Understanding Finger Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
▫️Written by John Keller
✅ Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Hynes on FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Finger fractures may seem minor, but their impact on our daily lives can be profound. Our hands are involved in almost everything we do – from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. Whether it's preparing meals, typing emails, or even buttoning a shirt, the health and functionality of our fingers are essential. A fracture, no matter how small, disrupts this harmony, making even simple tasks challenging and painful.
The significance of timely and professional care cannot be overstated when it comes to finger fractures. Immediate medical attention not only ensures proper healing but also minimizes the risk of complications that could impair hand function in the long run. Moreover, the role of physiotherapy in this recovery process is critical. Through specialized exercises and treatments, physiotherapy helps restore movement, strength, and flexibility, ensuring that the injured finger can return to its vital role in daily activities as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Therefore, understanding the mechanics and potential consequences of finger fractures is essential. It not only prepares us to seek the right care promptly but also highlights the invaluable role of physiotherapy in overcoming these injuries. This comprehensive approach ensures that a seemingly small fracture does not lead to significant setbacks in our daily lives and overall well-being.
What Is A Finger Fracture?
Finger fractures refer to breaks or cracks in any of the bones within the fingers. These injuries can range from minor cracks to complete breaks that go through the bone. There are various types of finger fractures (Pulos & Kakar, 2018), including:
Non-displaced fractures, where the bone cracks or breaks but stays in place.
Displaced fractures, where parts of the fractured bone are misaligned.
Comminuted fractures, where the bone is broken into several pieces.
Open (or compound) fractures, where the broken bone pierces through the skin, posing a risk of infection.
Common causes of finger fractures include direct blows to the hand, crushing injuries, falls, sports accidents, and workplace mishaps (Pulos & Kakar, 2018). For example, catching a ball incorrectly during sports can lead to a fracture, as can slipping and falling onto an outstretched hand.
The consequences of untreated or poorly managed finger fractures can be significant. Without proper treatment, a fracture can heal incorrectly, leading to problems such as:
Chronic pain or discomfort.
Reduced range of motion or stiffness.
Deformity, which might interfere with hand function.
Development of arthritis in the affected joint.
These complications can severely impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, potentially leading to long-term disability in severe cases. Therefore, it's crucial to seek professional medical care following a finger injury to ensure proper healing and to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors of Finger Fractures
Finger fractures happen when there's a break in one or more of the bones in a finger, often caused by direct impacts, falls, or accidents. Common causes include:
Direct blows: Something hitting the fingers hard, like a hammer striking a thumb or a ball being caught awkwardly.
Falls: Landing on an outstretched hand can transmit force to the fingers, causing fractures.
Accidents: Various accidents at home, work, or during sports can lead to finger fractures.
Certain activities and professions increase the risk of experiencing a finger fracture. Sports that involve catching or throwing balls, such as basketball or baseball, have a higher incidence of finger injuries. Manual labor jobs or professions that involve working with machinery also carry a higher risk due to the potential for crush injuries or direct trauma.
To reduce the risk of finger fractures, consider the following practical advice:
Wear protective gear: In sports or hazardous work environments, using gloves and protective equipment can shield fingers from injuries.
Exercise caution: Be mindful of the risk of falls or accidents, especially in environments where you're more likely to slip or trip.
Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the fingers and hands can provide better support and reduce the likelihood of fractures during impacts.
Evidence supports that understanding the mechanisms behind finger fractures and adhering to preventive measures can significantly lower the risk of these injuries. Studies highlight the importance of injury prevention strategies in both sports and occupational settings to mitigate the risk of hand and finger injuries (Handoll & Elliott, 2015).
Being aware of the common causes and risk factors associated with finger fractures is crucial. By taking practical steps to protect the hands and fingers, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of sustaining these injuries, thereby maintaining their hand function and overall quality of life.
Recognizing the Signs of Finger Fractures
When someone fractures a finger, several hallmark signs and symptoms can indicate the severity and nature of the injury. These include:
Pain: Immediate and often severe pain at the site of the fracture is a primary indicator of a broken finger. The pain typically intensifies when moving or applying pressure to the injured finger.
