Summary about Disease
A finger fracture is a break in one of the bones of the fingers. It can range from a small crack (hairline fracture) to a complete break, and may be stable (bones aligned) or unstable (bones displaced).
Symptoms
Pain, especially when moving the finger.
Swelling.
Tenderness to the touch.
Deformity (crooked appearance).
Stiffness.
Bruising.
Inability to move the finger.
Numbness or tingling (if nerves are compressed).
Causes
Direct blow to the finger (e.g., from a fall, sports injury, or slamming in a door).
Crushing injury.
Twisting injury.
Overuse or stress fractures (rare in fingers, more common in weight-bearing bones).
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage pain. Stronger pain medications may be prescribed by a doctor for severe pain.
Antibiotics: If the fracture is an open fracture (skin broken), antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
No other medicines are typically used to treat the fracture directly. Treatment focuses on immobilization and allowing the bone to heal.
Is Communicable
No. Finger fractures are not communicable (not contagious). They are caused by physical trauma and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Protect the finger: After diagnosis and treatment, protect the finger from further injury. This may involve wearing a splint or buddy taping it to an adjacent finger.
Follow doctor's instructions: Adhere to the doctor's recommendations regarding immobilization, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
Elevate the hand: Elevating the hand can help reduce swelling.
Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured finger for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.
Avoid activities that stress the finger: Refrain from activities that could potentially re-injure the finger until it is fully healed.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" associated with a finger fracture. A finger fracture is an isolated injury to an individual. Healing time varies.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: A doctor will examine the finger for swelling, tenderness, deformity, and range of motion.
X-ray: An X-ray is the primary diagnostic tool to confirm the fracture, determine its type (stable vs. unstable, location, etc.), and rule out other injuries.
Sometimes, further imaging is done.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary, but a typical progression is:
Immediately after injury: Intense pain, swelling, possible deformity.
First few days: Continued pain, swelling, bruising. Pain might lessen with immobilization and pain medication.
Weeks 1-3: Swelling gradually decreases. Pain decreases, but is still present with movement.
Weeks 4-8: Bone healing continues. Pain and stiffness gradually decrease with physical therapy.
Months 2-6: Full recovery of strength and range of motion. Some stiffness may persist.
Important Considerations
Seek prompt medical attention: If you suspect a finger fracture, see a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Complications: Untreated or improperly treated finger fractures can lead to complications such as stiffness, chronic pain, arthritis, or deformity.
Splinting/Casting: The type of immobilization (splint, cast, buddy taping) depends on the severity and stability of the fracture.
Surgery: Unstable fractures, fractures that involve joints, or open fractures may require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize them with pins, screws, or plates.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength, range of motion, and function after the fracture has healed.
Healing Time: Varies based on fracture severity, location, and individual health factors. Averages 6-8 weeks but can be longer.