Explore
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. It can interfere with the normal function of your hand, making it difficult to do daily activities. If the bones are misaligned, you’ll need surgery to realign them.
Can a broken hand heal by itself?
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 a lifelong disability. A broken hand will often require a visit to a doctor, and it may require months of rehabilitation care.
What happens if you break your hand?
Broken hand 1 Diagnosis. The diagnosis of a broken hand generally includes a physical exam of the affected hand and X-rays. 2 Treatment. If the broken ends of the bone aren't aligned, there can be gaps between the pieces of bone or fragments might overlap. 3 Preparing for your appointment. ...
How to diagnose and treat a broken hand?
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?
What happens if you don't take care of a broken hand?
When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. In the former case, the bone doesn't heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.
Can you ignore broken hand?
Hand fractures, meaning you broke or cracked at least one bone, can derive from falls, car accidents, twisting injuries, sports injuries, and more. Thankfully, these injuries are very treatable. If you attempt to ignore them, however, you can develop potentially serious complications.
What happens if you break your hand and leave it?
Severe pain in your hand along with bruising and swelling are all cause for concern and should be evaluated by your doctor before symptoms worsen. When broken bones are left untreated, long-term complications can arise such as permanent nerve damage and bones that fail to heal.
How do you fix a broken hand without going to the doctor?
Immobilization. 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 can a fracture be left untreated?
If the fracture is not treated within four weeks, the patient will need a surgical correction. If left untreated entirely, the injury can become necrotic. Spinal fractures are often missed.
How can I 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...
Can a broken bone heal on its own?
Provided that the conditions are right for the break to heal completely, a broken bone or fracture can actually repair itself. After a fracture, a blood clot forms around the break. Then, bone cells begin to form on the sides of the fracture line, moving towards the center of the break, until the break heals.
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...
Can an untreated broken bone get infected?
Can you get an infection from a fracture? The simple answer is yes. However, most broken bones do not lead to infections. In rare cases, fractures, particularly open fractures, can lead to infection and a long treatment and recovery process.
How long can you wait to have surgery on a broken bone?
To restore function and prevent stiffness and deformity, a person should receive medical care within 1 week of the fracture.
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...•
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.
What happens when you fracture your hand?
When you fracture a finger bone, it can put your whole hand out of alignment.
What is the best treatment for broken bones in the hand?
UCSF offers world-class care for both simple and complex injuries, including broken bones in the hand or wrist. Most such fractures can be treated with a splint or cast to hold the bone in place while it heals. Other cases require 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.
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 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.
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.
Why does my left hand tingle?
If the hand is under stress or repeatedly being used in the same position, carpal tunnel syndrome is a likely cause. But tingling in the left hand that suddenly extends to the arm and jaw could be a sign of a heart attack.
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.
Why is it important to open wounds?
This is important because an open wound increases the risk of infection and requires specific treatment to reduce the risk of infection.
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 ...
How to prevent hand injuries on the job?
To prevent hand injuries on the job : Look for hand hazards before an accident can happen. Don't use your hands to wipe away debris in a machine; use a brush that is designed for that purpose. Check your equipment and machinery before you start and after you finish .
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 happens if a collar bone fracture is left unattended?
For example, if a collar bone fracture is left unattended (or, more likely, doesn’t heal properly) it could cause stress to the shoulder muscles, resulting in weakness or pain in that area.
What happens when you have a bone fracture?
Bone fractures usually happen instantly and deliver immediate pain.
How to tell if you have a fracture?
You may notice pain, swelling, bruises, or a discolored appearance around the bone or joint.
Can runners get hairline fractures?
Runners and athletes are prone to small bone fractures, such as “hairline fractures” that fly under the radar for a long time and are ignored as general soreness. But while bones are hard to damage, they are also hard to heal.
Can a fracture cause infection?
Many organisms travel through the blood stream, and some of these can cause an infection to the bone or, if the fracture is deep enough, to the bone’s marrow. If an infection in the bone does occur, it can spread to other areas of the body.
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.
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 do you wear a cast after a fracture?
You will need to wear it for 3 to 6 weeks. Your surgical team will give you instructions on how to care ...
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 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.
What happens if plaster gets wet?
If it gets wet, the plaster weakens and you can develop pressure points inside the cast. If you are in a situation where it may get wet, cover the cast completely with at least two layers of plastic. There are cast covers you can purchase that will also protect the cast.
