Finger Fractures: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

What are Finger Fractures?

A finger fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the finger, such as the distal phalanx, middle phalanx, or proximal phalanx, are broken due to forceful impact or twisting. The fractures can be simple (a single crack) or more complex (involving multiple bone fragments, dislocation, or joint involvement). Finger fractures can be classified into different types depending on the location, severity, and cause, including:

• Transverse fractures: A horizontal break across the bone.

• Oblique fractures: A diagonal fracture.

• Comminuted fractures: The bone is broken into several pieces.

• Avulsion fractures: The tendon or ligament pulls off a fragment of the bone.

• Greenstick fractures: A partial fracture where the bone bends but doesn’t break completely (common in children).

Common Causes of Finger Fractures

Finger fractures are usually caused by trauma or excessive force applied to the hand. Some of the most common causes include:

• Sports injuries: Especially in contact sports like football, basketball, or martial arts.

• Accidents: Such as falls, car accidents, or accidents in the workplace.

• Direct blows: Hitting a hard object, like a door slamming shut or accidentally punching a wall.

• Twisting injuries: In activities like rock climbing or gymnastics where the finger is twisted.

• Crushing injuries: Such as getting a finger caught in a door or machinery.

Symptoms of Finger Fractures

The symptoms of finger fractures can vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Common signs and symptoms include:

1. Pain and Tenderness

• Sharp pain around the fracture site, especially when moving or pressing on the finger.

2. Swelling and Bruising

• Swelling and bruising around the finger or hand, often worsening within the first few hours after the injury.

3. Deformity

• The finger may appear misaligned or have an abnormal bent shape, especially in the case of displaced fractures.

4. Limited Mobility

• Difficulty moving the finger, or the inability to fully straighten or bend it.

5. Numbness or Tingling

• In some cases, there may be numbness, tingling, or a sensation of weakness in the finger if there is nerve involvement.

Diagnosis of Finger Fractures

Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the type and severity of the finger fracture, and to guide treatment. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we follow a thorough process for diagnosing finger fractures:

1. Physical Examination

• A comprehensive physical exam to assess pain, tenderness, swelling, and the alignment of the finger bones. The healthcare provider will also check for nerve and vascular involvement (e.g., circulation issues).

2. X-rays

• X-rays are the primary imaging tool for diagnosing finger fractures. They help in determining the type of fracture, its location, and whether the fracture is displaced (bones out of alignment) or non-displaced.

3. MRI or CT Scan (if needed)

• In more complex cases, or if there are concerns about soft tissue damage (e.g., ligaments or tendons), MRI or CT scans may be used to get a more detailed view of the injury.

Treatment Options for Finger Fractures at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

The treatment for finger fractures depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Treatment goals aim to reduce pain, restore alignment, and improve function. Common treatment options include:

1. Splinting or Casting

• For non-displaced fractures, splints or casts are often used to immobilize the finger and allow it to heal in proper alignment. These are typically worn for 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture.

2. Pain Management

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, prescription pain relievers may be recommended for more severe pain.

3. Finger Buddy Taping

• In less severe fractures or stable fractures, buddy taping (taping the injured finger to an adjacent finger) may be used to provide support and prevent movement during healing.

4. Surgery (for Severe Fractures)

• Surgical intervention is required for severe fractures such as comminuted fractures (multiple bone fragments) or fractures where the bone is displaced. Surgical options may include:

  • Pinning or wiring the bone fragments together.

  • Plating or screws to stabilize the bone.

5. Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

• Once the fracture is stabilized or healing, rehabilitation becomes an essential part of recovery. This includes:

  • Finger mobility exercises: To regain range of motion and reduce stiffness.

  • Strengthening exercises: To restore strength and function to the hand and fingers.

  • Grip training: To improve overall hand function.

  • Joint protection techniques: To prevent future injuries.

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we design a personalized rehabilitation plan based on the severity of your injury, ensuring that you regain full function and avoid complications such as joint stiffness or deformities.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from a finger fracture depends on the type and location of the fracture, as well as the treatment provided. The rehabilitation process usually involves the following steps:

1. Initial Healing Phase

• During the first 4-6 weeks, the focus will be on immobilization and pain management. The finger must be kept in the correct position to allow the bone to heal properly.

2. Early Rehabilitation (After Cast Removal)

• Once the fracture has healed enough (usually after 4-6 weeks), we begin rehabilitation with:

  • Gentle range of motion exercises.

  • Massage therapy to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.

  • Ice therapy to manage residual pain or inflammation.

3. Advanced Rehabilitation

• As healing progresses, the rehabilitation program becomes more intensive, focusing on:

  • Strengthening exercises to restore full finger strength and function.

  • Grip exercises to improve hand functionality and coordination.

  • Dexterity training to enhance fine motor skills for daily tasks like typing, writing, or holding objects.

4. Full Recovery and Return to Activity

• Depending on the severity of the fracture and rehabilitation progress, most patients can return to normal activities after 8-12 weeks. However, high-impact activities (e.g., sports) may need to be gradually reintroduced based on the recovery rate.

Conclusion

Finger fractures are common injuries that can range from mild to severe. With appropriate care and rehabilitation, the vast majority of individuals can recover fully or regain near-normal function. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we are committed to providing expert care through diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to help you recover and restore your hand function. Whether your fracture is a result of sports injuries, trauma, or other causes, we offer personalized treatment plans that focus on your specific recovery needs.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health!