How long does a broken hand take to heal without a cast? 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. Can a hand fracture heal on its own? A broken hand can heal by itself.
What happens if you don't cast a broken hand?
Symptoms of a hand fracture include swelling, bruising, pain, inability to move a finger, or finger deformity. If left untreated or not treated appropriately, a hand fracture can lead to loss of hand mobility.
How long does a broken hand take to heal without a cast?
Usually, it is for about 3 weeks. Most fractures heal well. After healing, your knuckle may look different or your finger may move in a different way when you close your hand. Some fractures require surgery.
Do you need a cast for a broken hand?
Immobilization. Restricting the movement of a broken bone in your hand is critical to proper healing. To do this, you'll likely need a splint or a cast. You'll be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.
Can you let a broken hand heal on its own?
A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it's more likely to heal incorrectly. Specifically, the bones might not line up properly. This is known as a malunion.
What happens to the bone when it heals without cast?
A soft callus (a type of soft bone) replaces the blood clot that formed in the inflammatory stage. As healing progresses, the soft callus is replaced with hard bone (known as hard callus), which is visible on x-rays several weeks after the fracture. Over the next few weeks, the soft callus becomes harder.
What happens if you don't get a cast for a broken bone?
The broken bone must be properly aligned and held in place, often with a plaster cast, so it heals in the correct position. If you do not receive the correct treatment, you could develop a serious infection or a permanent deformity. You may also have long-term problems with your joints.
What happens if you don't use a cast?
Just as a cut on the skin will heal by itself, so too will a bone. If the cut is small, and the edges of the cut are close together, the skin will close itself up with time. The larger the cut, the longer the healing process will take, and the larger the scar will be.
Is there an alternative to a cast?
Splints, also known as half-casts, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases. Ready-made or off-the-shelf splints are available in many different sizes and shapes.
How do you self treat a broken hand?
How can you care for yourself at home?Put ice or a cold pack on your hand for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. ... Follow the cast care instructions your doctor gives you. ... Take pain medicines exactly as directed. ... Prop up your hand on pillows when you sit or lie down in the first few days after the injury.More items...
What is the fastest way to heal a broken hand?
The three key steps to faster bone healing are: Alignment of the broken bone fragments. Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization. Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken bone in your hand?
Vitamins and minerals including calcium and Vitamin D are essential to bone health. A diet rich in those nutrients, including dairy products, green vegetables, cod liver oil, certain fatty fish and eggs can help boost bone health and speed healing.
Can a broken hand heal in 4 weeks?
Recovery times After a metacarpal fracture of the hand, most of the healing happens between 3 to 4 weeks. It's normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. This often happens when you try activities you haven't done for a while. It's also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury.
Can a broken hand heal in 4 weeks?
Recovery times After a metacarpal fracture of the hand, most of the healing happens between 3 to 4 weeks. It's normal to have aches and discomfort beyond this. This often happens when you try activities you haven't done for a while. It's also normal for the area to be more sensitive for several months after the injury.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken hand?
The three key steps to faster bone healing are: Alignment of the broken bone fragments. Stability and support at the fracture site through immobilization. Healthy lifestyle choices that promote healing.
How do I know if my broken hand is healed?
When you touch the fractured area, the pain will lessen as the fracture gets more solid. So, one way to tell if the broken bone is healed is for the doctor to examine you – if the bone doesn't hurt when he touches it, and it's been about six weeks since you broke it, the bone is most likely healed.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken bone in your hand?
Vitamins and minerals including calcium and Vitamin D are essential to bone health. A diet rich in those nutrients, including dairy products, green vegetables, cod liver oil, certain fatty fish and eggs can help boost bone health and speed healing.
How to heal a broken bone in your hand?
Restricting the movement of a broken bone in your hand is critical to proper healing. To do this, you'll likely need a splint or a cast. You'll be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.
What is the diagnosis of a broken hand?
The diagnosis of a broken hand generally includes a physical exam of the affected hand and X-rays.
How long does it take for a splint to heal?
Rehabilitation can help, but it can take several months or longer for complete healing.
What is the procedure to hold bones in place?
Surgical and other procedures. You might need surgery to implant pins, plates, rods or screws to hold your bones in place while they heal. A bone graft might be used to help healing. These options might be necessary if you have: Even after reduction and immobilization with a cast or splint, your bones can shift.
What to do if you have a fractured bone?
If you have an open fracture, in which you have a wound or break in the skin near the wound site, you'll likely be given an antibiotic to prevent infection that could reach the bone.
Where to get treatment for broken hand?
Preparing for your appointment. You might first seek treatment for a broken hand in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly to allow healing with immobilization, you might be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.
Can you move your fingers after a fracture?
Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you might need a local or general anesthetic before this procedure. Whatever your treatment, it's important to move your fingers regularly while the fracture is healing to keep them from stiffening. Ask your doctor about the best ways to move them. If you smoke, quit.
