Finger fractures are common injuries that can occur due to trauma, such as a direct blow to the finger or excessive force applied during sports activities. These fractures can involve the bones of the finger, including the phalanges (finger bones) and the metacarpals (bones of the hand).
Complications from finger fractures can include:
Mal-union or nonunion: Improper healing of the fractured bone can lead to misalignment (malunion) or failure of the bone ends to heal together (nonunion).
Stiffness and decreased range of motion: Lack of proper rehabilitation can result in stiffness in the finger joints, leading to reduced flexibility and movement.
Chronic pain: Inadequate treatment or improper rehabilitation can result in persistent pain in the affected finger.
Decreased grip strength: Without proper rehabilitation, the muscles surrounding the fractured finger may weaken, leading to a reduction in grip strength.
Functional limitations: Finger fractures can impact daily activities such as grasping objects, typing, writing, and performing fine motor tasks.
Cosmetic issues: Fingers if healed in a maligned position after the swelling decreases can result in a finger looking crooked .
Treatment for finger fractures Your hand surgeon/ doctor may immobilize affected finger with splinting or casting to allow for proper healing or recommend other interventions .
Hand therapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process for finger fractures. They provide specialized treatment to help patients regain function and mobility in the affected finger(s). Hand therapy may include:
1. Custom splinting: Hand therapists fabricate custom splints to protect the injured finger & promote proper alignment during the healing process.
2. Patient education: Precautions and activities that can be done during various phases of healing.
3. Manual therapy techniques: Hand therapists may use hands-on techniques such as edema management and joint mobilization to improve tissue healing and reduce pain.
4. Range of motion exercises: Hand therapists prescribe specific exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness in the finger joints.
5. Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises are designed to restore strength to the muscles surrounding the fractured finger
6. Functional activities: Therapy sessions may involve practicing activities of daily living and various therapeutic activities to improve coordination and dexterity in the affected hand.
Hand therapy is essential for optimizing outcomes following finger fractures. It helps reduce pain, restore function, and prevent long-term complications such as stiffness and weakness. Without proper rehabilitation, individuals may experience persistent functional limitations and decreased quality of life.