How to Treat a Broken Finger
Injuries may range from simple bruises to broken bones and fractures. A broken finger is the most common type of injury endured with a fall, sports activities or work related accidents. This injury is minor but it can be painful and frustrating. A person feels severe pain for even a minor task he does.
A broken finger requires immediate attention in order to reduce pain and recover faster.
Instructions
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1
Recognizing the signs
First of all you need to figure out whether the finger is broken or not. Its symptoms wary widely but usually includes the following:
- Sharp pain when the finger is broken
- Difficult to move it
- Yellowing due to bruise
- Swelling in the area of the break
- Slight warm sensation at the site of the fracture -
2
Attention of a doctor required if it’s a serious fracture
You need to keep in mind that if it’s a serious fracture then you need to see a doctor immediately.
Following are some of the symptoms that need immediate attention of a doctor:
- Bone bursting from the skin or a crushed tissue, then you need to go to an emergency department immediately
- If swelling limits the motion
- Some fractures of the fingers may be delicate and the pain may not be tolerable
- Evident dislocation of a finger
- If the finger is numbed at the site of fracture -
3
Immediately take steps after breaking your finger
After suffering this injury, you can take actions to reduce the rate of swelling and intensity of pain. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Take pain medication such as ibuprofen
- Put an ice on the finger
- Use a firm item like a stick to make a splint. Then cover the finger and the splint together with a tape. -
4
See a doctor for complete recovery
Visit a doctor after taking immediate steps of treating a broken finger. He will require an x-ray of your hand to pinpoint the exact site and severity of the injury. In case of more serious fracture, he will first reset your finger and then bind with the finger besides it. -
5
Follow your doctor’s precautions
During the healing process, follow your doctor’s orders for quick recovery. Apply ice cubes or ice packs many times a day in order to lower the swelling. For severe fractures, regular visits to a physical therapist may be necessary.
