The human hand is made up of basically two types of bones. These are known as the phalanges and metacarpals. While phalanges are the finger bones, metacarpals are the bones that constitute the knuckles. In simple terms, a hand fracture occurs when any of these bones in the hand gets broken. The advice of an expert orthopedic doctor is a must in case of a hand fracture. He will be able to recommend the best and most suitable treatment options that will work the best for you. Read on to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for hand fractures…
CAUSES:
- A person can suffer from any one of the following types of fractures:
- Non-displaced: In this case, the bone breaks but does not get displaced from its original position.
- Displaced: The bone cracks into two separate pieces. Open fracture: The broken bone comes out of the skin.
- Comminuted: The bone cracks in several places.
A hand fracture can happen due to any of the following reasons:
- One of the major reasons for a hand fracture is an injury due to a road or sports accident.
- You can suffer from a hand fracture if your hand receives a direct blow while indulging in sports like boxing etc.
- Too much usage of the hand or constant pressure on it can also lead to a fracture.
- Sports such as tennis as well as softball can also cause of stress fractures.
SYMPTOMS: Below mentioned symptoms are associated with a hand fracture:
- The pain aggravates with the movement of hand or wrist.
- Sharp pain in the hand when you try to pick up an object.
- Inflammation in the skin of the affected hand.
- Even bruises can show up in such cases.
- Weakness and numbness in the affected hand.
- The shape of the hand can become irregular or abnormal.
TREATMENT:
You must immediately visit an orthopedic doctor in case you suffer from a hand fracture. He will conduct a thorough examination of your wrist and also check for the bruises and open breaks in the skin. The doctor will also check the movement of your hand to fully determine the extent of your condition. X-Rays, bone scans, CT scans etc can be recommended to take the pictures of your hand and carefully see the damage that has occurred. After a proper examination, you might have to undergo any of the following treatment options:
- In order to minimize the movement of your hand, a brace, cast or splint can be used by the orthopedic doctor. This helps to quicken the pace of healing.
- If the fracture is in a particular finger, it is tied or strapped to the next finger for a decreased movement.
- You will also be given medications to cut down the pain. Also, antibiotics are prescribed so as to treat any sort of infection caused by bacteria.
- If you have an open fracture, a tetanus shot is important so as to prevent the onset of tetanus.
- Surgery can be required in case of an open fracture.