Almost all the bones in the fingers are made up of three bones, also known as phalanges. The thumbs are made up of only two bones. Fingers are needed to complete activities that require fine motor skills. They are needed to perform daily tasks, such as writing, typing, tying the laces of one’s shoes, buttoning up a shirt, and eating. Fingers can be injured due to many reasons. They can be sprained, dislocated, or fractured. Certain people are more susceptible to getting a finger fracture than others. People who are older and have weak bones are likely to experience broken bones due to a calcium deficiency in their body. Individuals who use their hands at work frequently have a greater chance of fracturing their fingers as well. Close contact sports can cause finger fractures. Playing basketball, volleyball, hockey, football, rugby, and baseball can cause injury to the fingers. Going skiing and snowboarding may also cause a finger fracture if a person takes a spill and lands on their fingers. Car accidents can cause fractures to the fingers as well.
Signs That Your Finger is Fractured
There are several signs that a finger is fractured. If a painful sensation is experienced when the finger bone is touched, it could be broken. The finger might be swollen and deeply bruised. It may be very hard to bend the injured finger. The fractured finger may also appear to be deformed and out of shape. It is important to see a doctor after the injury to determine the proper diagnosis of the injured finger. Oftentimes, many people think a finger fracture is a sprained finger and as a result, it is treated improperly. Improper treatment may cause permanent deformity in the fractured finger and the development of scar tissue at the site.
Treatment Options for a Fractured Finger
The doctor can assess the damage by taking X-rays of the injured area. Depending on what type of fracture it is, the healthcare professional will treat it accordingly. For instance, if the break is a closed and avulsion fracture, the doctor may put a splint onto the finger to stabilize and protect it. If the injured finger is an open fracture that is impacted and out of position, the doctor will most likely need to perform surgery to treat the injury. It all depends on the unique case.
There are many ways to prevent yourself from getting a finger fracture. Those who are known to break their bones easily should eat a diet that is rich in vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D and calcium will help to promote healthy and strong bone growth and decrease the chances of finger fractures from occurring. Also, athletes and manual workers should exercise extra care when they are engaging in activities that may damage their fingers.
Schedule an appointment with our experts at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates to learn more about what can lead to finger fractures and how they can be treated at our office in Plymouth, Duxbury and Sandwich. Contact us today to book your evaluation!