Fractures

What is a hand fracture?

A fracture is a break in any bone. A fracture can range from a tiny hairline crack in the bone to a bone that has broken through the skin (called an open fracture). There are 19 bones in the finger, thumb and palm of the hand. A fracture of any of these is called a hand fracture.

What are the symptoms of a hand fracture?

Fractures can cause pain, throbbing, swelling and bruising, and the finger might look deformed or out of place. There will also be limited motion or inability to move the fractured finger and also the other fingers. There might be some numbness with the fracture if the tiny nerves running along the sides of the finger have been stretched or injured.

What are the causes of a hand fracture?

Trauma or injury to the hand is the main cause of hand fractures. Injuries may occur from sports, workplace accidents or falls. A fracture occurs when there is enough force to break the bone, and may involve damage to other structures in the hand.

What is the treatment for a hand fracture?

If a fracture is suspected, the doctor will order an X-ray. The results of the X-ray will determine what kind of treatment is needed. There are three main types of treatment to help fractured bones heal. The first type is simple immobilization and protection. The second type is called a closed reduction in which the doctor sets or positions the fractured bone. The third type of treatment is called an open reduction in which surgery is performed and may include a pin, screw or plate to keep the fracture stable.

What can a hand therapist do for me?

A hand therapist is extremely important in the rehabilitation of hand fractures. The therapist can fabricate a custom orthosis that provides proper positioning and allows the fracture to heal. Fingers become stiff very fast, and a hand therapist can instruct the patient in safe exercises that will prevent stiffness. The best outcome after a finger fracture is to have a fully healed fracture with a return of full-motion, strength and hand function.

If you are struggling with a hand fracture, contact our team at Professional Care Physical Therapy and ProCare Occupational Therapy in Riverhead, NY and East Patchogue, NY for a visit and let’s get you on the road to recovery.

Distal Radius Fractures

What is a distal radius fracture?

The radius is one of the forearm bones that connects the elbow to the wrist. A distal radius fracture is a break in this bone just before the wrist joint. The radius is the most frequently broken bone in the arm. A distal radius fracture is considered simple if the bone breaks in only one place. A complex distal radius fracture occurs if the bone shatters into many pieces, if any other bones break along with the radius or if parts of the bone move out of their normal position.

What are the symptoms of a distal radius fracture?

A fractured distal radius may cause pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness, and, in some cases, the wrist may look abnormal. Other symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the fingers, or the inability to bend or straighten the fingers or thumb.

What causes a distal radius fracture?

A distal radius fracture is usually caused by a fall on an outstretched hand or through contact sports and physical activities. Bones make up our rigid skeleton, and when a lot of force is put through them, they can break. A number of risk factors, such as low bone density or osteoporosis, may make it more likely for a distal radius fracture to occur.

What is the treatment for a distal radius fracture?

If a doctor suspects that the radius is fractured, an X-ray of the forearm and wrist will be taken. Once a doctor determines there is a fracture of the distal radius, a decision will be made regarding how to treat the break. Which option a doctor picks will depend on whether the break is simple or complex. Some fractures will require simple immobilization in a cast. Others may require surgery to realign the bone.

What can a hand therapist do for me?

A hand therapist works directly with a doctor to discuss how the bone is healing and when to begin moving the wrist. A therapist will educate and instruct the patient on how to reduce swelling and pain, as well as give helpful tips on how to return to daily activities while the fracture heals. For protection, the therapist might also make an orthosis to help support the wrist. When a doctor and therapist decide it is safe, exercises that will help move and strengthen the fingers, wrist and forearm will be started. The therapist’s goal will be to restore normal function and use of the hand and arm.