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Possible treatments of a broken hand include: Cast and splints: If the fracture is not displaced (meaning, it is in the proper position), a cast or splint will likely be sufficient for treating the fracture. Furthermore, there are some types of hand fractures that do not necessarily need to be in a perfect position in order to heal properly.
What are the treatments for a broken hand?
After your cast or splint is removed, you'll likely need rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to reduce stiffness and restore movement in your hand. Rehabilitation can help, but it can take several months or longer for complete healing.
How long does it take for a broken hand to heal?
You may need hand surgery if you have: Unstable fracture that needs to be positioned with metal screws and plates for metacarpal (palm bones) and phalangeal (finger) fractures (if both hand and finger bones are affected) The surgeon applies a cast or splint after surgery. You will need to wear it for 3 to 6 weeks.
Do you need surgery for Broken Hands?
The splint will usually be kept on for three or more weeks, although your doctor may recommend that you start exercising the hand after seven to 10 days of immobilization. You may require pain medications, and usually, your doctor will recommend over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
How long do you keep a splint on a broken hand?
Where to get treatment for broken hand?
How to heal a broken bone in your hand?
How long does it take for a splint to heal?
What is the procedure to hold bones in place?
What to do if you have a fractured bone?
What happens if you break a bone?
Can you move your fingers after a fracture?
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What happens if a broken hand goes untreated?
If left untreated or not treated appropriately, a hand fracture can lead to loss of hand mobility. People at higher risk of developing a hand fracture are those who have osteoporosis, play contact sports, or those who have poor nutritional habits.
Can a broken hand heal on its own?
A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it's more likely to heal incorrectly. Specifically, the bones might not line up properly. This is known as a malunion.
Should I go to the ER for a broken hand?
If you've broken a bone, or suspect you have a fracture, don't hesitate to seek professional medical care to help you with your injury. If you feel it's a true emergency, call 911.
How do you know if a hand injury is serious?
When to Seek Medical Care for Hand InjurySevere bleeding.Numbness.Loss of motion or strength.Severe pain.Obvious deformity or amputation.Any of the signs of infection, such as tenderness, local warmth, redness, swelling, pus, or fever.More items...
How long can you wait to set a broken bone?
Immobilization. Restricting movement of a broken bone, which requires a splint, sling, brace or cast, is critical to healing. Before applying a cast, your doctor will likely wait until the swelling goes down, usually five to seven days after injury.
Is my hand broken if I can move it?
The symptoms of a hand fracture include: Bruising and swelling of any part of the hand. Deformity in the joint, such as a finger that is crooked. Numbness, stiffness, or the inability to move the hand, fingers, wrist, and thumb.
When is a hand injury an emergency?
If your finger, hand or forearm is bent unnaturally after an injury. If you see something white through your skin, which could represent a bone or tendon. If you had a high pressure injection injury such as from a paint gun. If you have redness and swelling after an insect bite, animal bite or a cut in the skin.
How can I tell if my hand is broken or sprained?
Is it a break?Pain located directly on top of the bone – where there is no soft tissue.Pain becomes worse when you apply pressure or move the injured limb.Severe swelling, or bruising over the top of the bone, numbness or tingling.A "cracking" (not "popping") sound at the time of the injury.More items...•
When should I go to the doctor for a hand injury?
The ideal time frame to be seen with a hand or wrist injury is as soon as you can – the next business day if possible. We recommend you either make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist or go to an orthopedic walk-in facility where you do not need an appointment to be seen.
How do you treat a broken hand at home?
How can you care for yourself at home?Put ice or a cold pack on your hand for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. ... Follow the cast care instructions your doctor gives you. ... Take pain medicines exactly as directed. ... Prop up your hand on pillows when you sit or lie down in the first few days after the injury.More items...
What does a hairline fracture in the hand feel like?
Hairline fractures can occur from overuse or repetitive activity. They can be hard to notice, but a dull pain often develops over time. Feelings of pain from light to moderate pressure can indicate a hairline fracture. Pain may be reduced using common painkillers, such as paracetamol.
How do I know if I broke my metacarpal bone?
What are the symptoms of a metacarpal fracture?Immediate pain in the hand.Pain that gets worse when you move your hand, particularly if you try to grip or squeeze something.Swelling and bruising in the injured hand.Visible deformity of the injured hand.More items...
How long will it take for a fractured hand to heal?
Six weeks on average: It depends on what bone in the hand is broken.A scaphoid fracture (the most commonly fractured bone in the carpus (wrist)) generally takes 10-12 weeks to heal, but a garden variety fracture of a metacarpal (the big bones in the palm of the hand) or of a phalanx (the little bones in the fingers) should heal in about six weeks.