Swelling: The area around the fracture often swells significantly, which can occur quickly after the injury.
Deformity: A visible deformity, such as a finger appearing bent or out of alignment, strongly suggests a fracture, especially if the bone is displaced.
Loss of function: Difficulty moving the finger or a complete inability to do so can indicate a fracture, as movement often exacerbates pain and can be physically restricted by swelling and structural damage to the bone.
These symptoms can sometimes be confused with other hand or finger conditions, such as sprains, dislocations, or severe bruises. While these conditions may share some symptoms with fractures, such as pain and swelling, the presence of a deformity and significant loss of function are more indicative of a fracture.
It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you suspect a finger fracture. Only a trained professional can differentiate between a fracture and other conditions through physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays. Moreover, an accurate diagnosis ensures the correct treatment plan is followed, which may include immobilization, medication, or in some cases, surgery.
The importance of seeking professional care cannot be overstated, as improper or delayed treatment can lead to complications like chronic pain, decreased mobility, and even permanent deformity. Research underscores the necessity of early intervention and appropriate management to ensure optimal recovery outcomes for finger fractures (Handoll & Elliott, 2015).
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a finger fracture is the first step toward recovery. However, distinguishing these injuries from other conditions requires professional evaluation. Prompt and proper care is essential to prevent long-term complications and restore full function to the injured finger.
Prevention Strategies for Finger Fractures
Preventing finger fractures involves a combination of safety measures, the use of protective gear, and engaging in hand-strengthening exercises. Here are actionable tips to help minimize the risk of injuring your fingers:
Use Protective Gear: When participating in sports or working in environments that pose risks to your hands, wear appropriate protective gear. Gloves, guards, and taping can provide extra support and cushioning to absorb impacts and reduce the likelihood of fractures.
Exercise Caution: Be mindful of your surroundings and the activities you engage in. Avoid placing your hands in situations where they are likely to be struck or caught between objects. For example, be cautious when closing doors or using tools and machinery.
Hand-Strengthening Exercises: Regularly performing exercises that strengthen the muscles around your fingers and hands can enhance their stability and resilience. Activities such as squeezing a stress ball, practicing finger lifts, or using grip strengtheners can improve muscle strength and joint support, making your fingers less prone to injury.
Maintain Flexibility: Flexibility is just as important as strength. Incorporate stretching exercises for your fingers and hands into your routine to maintain a good range of motion. This can include stretches such as gently pulling each finger back, bending them forward, and spreading your fingers wide apart.
Practice Safe Techniques: In sports and physical activities, use proper techniques to reduce stress on your fingers. For example, learn the correct way to catch, throw, and handle equipment to avoid putting undue pressure on your fingers.
The significance of hand exercises extends beyond injury prevention; they also contribute to maintaining overall finger and hand health. Strong, flexible hands are less likely to suffer from a wide range of issues, including fractures, sprains, and strains.
Adopting these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of finger fractures. While accidents can still happen, being proactive in protecting and strengthening your hands can lead to quicker recovery times and potentially less severe injuries if they do occur. Research supports the role of preventive strategies, including exercise and protective equipment, in reducing the incidence of sports-related injuries and other accidents that can lead to finger fractures (Handoll & Elliott, 2015).
Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help safeguard your fingers, ensuring they remain strong, flexible, and less susceptible to fractures.
Treatment Options for Finger Fractures
Treating finger fractures effectively is crucial for restoring hand function and preventing long-term complications. The approach to treatment depends on the severity and type of fracture but generally includes immobilization, splinting, and possibly surgery.
Immobilization and Splinting: For less severe fractures, immobilization or splinting is often sufficient to ensure proper healing. By keeping the finger in a fixed position, these methods help to align the bone properly, prevent further injury, and reduce pain. Splints can be customized to fit the specific finger and fracture type, allowing for a degree of flexibility in treatment.
Surgery: More complex fractures, such as those involving displacement or multiple fragments, may require surgical intervention. Surgery aims to realign the fractured bone segments, which might involve the use of pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone in place during healing. This approach ensures the correct anatomy of the finger is restored, which is essential for regaining full function.
