Fractures of the finger, hand, or wrist are common injuries that can occur due to accidents, falls, or sudden trauma. These fractures can range from a minor broken bone in a finger fracture to more complex injuries involving multiple hand bones or wrist bones.
Whether itβs a stable fracture requiring immobilization or unstable fractures needing advanced care, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment are crucial to ensure bone healing and preventing complications.
At Alliance Orthopedics, our skilled team of orthopedic surgeons specializes in treating these injuries with precision and personalized care to help you regain mobility and strength.
Causes of Finger, Hand, or Wrist Fractures
A fracture occurs when the force applied to a bone exceeds its strength, causing it to crack or break. Common causes of fractures of the finger, hand, or wrist include:
- Falls on Outstretched Hands (FOOSH): Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall is a leading cause of wrist fractures and hand fractures, especially in the thumb side or metacarpal bone.
- Direct Blow: A direct blow to the hand or wrist, often seen in contact sports or accidents, can result in broken finger or small bones in the wrist.
- Repetitive Stress: Activities like weightlifting or gymnastics can lead to stress fractures in the long bones of the hand and wrist.
- Avulsion Fractures: Any of the eight small bones, also known as a bone fragment, detaches due to the pull of a tendon or ligament during high-impact injuries.
- Underlying Risk Factors: Conditions like osteoporosis, low vitamin D levels, or weakened finger bones can increase the likelihood of fractures, even during minor falls.
Symptoms of Finger, Hand, or Wrist Fractures
Recognizing the early symptoms of a fracture is crucial for timely treatment. While broken finger symptoms can vary, most common signs include:
- Sharp Pain: Sudden and intense pain at the site of the fracture, which worsens with movement or pressure.
- Swelling and Bruising: The affected area often becomes visibly swollen and discolored shortly after the injury
- Deformity: In severe cases, the fractured finger, hand, or wrist may appear misaligned or bent unnaturally.
- Reduced Mobility: Difficulty moving the affected area, gripping objects, or performing daily tasks.
- Numbness or Tingling: Fractures involving nerves may cause a tingling sensation, numbness, or reduced sensitivity near the injury site.
Treatment Options for Finger, Hand, or Wrist Fractures
At Alliance Orthopedics, we offer holistic treatments for fractures of the finger, hand, or wrist, tailored to the severity and type of injury. Our goal is to ensure proper bone healing, restore mobility, and minimize recovery time. Our advanced treatments include:
Immobilization
For stable fractures, immobilization using a splint or cast is often the first step. This keeps the fracture fragments aligned, allowing the bone to heal over several weeks. Proper stabilization is essential for maintaining the alignment of the injured finger or wrist.
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Aponeurotomy
This minimally invasive technique is effective for addressing tendon-related complications that arise after a fracture. By releasing tension in the affected tendons, this procedure helps improve mobility and reduce recovery time without the need for open surgery.
Viscosupplementation
It is an advanced treatment that involves injecting a gel-like substance into the affected joint to reduce friction and inflammation. Viscosupplementation is particularly beneficial for post-fracture stiffness and pain, helping patients regain smooth joint movement in areas like the wrist joint or finger joints.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery after a fracture. Our skilled physical therapists design tailored programs to strengthen the finger joints, wrist joints, and surrounding muscles. Therapy helps to:
- Improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Reduce stiffness in the small joints of the hand and wrist.
- Rebuild grip strength and coordination for everyday activities.
Why Choose Alliance Orthopedics to Treat These Fractures
At Alliance Orthopedics, we provide advanced care for fractures of the finger, hand, or wrist with a focus on precision and patient satisfaction. Hereβs why patients trust us:
- Expertise in Minimally Invasive Treatments: Our use of techniques like needle aponeurotomy and viscosupplementation ensures faster recovery and reduced downtime.
- Personalized Care: Every patientβs injury is unique, and we tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services: From immobilization to physical therapy, we provide end-to-end care to ensure full recovery.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the latest advancements in orthopedic care to deliver optimal outcomes.
We know how frustrating a finger, hand, or wrist fracture can be, and weβre here to help. With personalized care and advanced treatments, our team at Alliance Orthopedics is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Book an appointment with Alliance Orthopedics today to see how we can help you heal, regain strength, and get back to doing the things you enjoy most.