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Broken Hand Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
To diagnose a broken hand, a doctor will use several tests. These include: Physical examination. A doctor will check your hand for swelling, bruising, and other signs of damage.
How long does it take for a broken hand to heal?
Broken hand healing time. In general, broken hand recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks. You’ll have to wear the cast, splint, or brace during the entire time. The total healing time depends on several factors, including: your overall health. exact location of the break. severity of your injury.
What is a broken hand?
Summary. A broken hand happens when one or more bones in your hand break as a result of an accident, fall, or contact sports. The metacarpals (long bones of the palm) and the phalanges (finger bones) make up the bones in your hand. This injury is also known as a fractured hand. Some people may also refer to it as a break or crack.
What is the difference between a broken hand and a sprained hand?
While a broken hand involves the bone, a sprained hand involves a ligament. This is the band of tissue that connects two bones in a joint. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn.
How to immobilize your hand?
It also ensures that your bones line up correctly. To immobilize your hand, you’ll wear a cast, splint, or brace. The best option depends on your specific injury. Metacarpal fractures are often difficult to effectively mobilize and will likely require surgery.
How to tell if you have a broken bone in your hand?
The most common symptoms are: severe pain. tenderness. swelling. bruising. difficulty moving fingers. numb or stiff fingers.
How do you know if your hand is broken?
A sprained hand may cause the following symptoms: pain. swelling. bruising. inability to use the joint. If you know what injury caused your symptoms, you may be able to pinpoint what’s going on. However, the best way to know if your hand is broken or sprained is to see a doctor.
Why do I need surgery on my hand?
Another common cause of surgery is if the bone is rotated, which can rotate your fingers as well and affect hand function. You’ll also need surgery if your hand was already immobilized but didn’t heal correctly.
How long does it take to heal a broken hand?
Broken hand treatment may include: Cast or splint immobilization, which is the most common treatment for simple and displaced fractures and typically lasts 3 to 6 weeks.
Why is a broken hand considered a medical emergency?
This fracture is a medical emergency because infection can set in quickly, which can lead to sepsis in some cases. The more severe the fracture, the longer it will take to heal. Damage to other tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, can also affect healing time for a broken hand.
What is a compound fracture?
Open or compound fracture: There is either a deep wound near the fracture or a piece of bone breaks through the skin.
What is the most common bone in the hand?
The most commonly broken hand bone is the fifth metacarpal. This is the palm bone that supports the little finger or pinky finger. The fracture typically involves the part of the bone closest to the knuckle—or the neck of the bone.
What is the procedure to reposition a bone?
Surgery to reposition the bone pieces and put pins, screws, plates or wires in them to hold the bones in place. Sometimes, bone grafting is necessary to rebuild severely crushed or missing bone. A cast is usually necessary after surgery.
What is the name of the bone in the palm that supports the little finger?
These are the phalanges. A broken hand is also called a fractured hand or hand fracture. The most commonly broken hand bone is the fifth metacarpal. This is the palm bone that supports the little finger or pinky finger.
What to do if your hand is swollen and your hand is swollen?
Your doctor will also give you instructions for self-care at home. This may involve applying an ice pack to your hand and elevating it to relieve pain and swelling. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. For severe fractures or surgery, your doctor may prescribe more potent pain relievers.
How long does it take for a broken hand to heal?
If there is no other damage to your hand and the fracture is not complicated, the standard treatment is a hand cast or splint for 3 to 6 weeks.
How long does it take to recover from a broken hand?
Without complications, most people will return to their normal activities, including sports, in 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery time for a broken hand may take longer when the injury or fracture is severe, requiring extensive therapy to regain function, or if there are complications. Was this helpful? 26.
What is the damage to the soft tissues in the hand?
Damage to the ‘soft’ tissues in the hand, such as tendons, blood vessels and nerves. Unstable fracture that needs to be positioned with metal screws and plates for metacarpal (palm bones) and phalangeal (finger) fractures (if both hand and finger bones are affected) The surgeon applies a cast or splint after surgery.
What kind of surgeon do you see for a broken hand?
If the hand fracture and surgery are complicated, you will likely see an orthopedic hand surgeon. You may need hand surgery if you have: Unstable fracture that needs to be positioned with metal screws and plates for metacarpal (palm bones) and phalangeal (finger) fractures (if both hand and finger bones are affected)
How to keep hand elevated after plaster cast?
When the cast or splint is first applied, you should try to keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart for a few days. This helps reduce swelling, which in turn helps manage the pain. If you have a plaster cast, your doctor (or the technician who applied the cast) will give you instructions on cast care.
