What is a finger fracture?
A finger fracture is also known as a broken bone in the finger in which the finger is made up of 3 small bones where you can break any of them. A bruise around part of the finger is a indication that it may be broken, even if it is only a small break.
What causes a finger fracture?
Finger fractures can be caused by a direct blow including:
- A ball in a sport
- Falling over
- Jamming your finger between two hard objects
- When your finger is forced in the wrong direction
Treatments will vary depending upon the severity of the injury. Symptoms may include the following:
- Pain and Swelling near finger
- Bruising
- Possible loss of movement
- Pain to touch at point of break
How do I know if I have fractured my finger?
Your physiotherapist will have to access your finger and will most likely ask you to get a X-Ray so that you can receive the correct treatment. Smaller fractures are sometimes overlooked at first until it becomes more obvious if the finger in sore after a few days of injury occurring.
How can physiotherapy help with a fractured finger?
Your physiotherapist will be able provide you with a personal plan so that you can be given the correct treatment to manage your condition. Your finger in most likely be splinted to hold your fracture in the correct position or in compression tape to reduce swelling. In more severe cases factures may need surgery to fix them.
Your physiotherapist will be able help you will rehabilitation in which they will monitor your progress and incorporate it in your personal plan.
- Timing decisions: Moving your finger at the right time without interrupting the healing process.
- Exercise: Your physiotherapist will give you a graduated exercise program to ensure you regain the movement and strength.
- Mobilisation and soft tissue techniques: Hands on techniques including joint mobilisation and massages can help you to regain joint movement and reduce any discomfort in the finger.
- Swelling management: It is possible that you may be some form of compression such as a compression bandage to reduce any swelling
- Return to work and sport: It is vital that you return to these activities when suggested by your GP or your physiotherapist to ensure you do not hurt your injury even more.
- Brace and tape: a brace or tape may be able to help you return to sport or work earlier
How effective is physiotherapy for fractured fingers?
Physiotherapy is effective for most people to achieve full movement, strength and function which can be done with correct splinting and physiotherapy treatment. If your fracture required surgery , physiotherapy is vital ensure the finger gets its movement back quickly and safely.
What can I do at home?
Your physiotherapist will guide you on how to splint or tape your finger to ensure you achieve good healing. You will be given a range of exercises to regularly complete. Returning to your normal activities is vital in your recovery stage to improve movement and strength.
When your finger is fractured in the early stages it is important to keep the swelling to a minimum therefore elevating your hand regularly throughout the day will achieve this.
How long until I feel better?
Once finger is correctly splinted the pain should improve. Some simple cases you may be able to move your finger immediately whilst more serious cases may need to be immobilised for 6 weeks and can take 2–3 months to achieve 80–90 per cent strength.
If you would like to find out more please call us or book an appointment here.
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