Why does my hand feel numb?
If your hand or fingers feel numb or they don’t seem to have good blood circulation, this could be due to damage to the blood vessels or nerves.
What happens if you break a bone and it is not set properly?
Separation of the fractured ends of the bone: The bones may not have been set close enough for a union, or may have separated after stabilization. Inadequate stabilization of the fracture : Stabilization is one of the key parts of treating broken bones. If the fracture was not able to be set properly, a nonunion might result.
What happens when a bone breaks?
When a bone breaks, the body sends out signals for special cells to come to the injured area. The Inflammation Stage starts immediately after the bone is fractured and lasts for several days. When the bone is fractured, some of these special cells cause the injured area to become inflamed (red, swollen, and painful). This tells the body to stop using the injured part so it can heal and provides the initial structural stability and framework for producing new bone.
What are the most common bone healing complications?
Orthopedists at Ventura Orthopedics treat common bone healing complications, including: Bone infections ( osteomyelitis). Infections can occur when bacteria enter the body during a trauma.
What is it called when a bone fragment is not able to produce new tissue?
As long as the bone fragments receive an adequate supply of blood and nutrients, the new tissue fuses the fragments together into a single bone. In a nonhealing fracture, bones do not produce new tissue. A fracture in which the bone does produce new tissue but does so very slowly (over months instead of weeks) is called a delayed union.
What are the complications of bone surgery?
Orthopedists at Ventura Orthopedics treat common bone healing complications, including: 1 Bone infections (osteomyelitis). Infections can occur when bacteria enter the body during a trauma. Less commonly, infections can happen during surgery to set a bone. 2 Inadequate blood flow to the bone: Healing bones get many factors delivered by the blood supply, including the cells that repair the broken area, growth factors, and oxygen. Some bones have a limited blood supply and in other cases, the supply is disrupted by the injury. 3 Separation of the fractured ends of the bone: The bones may not have been set close enough for a union, or may have separated after stabilization. 4 Inadequate stabilization of the fracture : Stabilization is one of the key parts of treating broken bones. If the fracture was not able to be set properly, a nonunion might result. Sometimes a cast is not sufficient, and the fracture must be stabilized with screws, rods, plates, and other fixation methods
What to look for in bone complication?
Bone Complications: What to Look For. It is important to know the warning signs of a bone healing complication so you can alert your doctor. Receiving prompt care is critical to treating complications. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following signs: Chronic pain. Fever.
How long does it take for a soft callus to heal?
As healing progresses, the soft callus is replaced with hard bone (known as hard callus), which is visible on x-rays several weeks after the fracture. Over the next few weeks, the soft callus becomes harder. By about 2–6 weeks, this hard callus is strong enough for the body part to be used.
What is the best way to treat a broken finger?
Other broken bone treatment options include splinting, taping, bracing , placing the affected bones in a sling, and surgery. As mentioned, finger fractures are often treated with taping. Typically, a process called “buddy taping” is used in which the broken finger is taped together with one or both surrounding fingers.
How does a broken bone heal?
It helps to consider how to heal a broken bone. Just as a cut on the skin will heal by itself, so too will a bone. If the cut is small, and the edges of the cut are close together, the skin will close itself up with time. The larger the cut, the longer the healing process will take, and the larger the scar will be.
What to do if you break a bone in your leg?
If the broken bone is in the leg, people usually are also given crutches or even a wheelchair to keep weight off of the healing bone. A broken bone cast is required for longer bones such as the arms and legs. Some also may need to get a cast for certain broken bones in the torso, such as ribs, collarbones, and shoulders.
Why does it take longer for a cut to heal?
If there is considerable pressure placed on the skin, the cut will take even longer to heal, and the scar may be bigger afterwards. The skin cut analogy can be used to help us understand how to heal a broken bone. If the break is small, and the edges are close together, it is more likely that the bone can knit itself together.
What is the best way to heal bone?
Bone healing requires calcium, natural hormones, vitamins, and adequate nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, and certain chronic diseases can interfere with the natural process of bone healing. 1 However, properly treating these problems can help restore natural bone healing.
Can a broken bone heal without a cast?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
Who treats broken bones?
Broken bones are treated by orthopedic surgeons. They are the experts in all broken bone treatment options, from taping to casting to surgery. Whether you need to get a cast or not, a broken bone should be evaluated and treated by an orthopedic surgeon.