Each year, millions of people sustain a broken hand, often leading to significant and lasting disabilities. With 27 bones working together, the hand is essential for daily activities, making any loss of function a serious concern.
Many people mistakenly believe fractures and breaks are different, but they are the same. Fractures can range from small cracks to bones shattered into multiple pieces. In some cases, a broken hand is immediately apparent due to visible deformities, such as a crooked finger or dislocation. In other cases, the injury becomes more noticeable over time as symptoms like swelling, bruising, stiffness, and severe pain develop. Additional signs include difficulty moving the fingers or thumb and numbness in the hand or fingers.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to proper healing and preserving hand functionality. At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute in Fremont, we provide expert care for a variety of types of hand fractures. Whether your injury requires non-surgical treatment or surgery, we’ll design a personalized plan to help you return to your daily life with the best possible results.
Expert Treatment for Broken Hand at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute in Fremont
- Immobilization: For proper healing, the broken bone must remain stable, usually with a splint, brace or cast for minor fractures. Elevating your hand above heart level will also help reduce swelling and pain.
- Apply Ice: Ice packs or cold compresses help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap them in a clean cloth or towel before applying them to the injured area.
- Pain Medication: If pain medication is prescribed, be sure to take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Surgical Intervention: If the fracture is severe or displaced, surgery may be needed to align the bones properly. This procedure typically involves using pins, rods, screws, or plates to stabilize the bones and ensure proper healing.
- Therapy: Whether treated non-surgically or surgically, hand therapy is often essential after healing to restore strength, mobility, and function to the injured hand.
Expert Fractured Hand Treatment at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute
If you suspect your hand is broken, it’s essential to seek evaluation from a medical professional. Even if you think it may not be serious, untreated fractures can result in long-term complications. The only way to confirm a break and assess its severity is through a medical examination, which may include X-ray imaging. At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute in Fremont, we provide accurate diagnosis and effective non-surgical treatments, along with advanced hand surgery when needed. The sooner we start, the sooner you’ll be on the road to recovery—ensuring your hand heals properly and you regain full functionality. Call us at at (510) 480-3700 or schedule your appointment online today to get started.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/broken-hand
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-hand/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20450277