Fractures in the fingers, hand, wrist, and upper limb
Understanding fractures in the fingers, hand, wrist, and upper limb
Fractures (a break) in the fingers, hand, wrist, and upper limb are relatively common and can occur for various reasons:
Trauma: Direct impact or a crushing injury, such as getting a finger caught in a door, can result in finger fractures.
Sports Injuries: High-contact sports or falls during physical activities can lead to finger fractures.
Repetitive stress: Activities that involve repetitive hand movements can gradually weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures.
Accidents: Car accidents or other traumatic events can lead to wrist fractures.
Osteoporosis: Weakened bones increase the risk of fractures.
Symptoms of Fractures
Identifying the symptoms of a fracture is crucial for seeking timely expert advice:
Pain and swelling: Pain and swelling around the injury.
Bruising: Bruising or discolouration of the affected area.
Deformity: The finger, hand or arm bones may appear crooked or misaligned.
Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the finger, hand, wrist or arm due to pain and swelling.
Tenderness: Tenderness when touching the injured area.
Difficulty grasping: Weakness and difficulty in gripping objects.
Treatment of Fractures
Consult with an expert: An Accredited Hand Therapist is a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with expertise in the finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Treatment options depend on the specific fracture.
Find below a list and linked information on common fractures.
Find a local Accredited Hand Therapist
Patients can find a local Accredited Hand Therapist on our website using the link below.