How to recover from osteomyelitis?
Exercises and physical therapy can help you regain full range of motion and prevent loss of function or disability. Osteomyelitis, a bone infection, particularly with surgical fracture repair. Failure to heal (nonunion). If the bone does not heal properly, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Can you recover from a broken hand?
Regardless of how you broke your hand, it may be reassuring to learn that most hand fractures heal well with treatment and without disability. After the bone or bones have completely healed, you can resume your activities as if nothing happened. Healing time and a full recovery depends greatly on the type of injury and treatment.
What happens if you break your hand?
Sometimes, a bony lump may appear at the spot of the broken bone during recovery known as a “fracture callus.” This is normal, and the lump usually gets smaller over time.#N#Some problems you may have while your broken hand is healing include: 1 Stiffness 2 Shifting of bone 3 Infection 4 Slow healing
What is needed to diagnose a fractured hand?
Medical evaluation and x-rays are usually needed for your doctor to diagnose the fracture and determine the treatment. Depending on the type of fracture, your hand surgeon may recommend one of several treatment methods.
What is a fracture when the bone is shattered?
Unstable fracture, when there are bone fragments that have shifted. Comminuted fracture, when the bone is shattered into many pieces. Open (compound) fracture, when a bone fragment breaks through the skin. This causes risk of infection.
What is an open fracture?
Open (compound) fracture, when a bone fragment breaks through the skin. This causes risk of infection. Figure 1. Examples of a broken hand, specifically the fingers. Figure 2. Examples of plates pins and screws used while a broken hand heals. Figure 1.
Can you fix a broken bone without surgery?
This is done without surgery. More serious fractures may need surgery to set the bone and hold the bone fragments together with pins, plates or screws (see Figure 2). Sometimes, bone may be missing or be so severely crushed that it cannot be repaired. In such cases, a bone graft may be necessary.
Is it normal to have a lump on a broken bone?
Recovery. Sometimes, a bony lump may appear at the spot of the broken bone during recovery known as a “fracture callus.”. This is normal, and the lump usually gets smaller over time. To increase your chances of a healthy recovery, do not smoke, and carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.
Can you smoke if you have a fractured hand?
Stiffness. Shifting of bone. Infection. Slow healing. To increase your chances of a healthy recovery, do not smoke, and carefully follow your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor may recommend hand therapy to improve the process. It is important to note that not all fractures completely heal.
How to treat a fractured hand?
If your hand fracture is associated with an open wound, it should be washed out with sterile saline solution and covered with clean gauze. If you must clean the wound yourself, you should seek the care of medical professionals as soon as you can. You may then receive a course of antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection, especially if the fracture is associated with an open wound. Possible antibiotics that may be given include cefazolin (Ancef), vancomycin (Vancocin), or ceftriaxone (Rocephin), among others. The antibiotics are usually continued for 48 to 72 hours or for 24 hours after the wound is closed.
How to tell if your hand is broken?
Symptoms of a broken hand include pain, tenderness and swelling over the site of the injury, a possible open wound, deformity of the hand, an inability to move the hand, and surrounding numbness or tingling. Possible treatment includes splinting, ice, the cleaning and closure of any wounds, antibiotics, reduction for displaced fractures, ...
What happens if a hand fracture is displaced?
If a hand fracture is displaced, meaning the bone fragments have been displaced from their usual position, the fracture may need to be reduced so that the bone fragments are restored to their normal positions.
What happens if you fall on your hand?
Falling onto an outstretched hand: Falling onto an outstretched hand with the hand extended back may cause a fracture of one of the carpal bones , most commonly the scaphoid bone, which is located near the base of the thumb. Trauma to the palm of the hand: This may cause a fracture of one of the metacarpal bones.
What percentage of hand fractures are caused by a broken thumb?
These fractures account for 30 to 40 percent of all hand fractures. “Jamming” the thumb: An injury that jams the thumb, such as falling onto an outstretched thumb or hitting the thumb against a hard surface, can cause a fracture of the metacarpal of the thumb.
What causes stress fractures in the hand?
Repetitive stress to any of the bones in the hand, which may be seen in athletes or people whose occupations require the use of their hands may result in stress fractures of the hand.
What is a sudden extension of the tip of the finger?
Sudden forced extension of the tip of the finger: A sudden, forced extension of the tip of the finger, which is typically seen when the finger gets caught on something such as a shirt or jersey, can result in a specific type of injury called a “jersey finger.”.
What to do if your hand is deformed?
