Broken Finger
Fingers contain many small bones that are commonly exposed to intense and repetitive forces as we perform our normal everyday tasks or engage in sports. Because of the multiple points of articulation along each finger it is easy to twist or overstretch the fingers causing injury. If the bones are exposed to sufficiently intense forces a fracture may occur. This is accompanied by immediate pain and swelling which usually inhibits all use of the affected hand.
What causes a broken finger?
A broken finger results from excessive force applied to the bone, usually in a direction of weakness, i.e. perpendicular to the length of the bone. This can be in the form of direct trauma, such as taking an impact during work, sports participation or a fall. Fractures can occur from indirect traumas, in the form of a shockwaves that travels through an object your holding, like a hammer. Trauma may occur from repetitive strain, in the form of prolonged lesser impacts that cause micro fractures.
Above: Hand therapy following a break may be requred to help build up strength in the hand for everyday activties such as writing and typingWhat are the symptoms of a broken finger?
There are many ligament and tendon injuries, dislocations and soft tissue damage that can cause a range of symptoms similar to a finger fracture. It is therefore important to get assessed so that you receive the correct treatment to achieve a full recovery. If you have a finger fracture you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain at the moment of injury that fades to a dull ache at the site of the suspected fracture.
- Swelling, usually occurs quickly and can spread to adjacent fingers and palm.
- Redness or other discolouration that deepens to bruising over time.
- Stiffness, initially from swelling, then from immobility during initial stages of healing.
- Deformity in the shape of the finger or from the normal direction it follows.
Because if the high volume of innervation and blood vessels that pass through the restricted space in the fingers, a fracture may disturb some of these delicate structures. This can cause:
- Loss of sensation in the affected finger.
- Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the affected finger.
- Altered sensation, such as heat or cold sensitivity in the affected finger.
- Referred pain to other fingers, the hand and up the arm along the affected nerve.
How is a broken finger diagnosed?
If you have an accident and suspect you have fractured your finger you should seek medical assistance immediately. The doctor will take a brief subjective history to establish how the fracture occurred and then perform a thorough physical examination to rule out other possible injuries. X-ray or MRI will be used to confirm diagnosis and severity of the fracture.
For further information about how Physiotherapy can help treat finger fractures, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for a broken finger involve?
A discussion to find out how long your condition has been persisting, if you have had any previous injuries in this area, what symptoms you are experiencing and how your condition is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Subjective
A discussion to find out how long your condition has been persisting, if you have had any previous injuries in this area, what symptoms you are experiencing and how your condition is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
A physical assessment of your range of pain, tenderness in the area, range of movement and a series of special tests to identify exactly which structures are likely to be affected.
What does Physiotherapy treatment for a broken finger involve?
Prior to physiotherapy intervention the broken finger will need splinting and immobilising for a period of about 4 weeks. If the fracture is severe, then the bone pieces may need to be realigned or even pinned in place, which is done under anaesthetic.
After the initial stages of bone healing, once the cast or splint has been removed, a physiotherapy assessment will be required to gauge your level of functional ability and devise a personalised rehabilitation plan. The earlier your physiotherapist can begin treatment the quicker and more complete your recovery will be. Treatments will include:
- Passive stretches to regain muscle and connective tissue length.
- Heat treatments, including wax bath, to increase tissue extensibility and reduce pain.
- Ice therapy for pain relief and to reduce swelling.
- Soft tissue massage to alleviate pain, stiffness and disperse swelling.
- Ultrasound to disperse swelling and promote soft tissue healing.
- Dexterity exercises to improve hand flexibility and functional ability.
- Progressive strengthening exercises to regain functional grip strength.
- Advice on activity modification during recovery to reduce risk of re-injury.
The experienced physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio will tailor an individualised treatment plan to address all your concerns. Improving range of movement, joint stability and functional strength, so you can safely resume normal daily tasks, sports participation and any activities you enjoy.
For more information about physiotherapy for a broken finger, or to book an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for a broken finger?
If you are having problems including sharp pain, deformity, stiffness or signs of inflammation around one of your fingers you may have a broken finger, and would benefit from an assessment at Liverpool Physio from one of our experiences physiotherapists.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
Summary
A fracture in any of the fingers can be very painful and limit the normal function of the hand when performing normal daily tasks or participating in sports. Once the initial bone healing has begun and the cast or splint has been removed, your physiotherapist will be able to assess you and devise a personalised treatment plan. The therapist will use targeted treatments to relieve pain and stiffness and regain functional flexibility and strength. The combination of massage, heat therapy, stretch and strengthening exercises will help provide the best possible recovery in the shortest possible time.
Every treatment session will aim at getting you back to the normal daily activities and sports you enjoy.
For further information about how Physiotherapy can help treat broken finger, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on0151 558 0077.
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