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Broken Finger: Symptoms and Treatment
What is a broken finger?
Description of a broken finger
A broken finger means that one or more of the finger bones, known as phalanges, are broken off or cracked. Each finger consists of three phalanges, except the thumb which has only two. These bones are crucial for the mobility and grip of our fingers. When a bone is broken, it can be a complete fracture, where the bone is completely broken off, or a partial fracture, where the bone is cracked but not completely separated. The injuries can also be open, where the bone penetrates the skin, or closed, where the bone does not break through the skin. Regardless of the type of fracture, a broken finger can cause significant pain and affect the functionality of the hand.
Common causes of broken fingers
Broken fingers can occur for various reasons, the most common of which include:
Trauma: Direct trauma to the finger, such as slamming the finger in a door, falling and landing on the hand, or being hit by an object, can lead to fractures.
Crush injuries: Fingers can be exposed to crush injuries in accidents such as car crashes or workplace accidents where the hand gets caught between heavy objects.
Sports injuries: Sports activities, especially contact sports such as football, basketball and handball, can cause broken fingers through direct contact, falls or overuse.
Falls: Falling and catching yourself with your hand is a common cause of broken fingers, especially in older people with reduced leg strength.
Whatever the cause, it is important to treat a finger fracture immediately to avoid long-term problems.
Symptoms of a broken finger
Sharp pain at the finger joint or bone
One of the first and most obvious symptoms of a broken finger is a sharp pain at the time of injury. The pain can be intense and immediate, often localized to the finger joint or bone. The pain usually worsens with movement or touch, making it difficult to use the hand normally. The immediate pain may be so severe that the person cannot continue with the activity that caused the injury.
Swelling and tenderness around the injured finger
After the injury, the finger often starts to swell rapidly. The swelling is a result of inflammation and bleeding in the injured area. The swelling can make it difficult to move the finger and can also lead to stiffness. The area around the fracture becomes tender and sensitive to touch, which can make it painful to perform everyday activities such as gripping objects or bending your fingers.
Deformity or malformation of the finger
In many cases of broken fingers, a visible deformity or malformation can be seen. The finger may be unnaturally angled, crooked or shorter than normal. If the fracture is severe, bone fragments may protrude through the skin, indicating an open fracture and requiring immediate medical attention. The deformity is a clear sign that the bone is broken and needs professional treatment to be restored to its normal state.
Treatment of a broken finger
Immobilization with wrapping or plaster
To ensure that the broken bone heals properly, it is crucial to immobilize the finger. Immobilization prevents further damage and helps the bone return to its normal position. This can be done by:
Wrapping: A splint or bandage is used to keep the finger stable. The splint is usually placed on the back of the finger and fixed with an elastic bandage.
Plaster: In more severe cases, a plaster can be used to keep the finger in the correct position and prevent movement during the healing process. The cast covers the whole finger and sometimes parts of the hand and wrist for extra stability.
Pain relief with medication and use of ice
To manage the pain and reduce swelling, the following measures can be taken:
Painkillers: Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger painkillers may be prescribed by a doctor.
Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area in 20-minute intervals several times a day to reduce swelling and pain. The ice should always be used with a barrier, such as a towel, to avoid frostbite.
Surgical intervention is sometimes required
In some cases, especially if the fracture is severe or if the bones are not properly aligned, surgery may be necessary. Surgical repair may include:
Fixing with pins, screws or plates: To hold the bone fragments in place and ensure proper healing. These metal components are used to stabilize the bone and prevent it from moving during the healing process.
Reconstruction: In complex injuries, it may be necessary to reconstruct parts of the bone or soft tissues to restore function and shape. This may include transplanting bone fragments or using artificial materials to replace damaged parts.
How can we help you with your broken finger?
At Fasciaklinikerna, we specialize in seeing and treating the body from a holistic perspective. We perform fascia treatments, a type of wellness treatment that can be an excellent complement to traditional care.
Fascia is the network of connective tissue that binds and permeates everything in our body. All cells, tissues (even bone tissue), muscles and organs contain fascia. Fascia treatment removes obstructions in the fascia and increases its flow. This reduces the pressure across cell membranes, allowing them to absorb and release substances efficiently, which helps the body heal. The treatment is not painful and is often very pleasant.
Remember to follow the doctor’s treatment plan. The FasciaClinics are not involved in medical care, but in wellness.
