Broken Finger (Finger Fracture): Symptoms & Treatment

A broken finger, or finger fracture, is a common injury that can occur due to various reasons, such as sports accidents, falls, or direct impacts, according to MedlinePlus. This type of injury can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the affected finger, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for a broken finger is crucial for effective recovery and rehabilitation, notes MedlinePlus. In this article we will explore the signs to watch for and the various treatment methods available to help you heal and regain the full function of your finger.

7 finger fracture symptoms vs sprained symptoms

Symptoms of a finger fracture

• Severe Pain: A broken finger typically presents with intense pain at the site of the injury, which may worsen with movement or pressure.

• Swelling: Significant swelling around the injured finger is common and can extend to nearby fingers or the hand.

• Bruising: Discoloration or bruising may appear around the fracture site, often spreading to the surrounding area.

• Deformity: A visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the finger may be evident, indicating a fracture.

• Numbness: In some cases, there may be numbness or tingling in the finger, which can occur if nerves are affected.

• Difficulty Moving: A fractured finger may be difficult or impossible to move, and any attempt to do so can cause severe pain.

• Tenderness: The area around the fracture is usually very tender to the touch, making it uncomfortable to apply pressure.

Finger fracture vs. finger sprain

According to MedlinePlus, while both finger fractures and sprains can result from similar mechanisms of injury and may have overlapping symptoms, there are key differences according to MedlinePlus, such as:

• Pain Intensity: Fractures often involve severe, sharp pain, while sprains may cause more of a dull ache or discomfort.

• Swelling and Bruising: While both injuries can lead to swelling and bruising, fractures typically exhibit more pronounced swelling and bruising due to bone injury.

• Deformity: A fracture may result in visible deformity, whereas a sprain usually does not cause the finger to appear misaligned.

• Range of Motion: With a fracture, movement of the finger is often severely limited and painful, while a sprain may allow for some movement, albeit with discomfort.

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5 causes for broken fingers

• Slamming Your Finger in a Door: One of the most frequent causes of finger fractures occurs when a finger is caught or slammed in a door, leading to significant impact and potential bone injury.

• Using Tools Such as Drills or Hammers: Accidental impacts while using tools, such as hitting your finger with a hammer or a drill mishap, can easily result in a broken finger.

• Having a Fast-Moving Object Hit Your Hand: Sports-related injuries are common, where a fast-moving ball or object strikes the hand, causing fractures, particularly in activities like basketball, football, or baseball.

• Falling and Landing on an Outstretched Hand: When a person falls and instinctively extends their hand to break the fall, the force can lead to fractures in the fingers or hand.

• Direct Trauma from Accidents: Accidents, whether at home, work, or during recreational activities, can cause direct trauma to the fingers, resulting in fractures from blunt force impact.

Finger fracture treatment

Accoridng to OrthoInfo, the treatment for a broken finger varies significantly based on the location and severity of the fracture. In general, the approach will depend on whether the fracture is stable or unstable, as well as whether it involves the joint or the bone shaft. For minor fractures, treatment may involve conservative methods such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling and pain. A splint or buddy taping, where the injured finger is taped to an adjacent finger for support, may also be recommended to keep the finger immobilized during the healing process.

In cases of more severe fractures, particularly those that are displaced or involve joint surfaces, medical intervention may be necessary. This could include realigning the bones through a procedure known as reduction, followed by immobilization with a cast or splint. In some instances, surgical intervention may be required to stabilize the fracture with pins, screws, or plates.

When to go to urgent care?

• The Finger is Bleeding Heavily: If there is significant bleeding from the finger that does not stop with direct pressure, it is essential to seek urgent medical attention to prevent excessive blood loss and address any underlying injuries.

• You Can See the Bone Through the Skin: If the fracture is open, meaning the bone is protruding through the skin, immediate care is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper treatment of the injury.

• The Finger Has Been Amputated: In the unfortunate event of a finger amputation, it is critical to seek urgent care immediately. Proper handling of the severed part and prompt medical intervention can be vital for potential reattachment.

• Severe Pain or Swelling: If the pain is extreme and accompanied by significant swelling that does not improve with rest and ice, it may indicate a more serious injury requiring urgent evaluation.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing a broken finger or any other urgent medical issue, don’t wait to get the care you need. Use Solv to quickly find urgent care centers near you.