Table of Contents
How long does it take for a hand fracture to heal?
With proper treatment, broken fingers will typically heal within a few weeks and broken hands within one to two months, although it may take several months to make a complete recovery from a severely broken hand.
How long does swelling last after fracture?
After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last for as long as three months as the body attempts to heal itself. If the swelling lasts longer than this, your physical therapist or doctor may need to take a closer look to determine the cause of the delayed healing.
How long can you wait to set a broken bone?
Restricting movement of a broken bone, which requires a splint, sling, brace or cast, is critical to healing. Before applying a cast, your doctor will likely wait until the swelling goes down, usually five to seven days after injury.
How do you reduce swelling in a broken hand?
First aid for a broken hand
- Avoid moving your hand. Try your best to immobilize your hand. If a bone has moved out of place, don’t attempt to realign it.
- Apply ice. To reduce pain and swelling, carefully apply an ice pack or cold compress to your injury.
- Stop the bleeding.
Is a fracture a break?
You may have heard people talk about bone fractures and broken bones. The terms are actually interchangeable and both refer to a bone that has been shattered, often by excessive force. Your doctor may be more likely to use the term fracture.
How do you rehab a broken hand?
Thumb Touch- With your hand in an upright position, stretch each of your fingers to touch your thumb. Claw Stretch- With your palm facing out, move your fingers into a claw-like position for 30-60 seconds. Grip Strengthening- Squeeze a grip-strengthening ball as tightly as possible 10-15 times with each hand.
What helps swelling go down fast?
Applying an ice-pack or cold compress to an injury is the fastest way to deal with immediate swelling. It helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. Cold therapy systems and ice baths are other methods you can use to apply cold to the area.
What is swelling after injury?
Swelling is the result of the increased movement of fluid and white blood cells into the injured area. The release of chemicals and the compression of nerves in the area of injury cause pain. The pain and swelling can keep the athlete from using the injured part, serving to protect it from further injury.
What are some interesting facts about injuries to the hand?
Hand Injury Facts 1 Intricate in design and function, the hand is an amazing work of anatomic engineering. 2 The goal with injuries to the hand is a rapid and accurate initial evaluation and treatment. 3 The hand consists of 27 bones (including the 8 bones of the wrist). 4 The most common cause of the injuries was blunt trauma,…
What is the most common cause of trauma to the hand?
When the other associated structures (nerves, arteries, veins, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint cartilage, and fingernails) are considered, the potential for a variety of injuries exists when trauma involves the hand. The most common cause of the injuries was blunt trauma, followed by injury from a sharp object.
What to do if you have a fracture in your hand?
1 Immobilize or splint the hand, if possible. 2 Cover the injury if bone is exposed (open fracture ), with a clean towel, cloth, or gauze. 3 Ice may help decrease the pain, but never apply ice for more than 20 minutes at one time, and never apply ice directly to skin. 4 Seek medical attention.
Can you break a bone in a slip and fall accident?
When you get in a car accident or are involved in a slip and fall incident, broken bones are well within the realm of possibility. If the car crashes into you a high enough speeds, or if you land awkwardly or hard enough, bones will give under the pressure and snap.