Is That Injury A Fracture Or Worse?
Although the word fracture can make an injury sound minor or innocuous, the opposite can be true. Fractures can be risky, especially in the hand. Broken bones in the finger are referred to as fractures, but without proper care, a fracture injury can disrupt the alignment of the hand. Fractures occur when a person experiences a hand injury. Common causes can include getting a finger slammed in a door, landing on a hand after falling, or even getting injured while trying to catch a ball.
Common fracture symptoms
Finger fractures tend to have specific symptoms, making diagnosis reasonably easy. People who suspect a finger fracture has occurred should check for the following signs and see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis: swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty moving the injured finger or obvious deformity of the injured finger.
Initial at-home treatment is key
To avoid long-term damage to the finger, seeking immediate medical help is essential. But people can also take immediate first aid measures to help minimize damage. People should ice the injured finger, ensuring a barrier between the ice and the skin. Create a makeshift splint with a sturdy item like a pen or popsicle stick, and wrap the splint and finger with gauze. Keep the finger elevated and remove any rings and jewelry that might get stuck once swelling begins.
Common medical treatments for finger fractures
Depending on the severity of the fracture, a medical professional may recommend different treatment methods. Fractures can be classified as stable or unstable. A stable fracture means the condition shouldn’t worsen or create complications if the finger is moved. Unstable means that the fracture could get worse without immobilization. Stable fractures are often treated by buddy taping the finger to an adjacent finger for about a month. Unstable fractures may require a dedicated splint to be applied or even surgical interventions.
Taking immediate action is important
People who suspect a finger fracture should take a proactive approach to treatment. Rather than taking a wait-and-see approach, the injured person should immediately ice the finger and seek medical help. Whether going to the doctor’s office or the emergency room, taking the proper steps to get a thorough diagnosis and the right treatment is essential to ensure a healthy and speedy recovery.
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