Following the initial phase of healing, physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation process. Physiotherapy focuses on:
Restoring finger strength through targeted exercises.
Increasing mobility and flexibility with range-of-motion exercises.
Reducing stiffness and swelling through various techniques, including manual therapy and modalities like heat or ice.
The benefits of physiotherapy for finger fractures are well-documented. It not only aids in a quicker recovery but also significantly improves the outcome by enhancing the function and minimizing the risk of long-term disability. A comprehensive physiotherapy program can help patients regain full use of their hand, enabling them to return to their daily activities and maintain their quality of life.
Research supports the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercises and physiotherapy in the treatment of finger and hand fractures. For example, a systematic review emphasizes the positive impact of rehabilitation interventions on recovery after hand fractures, highlighting the importance of tailored exercises in improving hand function (Handoll et al., 2004).
In summary, a combination of appropriate initial treatment, whether immobilization, splinting, or surgery, followed by a structured physiotherapy program, is crucial for the effective management of finger fractures. This integrated approach ensures the best possible recovery, restoring strength, mobility, and function to the injured finger.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Finger Fractures
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management and recovery from finger fractures, focusing on restoring function, strength, and mobility to the injured hand. Following the initial healing from immobilization or surgical intervention, physiotherapy steps in to address the complications that arise from prolonged periods of non-use, such as stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion.
Physiotherapists create customized rehabilitation programs tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient. This individualized approach ensures that exercises and treatments are appropriate for the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient's overall health and activity level. The rehabilitation program typically includes:
Exercises to improve range of motion: These exercises are designed to gradually increase the flexibility and movement of the finger joints.
Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises help rebuild muscle strength around the injured finger and hand, ensuring that the muscles can support and stabilize the joints properly.
Balance and coordination activities: To restore the fine motor skills necessary for daily activities, physiotherapists may include exercises that improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Pain management techniques: Modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation can be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
A key aspect of physiotherapy is the collaborative approach between the patient and physiotherapist. This partnership is vital for a successful recovery. Physiotherapists not only guide and support patients through each step of their rehabilitation but also educate them on the importance of adhering to the prescribed exercise program and any recommended lifestyle modifications. This collaborative effort ensures that patients are actively involved in their recovery, enhancing their motivation and commitment to the rehabilitation process.
The benefits of a customized physiotherapy program for finger fracture recovery are well supported in the literature. Research highlights the effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving outcomes for patients with hand and finger injuries, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and tailored rehabilitation strategies (Takata et al., 2019)
These studies underscore the role of physiotherapy in not just facilitating physical recovery but also in preventing long-term disabilities and optimizing hand function.
In conclusion, physiotherapy is crucial in the recovery from finger fractures, offering a comprehensive and personalized approach to rehabilitation. By addressing muscle imbalances, improving finger function, and optimizing hand mobility, physiotherapists play a key role in helping patients regain their full hand capabilities and return to their normal activities.
Restoring Functionality
Physiotherapy employs a multifaceted approach to the treatment of finger fractures, focusing on restoring optimal hand function, reducing pain, and improving the patient's quality of life. The rehabilitation process here at Keilor Road Physiotherapy incorporates therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training, each contributing uniquely to recovery.
Therapeutic Exercises: Central to the physiotherapy regimen for finger fractures, these exercises aim to enhance strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Initially, patients might engage in gentle exercises to alleviate stiffness, gradually progressing to more strength-oriented exercises. Resistance tools, such as bands or light weights, are often employed to rebuild muscle strength around the injured finger, an essential step for regaining full functionality. Research has shown that specific exercise regimens can significantly accelerate the recovery process and improve outcomes for patients with hand and finger injuries (Takata et al., 2019).
Manual Therapy: This technique involves the physical manipulation of joints and soft tissues to decrease pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility. For finger fractures, physiotherapists may apply gentle stretches and joint mobilizations to enhance movement in affected areas, facilitating a quicker and more complete recovery. Studies have highlighted manual therapy's effectiveness in improving joint mobility and reducing pain post-injury (Artus et al., 2017).
