Hand fractures are common injuries that can cause swelling, pain, limited movement and other symptoms. Whether you have a mild or severe hand fracture, it’s important to make sure it heals properly. Otherwise, you could end up with chronic pain or other symptoms. The type of treatment you should get for hand fractures depends on different factors, such as how severe it is. Keep the following information about hand fracture treatments in mind while exploring your options.
Casting or Splinting
Wearing a cast or splint helps keep your hand immobile, which allows it to fully heal. When you have a cast or splint on, the bones in your hand stay aligned while healing. The length of time you’ll need to have a cast or splint on depends on how stable the fracture is and where it’s located. Some casts or splints cover the entire arm from the fingertips to the elbow, while others are removable. Some splints keep the broken finger strapped to an uninjured finger for stability.
Medication
You might have some soreness with a hand fracture, so your doctor might suggest taking nonprescription pain relievers. You should ask your doctor which pain relievers are safe to take, since nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might affect the healing process. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics as part of your treatment plan if you have a fracture with an open wound. Antibiotics help lower the risk of developing an infection.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy that involves hand exercises can help restore your normal range of motion. You might have some stiffness after wearing a cast or splint for a hand fracture, which can make it hard to move your hand. Physical therapy helps ensure that you’re able to bend your fingers and move your entire hand around with ease again.
Surgery
In some cases, hand fractures require surgery for proper healing. You might need surgery if the bone fragments move before healing or if you have loose fragments in your hand. Surgery might also be needed if you have damaged nerves, ligaments or blood vessels or if you have an open fracture. Surgery for a hand fracture typically involves placing rods, pins, screws or plates in your hand to keep the bone pieces in place during healing. If you need to have bone fragments replaced, you might need a bone graft as part of your surgical treatment. Orthopedic specialists can determine if surgery is necessary for your hand fracture and explain potential risks and complications.
If you need treatment for a hand fracture, please contact Huntington Orthopedics to schedule an appointment. We can help you find the best treatment to help your injury heal properly.