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 anything be done for a broken bone in the hand?
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.
What happens if you break a bone and it doesn't heal properly?
After a bone is broken (fractured), the body will start the healing process. If the two ends of the broken bone are not lined up properly, the bone can heal with a deformity called a malunion. A malunion fracture occurs when a large space between the displaced ends of the bone have been filled in by new bone.
Is a broken hand an emergency?
While the common thought is that broken bones in the hand, wrist, ankle, or foot can be treated in an urgent care setting, depending on the severity, they may actually require a trip to the emergency room.
How do you know if a hand injury is serious?
SymptomsSevere pain that might worsen when gripping or squeezing or moving your hand.Swelling.Tenderness.Bruising.Obvious deformity, such as a crooked finger.Stiffness or inability to move your fingers or thumb.Numbness in your hand or fingers.
When does a broken hand need surgery?
However, there are instances when surgery is necessary for hand fractures. Very serious fractures in which the bone has fragmented may require the use of plates and screws to hold the pieces in position during the healing process. In some injuries, screws and wires can be inserted without the need for open surgery.
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.
How long does an untreated fracture take to heal?
Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.
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 fix 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...
Should I go to the ER for a broken bone?
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 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...•