How long does it take for a broken hand to heal?
Broken hand healing time. In general, broken hand recovery takes 3 to 6 weeks. You’ll have to wear the cast, splint, or brace during the entire time. The total healing time depends on several factors, including: your overall health. exact location of the break. severity of your injury.
What is a broken hand?
Summary. A broken hand happens when one or more bones in your hand break as a result of an accident, fall, or contact sports. The metacarpals (long bones of the palm) and the phalanges (finger bones) make up the bones in your hand. This injury is also known as a fractured hand. Some people may also refer to it as a break or crack.
What is the difference between a broken hand and a sprained hand?
While a broken hand involves the bone, a sprained hand involves a ligament. This is the band of tissue that connects two bones in a joint. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn.
How to tell if you have a broken bone in your hand?
The most common symptoms are: severe pain. tenderness. swelling. bruising. difficulty moving fingers. numb or stiff fingers.
How do you know if your hand is broken?
A sprained hand may cause the following symptoms: pain. swelling. bruising. inability to use the joint. If you know what injury caused your symptoms, you may be able to pinpoint what’s going on. However, the best way to know if your hand is broken or sprained is to see a doctor.
How long does it take for a hand to heal after a sprain?
Your doctor might have you start gentle hand therapy after 3 weeks. This can help regain strength and decrease stiffness in your hand.
What is the goal of breaking a bone?
The goal of broken bone first aid is to limit further injury. It can also help minimize pain and improve your recovery outlook.
How long does it take for a broken hand to heal?
If there is no other damage to your hand and the fracture is not complicated, the standard treatment is a hand cast or splint for 3 to 6 weeks.
How long does it take to recover from a broken hand?
Without complications, most people will return to their normal activities, including sports, in 6 to 8 weeks. Full recovery time for a broken hand may take longer when the injury or fracture is severe, requiring extensive therapy to regain function, or if there are complications. Was this helpful? 26.
What is the damage to the soft tissues in the hand?
Damage to the ‘soft’ tissues in the hand, such as tendons, blood vessels and nerves. Unstable fracture that needs to be positioned with metal screws and plates for metacarpal (palm bones) and phalangeal (finger) fractures (if both hand and finger bones are affected) The surgeon applies a cast or splint after surgery.
What kind of surgeon do you see for a broken hand?
If the hand fracture and surgery are complicated, you will likely see an orthopedic hand surgeon. You may need hand surgery if you have: Unstable fracture that needs to be positioned with metal screws and plates for metacarpal (palm bones) and phalangeal (finger) fractures (if both hand and finger bones are affected)
What are the signs of infection with casts?
In addition to the regular cast care (keeping it dry and intact), you will also need to watch for signs of infection, such as: Worsening pain instead of improvement. Foul odor and discharge or pus coming from under the splint or cast. Red, warm skin around your hand.
How to keep hand elevated after plaster cast?
When the cast or splint is first applied, you should try to keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart for a few days. This helps reduce swelling, which in turn helps manage the pain. If you have a plaster cast, your doctor (or the technician who applied the cast) will give you instructions on cast care.
How to recover from osteomyelitis?
Exercises and physical therapy can help you regain full range of motion and prevent loss of function or disability. Osteomyelitis, a bone infection, particularly with surgical fracture repair. Failure to heal (nonunion). If the bone does not heal properly, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Overview
Can a broken hand heal on its own?
- A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it’s more likely to heal incorrectly.
Specifically, the bones might not line up properly. This is known as a malunion. It can interfere with the normal function of your hand, making it difficult to do daily activities. - If the bones are misaligned, you’ll need surgery to realign them. This can prolong the recovery pr…
To diagnose a broken hand, a doctor will use several tests. These include:
Physical examination
- A doctor will check your hand for swelling, bruising, and other signs of damage. They might also examine the surrounding areas, like your wrist and arm. This will help them determine the severity of your injury.
Medical history
- This allows the doctor to learn about any underlying conditions you may have. For example, if yo…
If you recently been in a crash, they’ll ask about what happened and how your hand was injured.
X-ray
- A doctor will have you get an X-ray. They will use this imaging test to identify the location and dir…
It can also help the rule out other possible conditions, like a sprain.
Cast, splint, and brace
- Immobilization limits unnecessary movement, which promotes proper healing. It also ensures th…
To immobilize your hand, you’ll wear a cast, splint, or brace. The best option depends on your specific injury.
Pain medication
- A doctor might have you take over-the-counter medication to control pain. However, if you have …
They’ll also recommend the appropriate dose and frequency. Be sure to follow their directions.
Surgery
- A broken hand usually doesn’t require surgery. But it might be necessary if your injury is severe.
You may need metal screws or pins to keep your bones in place. In certain cases, you might also need a bone graft. - Surgery is likely necessary if your injury involves:
an open fracture, meaning the bone has pierced the skin