Functional Training: Aimed at restoring the ability to perform daily tasks, functional training in physiotherapy focuses on exercises that simulate everyday activities. This approach helps patients gradually return to their normal routines, emphasizing the practical application of regained strength and mobility. Research supports functional training's role in ensuring a successful return to daily life and activities, demonstrating its importance in the comprehensive rehabilitation of finger fractures (Dy et al., 2012).
The overarching goal of Keilor Road Physiotherapy in treating finger fractures is to restore hand and finger functionality, minimize pain, and enhance the patient's overall well-being. The evidence-based practice, grounded in scholarly research, underscores the efficacy of a structured physiotherapy program in achieving these objectives (Handoll et al., 2004).
Keilor Road Physiotherapy offers a targeted and effective approach to the rehabilitation of finger fractures, integrating therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training.
Conclusion
The management and rehabilitation of finger fractures highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment, which includes prompt professional medical intervention and the integration of physiotherapy into the recovery plan.
Prompt Professional Care: Immediate and appropriate medical attention for finger fractures is essential to ensure proper healing, prevent complications, and determine the best course of treatment, whether it be immobilization, splinting, or surgery.
Role of Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation process, employing therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the injured finger.
Benefits of Physiotherapy: Engaging in a structured physiotherapy program offers numerous benefits, including accelerated recovery, improved outcomes, reduced pain, and a quicker return to daily activities.
Collaborative Approach: The recovery journey from a finger fracture is a collaborative effort between the patient and their physiotherapist, emphasizing the importance of active participation, adherence to the rehabilitation program, and open communication.
The importance of seeking professional guidance for finger fractures cannot be overstated. Qualified healthcare professionals and physiotherapists, like the experts here at Keilor Road Physiotherapy, have the expertise to diagnose the extent of the injury accurately, recommend an appropriate treatment plan, and guide patients through a customized rehabilitation process. The integration of physiotherapy into the treatment plan is crucial for achieving the best possible recovery, enabling patients to regain optimal function and mobility in their fingers.
If you're dealing with a finger fracture, take heart in knowing that there are effective treatment and rehabilitation options available. By seeking the support of qualified physiotherapists and committing to your recovery plan, you can take proactive steps toward healing. Remember, with the right care and determination, you can overcome the challenges of a finger fracture and return to your daily activities with confidence and strength.
References:
Pulos, N., & Kakar, S. (2018). Hand and Wrist Injuries: Common Problems and Solutions. Clinics in sports medicine, 37(2), 217–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2017.12.004
Handoll, H. H., & Elliott, J. (2015). Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,* (9).
Handoll, H. H. G., Vaghela, M. V., & (2004). Interventions for treating mallet finger injuries. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,* (3).
Takata, S. C., Wade, E. T., & Roll, S. C. (2019). Hand therapy interventions, outcomes, and diagnoses evaluated over the last 10 years: A mapping review linking research to practice. Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists, 32(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2017.05.018
Dy, C. J., Daluiski, A., Do, H. T., Hernandez-Soria, A., Marx, R., & Lyman, S. (2012). The epidemiology of reoperation after flexor tendon repair. The Journal of hand surgery, 37(5), 919–924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.02.003
Artus, M., van der Windt, D. A., Afolabi, E. K., Buchbinder, R., Chesterton, L. S., Hall, A., Roddy, E., & Foster, N. E. (2017). Management of shoulder pain by UK general practitioners (GPs): a national survey. BMJ open, 7(6), e015711. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015711
Related Links:
Finger Injuries: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Trigger Finger : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Understanding Finger Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Mallet Finger: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Understanding Central Slip Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Article by
John Keller
Clinical Director | Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
John graduated as a Physiotherapist from the Auckland University of Technology with the John Morris memorial prize for outstanding clinical practise in 2003. John has since completed Post Graduate Diplomas in both Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with distinction, also collecting the Searle Shield for excellence in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Reviewed by
Dr. Jenny Hynes FACP
Clinical Director | Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Jenny sat extensive examinations to be inducted as a fellow into the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2009 and gain the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, one of only a few physiotherapists in the state to have done so.