Health A to Z

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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
    When to seek a medical aid

    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.

    To explore your health concerns in detail and receive expert advice, you can easily access our free doctor consultation service, designed to provide you with the support you need.

    Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
    Page last reviewed: 30 September 2022