Broken Hands: Common Breaks and Treatments
By
What is a Broken Hand?
A broken hand, a distressing yet common injury, can occur due to a variety of reasons such as accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents. When faced with a potential hand fracture, it is essential to understand the types of breaks, available treatments, and the importance of seeking medical attention.
Physician Examining an X-Ray of a Broken Hand
4 Most Common Types of Hand Breaks:
Hand fractures can range from minor cracks in the bones to severe breaks that disrupt the alignment of the hand. Common types include:
- Hairline Fractures: Small cracks in the bones, often caused by repetitive stress.
- Closed Fractures: Bones break without penetrating the skin.
- Open Fractures: Bones pierce through the skin, leading to a higher risk of infection.
- Comminuted Fractures: Bones shatter into multiple pieces, requiring complex treatment.
Please read this article if you want to learn more about the types of fractures.
Treatment Options for a Broken Hand
Rest and Immobilization: For minor fractures, a splint or cast may be sufficient to immobilize the hand, allowing the bones to heal naturally.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate discomfort while the hand heals.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises can restore hand strength and flexibility post-healing.
Surgery: Complex fractures might require surgical intervention to realign the bones and ensure proper healing.
External Fixation: In severe cases, external devices like pins and wires might be used to stabilize the broken bones.
Occupational Therapy can help you recover from a broken hand.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
While some minor fractures can be managed at home, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation. You should seek medical attention if:
- Deformity or Misalignment: If your hand looks deformed or the bones are visibly misaligned, immediate medical attention is necessary.
- Severe Pain and Swelling: Intense pain, swelling, or bruising are indicators of a potentially serious fracture.
- Limited Mobility: If you can’t move your hand or fingers, it might signify a significant injury.
- Open Wounds: If the skin is broken, exposing the bone, it’s an emergency situation requiring immediate medical care.
Will it Heal If You Do Nothing?
Ignoring a broken hand and not seeking appropriate treatment can lead to complications. The bones might not heal correctly, causing long-term pain, limited mobility, and decreased hand function. Additionally, untreated fractures can result in chronic conditions such as arthritis.
In some cases, a malunion might occur, where the bones heal in an improper position, leading to functional limitations. Nerve and blood vessel damage are also risks associated with untreated hand fractures. Moreover, open fractures are susceptible to infections, making prompt medical attention imperative.
Why You Need Medical Care?
A broken hand regardless of its severity, demands timely and proper medical care. While minor fractures might heal with rest and immobilization, more severe cases necessitate professional intervention. This is to ensure optimal recovery and prevent long-term complications. If you suspect a broken hand, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention promptly for a thorough evaluation. It is important to receive the appropriate treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome. If you have any questions, JOI and JOI Rehab are here to help you! Give us a call.
Written By: Mikel Betancourt PTA
Related Articles:
JOI Can Help!
The JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online. We have an exceptional group of physicians that treat the hand and fingers. They work closely with our JOI Rehab staff in order to provide you the best care.
If you want another option besides a cast, ask one of our staff members about Activarmor.
New to JOI, you can now schedule your follow up appointments and cancel appointments on the JOI Portal.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.