Each finger contains three bones called phalanges (the thumb has two). Finger fractures are among the most common bone injuries in the body, and they can be deceptive since movement may still be possible despite injury.
Common Causes of Finger Fractures
Fingers are frequently used and therefore vulnerable to injury. Common causes include mishandling power tools, breaking falls with your hands, sports injuries, and door-related accidents.
Symptoms of Finger Fractures
Key warning signs include finger deformation, sharp pain following injury, swelling within five to ten minutes, redness, numbness, and bruising in severe cases. A finger with a fracture can still move slightly depending on the level of injury.
Can the Phalange Fracture Heal on Its Own?
Some fractures heal without intervention. In small breakages, the fracture can heal on its own. This is because the bone can join itself together if the edges of the fracture are very close.
First Aid for Finger Fractures
Minimize movement by taping the injured finger to an adjacent one, elevate your hand, apply ice to reduce swelling, cover superficial wounds with clean cloth, and remove any rings.
Length of Recovery
Finger fractures can take between two to eight weeks to heal. Seek medical attention if healing is uneven or delayed.