If the hand is obviously deformed, try to support the injured hand by placing it on a pillow and carrying the pillow to the hospital or doctor's office . Take acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) as directed on the label for pain and inflammation.
What happens if you break your hand?
Broken Hand Facts. The injured part of a broken hand will often be immobilized with a splint or cast. The hand is a marvelously complex part of the human anatomy. Every year, however, millions of people experience broken bones within their hands. Because we are so dependent on our hands, even a small loss of function can result in ...
What are the bones of the wrist?
Carpals or carpal bones are the 8 bones in the wrist. They are not actually part of the hand but are vital for its function. Metacarpals are the 5 bones that form the palm of the hand. Phalanges are the 14 small bones that, when strung together, form the thumb and fingers. The thumb has 2 phalanges.
What are the broken bones in the hand?
When doctors describe the bones in the hand, they use several terms. Carpals or carpal bone s are the 8 bones in the wrist.
What are the knuckles of the hand called?
The other 4 fingers are made of 3 phalanges each. The knuckles of the hand are referred to as the MCP joint, which stands for metacarpal-phalangeal joint (because the fingers, composed of phalanges, join the palm, made of metacarpals). The joints in the fingers are called the PIP and DIP joints.
What is the hand dominance of the hand?
Sometimes your healthcare practitioner might refer to your fingers by number, in which case the 1 st digit is the thumb, and the small finger is the 5 th digit. The handedness (right or left) of the person is called the dominance of the hand. If you are left-handed, then you are left-hand dominant.
Why is it important to evaluate hand injuries?
Because hand injuries and finger injuries can be handicapping, it is extremely important that they are evaluated promptly and thoroughly. The prognosis and healing time depend on whether the injury involved a joint, whether the tissue was lost, whether infection occurred, and often how well you follow instructions.
What to do if your hand is broken?
When you suspect your hand is broken, your doctor will examine it for deformity, mobility, and strength. Then she will get X-ray studies to determine if a bone is broken. 2 If a fracture is seen in one of the bones of the hand, a decision will be made to determine the appropriate treatment for the injury.
What is a broken hand?
A hand fracture occurs when one of the small bones of the hand is broken. There are several small bones that together make up the supporting framework of the hand. These are the small finger bones, known as the phalanges; and the long bones, known as the metacarpals . ScrappinStacy / Getty Images.
What happens if you fracture your hand?
The two most common problems patients who sustain a hand fracture will face are stiffness of the fingers and a noticeable bump. 2 The bump is usually a result of extra bone the body forms as part of the healing process. While the bump does diminish in size over time, it may never completely go away.
How long do metal pins stay in place?
The metal pins remain in place for several weeks while the fracture heals, and then the pins can usually be removed in the office. Metal plates and screws: In some unusual types of hand fractures, further treatment may be necessary.
Does a bump on the finger go away?
While the bump does diminish in size over time, it may never completely go away. Finger stiffness is prevented by beginning motion as soon as possible. It is sometimes necessary to work with a specialized hand therapist in order to help regain finger motion. 2 .
Can you break your hand bone?
1 But you can also break a hand bone with a twisting injury or in a fall.
Can you cast a hand fracture?
Furthermore, there are some types of hand fractures that do not necessarily need to be in a perfect position in order to heal properly. These fractures may be cast or splinted and allowed to heal.
Where to get treatment for broken hand?
Preparing for your appointment. You might first seek treatment for a broken hand in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly to allow healing with immobilization, you might be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.
How to heal a broken bone in your hand?
Restricting the movement of a broken bone in your hand is critical to proper healing. To do this, you'll likely need a splint or a cast. You'll be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.
How long does it take for a splint to heal?
Rehabilitation can help, but it can take several months or longer for complete healing.
What is the procedure to hold bones in place?
Surgical and other procedures. You might need surgery to implant pins, plates, rods or screws to hold your bones in place while they heal. A bone graft might be used to help healing. These options might be necessary if you have: Even after reduction and immobilization with a cast or splint, your bones can shift.
What to do if you have a fractured bone?
If you have an open fracture, in which you have a wound or break in the skin near the wound site, you'll likely be given an antibiotic to prevent infection that could reach the bone.
What happens if you break a bone?
If the broken ends of the bone aren't aligned, there can be gaps between the pieces of bone or fragments might overlap . Your doctor will need to manipulate the pieces back into position, a procedure known as a reduction. Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you might need a local or general anesthetic before this procedure.
Can you move your fingers after a fracture?
Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you might need a local or general anesthetic before this procedure. Whatever your treatment, it's important to move your fingers regularly while the fracture is healing to keep them from stiffening. Ask your doctor about the best ways to move them. If you smoke, quit.