Who among us has never felt the searing, burning pain of slamming their finger into a door? Sometimes, especially when it first happens, this event can hurt so much that we fear the worst, turning to whoever is closest and asking, “Do you think it’s broken?” Our fingers are made up of multiple tiny bones, and fractures aren’t uncommon -- but how do you know if your finger is truly broken or if it just really hurts?
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified, fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity specialists treat all types of finger injuries every single day, and fractures are no exception. Here are some questions you might ask yourself if you’re afraid your finger may be broken:
How Might I Have Broken a Finger?
We use our hands to complete so many tasks each day; It’’s no wonder that there are endless ways you can potentially injure them. Broken fingers are one of the most common finger injuries, and they’re usually caused by some type of impact or trauma to the hand.
When specifically looking at what can potentially cause finger fractures, you might think about the following events:
- Catching a ball without appropriate protection during sports, such as baseball or softball.
- Closing a door or lid on your finger and “jamming” it.
- Improperly using power tools and other types of machinery or equipment.
- Falling down and using your hands to catch yourself, which is an involuntary reflex many of us have.
Many people who injure their fingers also do so in the context of the workplace, especially in industries such as package handling and construction. In fact, hand injuries are the second most common workplace injuries in the United States, just behind back injuries in their frequency.
What Are Some Common Symptoms of a Broken Finger?
Not all finger injuries are fractures, and you may feel pain, swelling, or stiffness in your finger after any number of traumas have occurred. That said, there are certain particular indicators of a fracture that you should look out for if you fear you broken bone on your finger bones:
- Your affected finger is bent into a strange or unnatural position
- There’s excessive swelling in one localized area
- There’s significant tenderness and bruising in one localized area
- Your pain is exceptionally severe
- You’re finding it difficult to move the injured finger
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to get your hand examined by an orthopedic professional. At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our team of hand and upper extremity specialists can help you reach an accurate diagnosis and get started on your treatment plan.
What Else Might’ve Happened to My Finger?
As we’ve said, not every finger injury is a fractured finger. If you’ve gone through the checklist above and it doesn’t seem to be quite so severe, there may be something else going on with your finger that could still benefit from medical attention.
The most common finger injuries you may deal with, apart from fractures, are jams and sprains. If your finger is jammed, you most likely don’t need to go to the doctor -- just take the appropriate dose of over-the-counter pain relievers and use ice to reduce any swelling that may occur. Of course, if your symptoms persist, it’s time to make sure nothing more serious is going on. Sprains can be another story, and you should let a doctor take a look in order to determine if you need a splint to help your ligaments heal in the right position.
Finally, it’s possible that your finger could be dislocated rather than fractured. If your finger feels more numb than painful and appears crooked or out of place, you’ll need to receive an immediate evaluation from a specialist and begin treatment as soon as you can.
Treatment for a Broken Finger: What Can I Expect?
When you make the decision to seek out medical attention for your finger fracture, there are a few things that will typically happen:
- You’ll have an X-ray taken of the affected area. This allows our orthopedic professionals to confirm whether or not there is indeed a break in one of your finger bones.
- You may receive a splint or cast to hold your finger straight and protect it from further injury while it heals.
- If the fracture is severe, you may require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize them with pins, plates, or screws.
- After treatment, you will likely be prescribed physical therapy to help regain range of motion and strength in your hand and fingers.
It’s important to keep in mind that every finger fracture is unique, and your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your specific needs. Our goal at OAA Orthopedic Specialists is always to help you heal and recover as quickly and effectively as possible.
How Can I Help Prevent Finger Fractures?
While some accidents are unavoidable, there are certain steps you can take to minimize your risk of breaking a finger:
- Wear appropriate protective gear when participating in sports or activities that could potentially cause an injury.
- Use caution when handling power tools and other equipment, always following safety protocols and using protective gear as necessary.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and potential hazards, especially in the workplace.
- If you have weak bones or a history of fractures, talk to your doctor about ways to strengthen your bones and prevent future injuries.
Get Your Finger Examined Today!
Whether it's a fracture, jam, sprain, or your finger bone breaks or dislocated, any finger injury should not be ignored. When left untreated, broken bones and dislocated fingers can cause serious problems in the long term, including permanent loss of movement and sensation. Call onthe specialists at OAA to help you reach an accurate diagnosis and begin treating your injury as soon as possible.
At OAA Orthopedic Specialists, our team of hand and upper extremity specialists have the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose and treat any finger injury. Our team is dedicated to helping you heal and regain full function of your hand, so don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
If you’ve injured your finger, hand, or wrist, the upper extremity team at OAA is here to help. Reach out to us for an exam and accurate diagnosis from a board-certified professional. If you’re ready to start living pain-free,schedule an appointment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
I think my finger may be deformed. What should I do?
If you notice a change in the appearance of your finger, such as crookedness or swelling, it's important to seek medical attention right away. A board-certified orthopedic specialist at OAA will be able to assess the injury and determine the best course of treatment for you. Ignoring a deformed finger can lead to further damage and potentially permanent disability.
Can I still move my finger if it's fractured?
It depends on the severity of the fracture and where it is located. In some cases, you may be able to move your finger but experience pain or limited range of motion. In other cases, the fracture may be severe enough to prevent any movement.
What's the difference between a shear fracture and a metacarpal fracture?
A shear fracture occurs when one bone is twisted or sheared against another, usually resulting in a diagonal break. On the other hand, metacarpal fractures refer to breaks in the long bones of the hand that connect to the wrist. These can be caused by direct impact or bending the fingers in an unnatural position. Both types of fractures require medical attention and proper treatment to heal correctly.
