a common cause, including direct blows to the hand, falls, or excessive force applied to the hand.

Repetitive stress or overuse injuries, often seen in athletes or individuals engaged in manual labor, can also lead to hand fractures. Symptoms typically include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected fingers or hand. If you suspect a hand fracture, seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers will perform a physical examination and may use imaging tests like X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options vary based on the fracture’s location and severity, ranging from immobilization with a splint or cast to surgical intervention for more complex fractures.

Indication Of A Hand Fracture

Symptoms of hand fractures may include immediate and intense pain at the injury site. Swelling often follows, making the area appear puffy and larger than usual. Tenderness to touch is another common symptom, as is bruising, which can cause discoloration of the skin around the fracture. Deformity or misalignment of the finger or hand might be visible, indicating the bones are out of place.

This deformity can be alarming and is a clear sign that medical attention is needed. Difficulty moving the affected finger or hand is also typical, as the injury impairs normal function. Some people may feel a grinding or grating sensation at the fracture site, known as crepitus, when they try to move the hand or fingers. These symptoms require prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include immobilization or surgery to realign and stabilize the bones.

Treatments For A Hand Fracture

Treatment for hand fractures depends on several factors, including the location, type, and severity of the fracture. In some cases, conservative treatments such as splinting, immobilization with a cast or brace, and pain management may be sufficient to allow the fracture to heal. In more severe cases, where the bones are significantly displaced or unstable, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bones and fix them in place with the help of pins, screws, plates, or wires.

Recovery time for hand fractures can vary depending on the extent of the injury and the individual’s healing ability. It may take several weeks to months for the fracture to fully heal, during which time physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to restore hand strength, flexibility, and function.

If you suspect a hand fracture, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or hand surgeon, can evaluate the injury, order necessary imaging tests like X-rays, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific situation. Prompt and proper treatment can help promote optimal healing and minimize potential complications.

Hand Fracture Recovery

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.