Did you break your finger? (Finger Fracture) Don't worry, let's talk about this!

Have you ever had a bad injury to your finger, whether it was a ball you hit while playing, a finger that got stuck in a door, or a fall that left your hand on your finger? At that time, you may think, 'Oh, I don't know if my finger is broken.' This is something that happens to many people. So let's take a look at what happens when a finger is broken (fracture), what are the symptoms, and what we should do.

What does it really mean to break a finger?

Simply put, a broken finger is when one or more of the bones in your finger break. Our fingers are made up of small bones called phalanges. The thumb has two of these, and the other fingers have three. When one or more of these bones break, we call it a finger fracture. This break can occur in the middle of the bone, or at the joints of the fingers.

To help ease the pain of a broken finger, you can try things like applying ice, taking painkillers, and elevating your hand . However, this is only a temporary solution. You should definitely see a doctor and get an X-ray.

What are the symptoms of a broken finger?

When you break a finger, the first thing that comes to mind is unbearable pain. Sometimes the finger may also change shape and appear to be stretched. In addition, look for these symptoms.

Remember, even if you can move your finger a little, don't assume it's not broken. In some fractures, you can move it a little, but it will only increase the pain. If there is numbness, it could mean that a nerve has been damaged. Also, if a piece of bone has broken through the skin (an open fracture), it's an emergency. In such a case, you should go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

What are the causes of broken fingers?

Most of the time, fingers are broken due to accidents. These things can happen even during everyday activities. See if these things have happened to you too.

Other factors that increase risk

In addition to these dangers, some diseases can also weaken bones and cause fingers to break easily. For example:

• Calcium or Vitamin D deficiency.
• Bone thinning diseases like osteoporosis.
• Malnutrition.
• Some infectious conditions.

How does the doctor recognize this?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you how the accident happened. Then he will examine your finger carefully, paying particular attention to the following:

• Is the finger pulled in the wrong direction?
• Does it look shorter than the other fingers?
• When you clench your fist, do the other fingers go over the top? (Scissoring)

After this examination, an X-ray will definitely be performed to confirm whether there is a fracture and to determine what type of fracture it is.

What is the treatment for a broken finger?

The treatment method depends on the location of the fracture, its severity, and whether the broken bone fragments are displaced (nondisplaced) or not.

Nondisplaced Fracture

If the broken bone fragments are not displaced, treatment is simple. The doctor will often:

• Splinting: A splint is placed to keep the finger straight and prevent it from moving.
• Buddy Taping: The broken finger is placed on the healthy finger on the side and tied with a tape. This is called 'Buddy Taping'.

You have to keep it like this for a few weeks. After that, the doctor will also advise you to do exercises to relieve the stiffness in your finger.

Displaced Fracture

If the broken bone fragments are dislocated, the doctor will have to put them back in their proper place. This is called a 'reduction'. Don't worry, this is done by injecting local anesthesia into the finger. It's like having a tooth extracted. Once the fragments are in place, the finger is immobilized with a splint as before.

When do you need surgery?

In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. These are some of the cases:

• If the fracture has affected a joint in the finger.
• If the bones are broken into multiple pieces (multiple fractures).
• If it is an unstable fracture that cannot be properly held with just a splint.
• If the tendon or ligament of the finger is damaged along with the fracture.

During surgery, the surgeon uses small wires, screws, or plates to hold the broken bones together. Sometimes these are placed temporarily and then removed. Sometimes they are placed permanently.

What happens if treatment is delayed?

This is very important. If possible , see a doctor within a week of the accident . The sooner you go, the more likely it is that the bones will be misaligned.

How long does it take for a finger to heal?

The time it takes for a finger to heal varies from person to person. It depends on the severity of the break, your age, and your health. It can usually take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, or even a year, to fully recover.

Do not do any heavy work with your hand until your doctor tells you to. Also, it is very important to do the exercises exactly as prescribed by your doctor or physiotherapist to relieve the stiffness in your finger.

There's nothing to worry about, if you get the right treatment, you'll get better soon!

Even if a broken finger seems like a small thing, it's not something to ignore. Don't just stay home and think, 'It's just a small thing.' It's wise to see a doctor for even a minor injury. Only then will you know exactly what the situation is and what to do. Don't try to treat it yourself.

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