Broken bone
If you believe you have broken a finger or thumb, get medical attention as quickly as possible. To cure correctly, it can require medicine.
A fracture is another word for a broken bone.
Check for a broken bone.
If you broke your finger or thumb, you most likely have the following:
- Painful
- Swollen
- Bruised
- Difficult to move
- It might also go numb or change color
It can be challenging to tell when a broken finger is dislocated or severely sprained. Probably, you’ll require an X-ray.
When to seek a medical aid
You suffered a finger or thumb injury:
- Swelling, bruising, and pain
- Stiff or difficult to move
- Points in an unusual direction.
- Feels numb or appears bluish
- It is cut, revealing bone through it
- A bone is sticking out of it
Treatments for a fractured thumb or finger
A physician or nurse might:
- Give you an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the discomfort if you try to straighten your finger
- Put your finger in a cast, splint, or a strap over another finger to keep it in place
- If there is a cut, give you a tetanus shot or antibiotics to avoid infection
- For severe breaks, surgery can be necessary
Treatments for a fractured thumb or finger
A physician or nurse might:
- Give you an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the discomfort if you try to straighten your finger
- Put your finger in a cast, splint, or a strap over another finger to keep it in place
- If there is a cut, give you a tetanus shot or antibiotics to avoid infection
- For severe breaks, surgery can be necessary
Recovering from a broken wound
- Typically, a fractured finger or thumb would recover in 6 to 8 weeks, although this is not always the case
- Before your hand regains its full strength, it could take three to four months
- Use your finger or thumb as usual once it has healed. It will cease stiffening up if you move it
- You might be able to get some simple hand exercises from your doctor
Self-activities
Do’s
Take paracetamol to reduce pain; if necessary, your doctor may advise alternative or more potent medications.
Keep your hand elevated and place it on a cushion or pillow to decrease swelling.
Gently place an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel on the finger or thumb every two to three hours.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 30 September 2022