Advice after a finger fracture

What is a finger fracture?

The fingers are made up of several small bones and each of these is called a phalanx. A fracture can also be called a broken bone.

A fracture of your finger is a common injury which can be caused by direct trauma, crush or a twisting injury.

How should it be treated?

The doctor will advise you of the best way to treat your fracture. This could be by surgical fixation, manipulation or treated conservatively without requiring surgery. The type of treatment will depend on the type of fracture you have.

In children, the fracture normally takes around 3 weeks to fuse back together, but may take around 12 weeks to regain full strength. It is important that it is protected during this time to allow the bone to heal. To keep your finger safe, you avoid all contact sports for around 8 to 12 weeks.

You may be provided with a splint, plaster cast or your finger may be taped to the one next to it. This is called buddy or neighbour strapping.

Swelling

It is normal to experience swelling after you have sustained an injury to your hand. Swelling can last for several weeks and can sometimes make your hand feel uncomfortable or stiff. There are some things which you can do to help reduce the swelling.

Pain

It is normal to have some discomfort in your hand following your injury. Many people experience pain when they begin to do their exercises and complete activities again. It is common to experience discomfort in the area during cold weather. Your local pharmacy will be able to give you advice on appropriate pain killers to help in managing your pain.

What outcome can I expect after my finger fracture?

Most fractures heal well, and most people regain good use of their hand following their injury. In some cases, swelling and pain may take longer to fully settle, and following the advice above will help to improve these symptoms.

The shape of the injured finger may not look the same after the fracture. You may have some rotation, or the joints may appear larger than before the injury. This could be caused by the fracture or scarring to the soft tissues in the surrounding area.

A bony lump may appear at the fracture site as the bone heals and this is known as fracture callus. This is part of the normal healing process and should reduce with time.

It is important that you continue to complete the exercises provided as you may experience some stiffness due to lack of movement. It can take several months to regain full strength in your hand.

Exercises

You can normally start exercises 3 weeks after your splint, cast or neighbour strapping is removed. Your doctor or occupational therapist will give you advice as to when to start these exercises.

Gradually increase the use of you hand in normal activities over several weeks. Avoid contact sports or heavy lifting for 8 to 12 weeks after the injury.

Please see our hand and wrist exercises resource. These exercises should be repeated 10 times and completed 3 to 4 times every day.

Please scan the above QR code to see our hand and wrist exercises