What do you need to know about broken fingers?
What You Need to Know The bones in your fingers are called phalanges. Each finger has three phalanges, except the thumb, which has two phalanges. A broken, or fractured, finger occurs when one or more of these bones breaks. A break is usually the result of an injury to the hand. A fracture can occur in any of the phalanges.
Which is the most common broken finger bone?
Fingers are easily injured, and broken fingers are some of the most common traumatic injuries seen in an emergency room. Fractures of the finger bones (phalanxes) and the bones in the palm of the hand (metacarpal bones) are the most common fractures, accounting for 10% of all fractures.
When to go to the ER for a broken finger?
If your injury includes crushed tissue, laceration, exposed bone, you must go to the emergency room or seek medical care immediately. Some fractures can be subtle and the pain might be bearable.
Can a bruised finger be worse than a broken finger?
A bruised finger can sometimes be just a painful as a fractured or broken finger. However, unlike a broken finger, there is no bone break or fracture. The impact it the injured finger causes bleeding under the skin. Symptoms of a bruised finger include: Pain; Stiffness; Swelling; Discoloration; Loss of finger mobility
What are signs that your finger is broken?
The main symptoms of a broken finger are pain immediately after the trauma, and sometimes a deformed finger. A true fracture usually will be painful, but a broken finger may still have some range of motion and dull pain, and the individual may still be able to move it.
How can you tell if your finger’s broken?
- Severe pain
- Loss of range of motion
- Finger deformity
- Swelling
- Redness
What is the recovery time for a broken finger?
Recovery Time. Compared to other bones, a broken finger can heal in a relatively short period of time, if actions are taken to quickly immobilize it and seek immediate medical attention. Generally, the finger will heal in a matter of weeks, although it may take a little longer in the case of a complicated break.
What to do if you have a broken finger?
A broken finger is typically set in a splint to prevent movement. An x-ray may be used to examine the bones if a broken finger. An ice pack can reduce swelling from a broken finger. A broken finger is typically accompanied by a throbbing pain. Aspirin may help reduce the swelling associated with a broken finger.
