How Do I Know if My Hand is Fractured?

A hand fracture means that you’ve broken one or more of the bones in your hand. This is far easier to do than you might imagine, as there are 27 bones in this complex architecture in the body.

Your hands see a lot of use every day, making them vulnerable to injury, whether it’s from a high-force impact or diseases that weaken the bone.

What you may not realize is that bone is living tissue. Your bones, like your skin, just need the right conditions to heal themselves. The good news is that in healthy humans, our bones are resilient and strong.

What Are the Types of Hand Fractures?

Bones are rigid structures; but not so rigid that they can’t bend a little. However, if the force is too great, the bone will develop a fracture and then break. That force determines how bad the fracture is, from a hairline crack to shattering the bone.

Bones can be broken in several different ways. Some of the types of hand fractures that can occur include:

Comminuted fractures occur when the bone is shattered into three or more pieces under the skin
Compound fractures are bones that are so broken they stick out of the skin
Greenstick fractures have a partial break on one side of the bone, which can occur because the rest of the bone can bend to withstand the pressure
Impacted fractures occur when one bone is broken but it pushes into another bone
Intra articular fractures of bones of the hand occur when the break extends into the surface of a joint
Longitudinal fractures run the entire length of the particular bone impacted
Pathological fractures occur when the bones are weakened by an underlying condition that results in the fracture, like osteoporosis
Spiral fractures indicate at least one part of the bone has been twisted
Stable fractures are when the two broken parts of the bones line up and are barely out of place
Stress fractures are common in athletes whose repeated pressure on their bones cause it to simply give way

You can also have a fracture dislocation when the hand is broken but a joint is also dislocated.

What Causes a Hand Fracture

The hand can be fractured in so many ways. For instance, the first thing you do when you start to fall is instinctively to put your hand out to mitigate the impact. Many fractures can occur this way. If you work with your hands in construction, landscaping, or another trade, you may regularly subject your hands to harsh physical conditions that could injure them.

Interestingly, children are often vulnerable to fractures, however, their bones are slightly more giving than older adults, whose bones become weaker and more brittle as they age. People with illness can be more vulnerable to a bone fracture, as are athletes that frequently subject their bones, muscles, and joints to the rigors of their sport.

The statistics tell us that 6.3 million bodily fractures occur each year in the U.S. That means, for every 100 people, 2.4 will experience some sort of fracture to a bone this year. Wrist and hand fractures are common; for example, the most common type of fracture in people before age 75 is a wrist fracture. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most common type of hand fracture is a break in the fifth metacarpal, which is the bone in the palm of the hand that connects to the little finger. They call this type of break a “boxer’s fracture,” because it most commonly occurs by making a fist and punching a hard object.

Hand Fracture Symptom Checker

If you think it’s a hand fracture, you need treatment immediately. Otherwise, the bone may start to heal incorrectly and out of alignment. Getting treatment quickly will help lessen any stiffness or recurring pain.

How will you know if you’ve fractured your hand and need treatment? You might have a hand fracture if you experience:

Bruising and swelling of any part of the hand
Deformity in the joint, such as a finger that is crooked
Numbness, stiffness, or the inability to move the hand, fingers, wrist, or thumb
Pain, which can be severe, particularly when you’re squeezing or gripping something

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment right away. If you delay, the body will naturally try to heal itself. This could cause decreased range of motion, arthritis, permanent disfigurement, or other painful conditions that impact your ability to use your hands later on. Talk to an orthopaedic hand specialist.

Hand Fracture Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Immobilization with a cast or brace
Splinting to protect and support healing
Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy to restore motion and strength

Surgical Treatments

Realignment with pins, screws, or plates
External fixation for complex injuries
Tendon or ligament repair if associated injuries are present

What’s the Difference Between a Hand Fracture and a Hand Sprain?

It’s hard for the average person without medical training to know if that hand pain is from a sprain or a fracture. While a fracture is a break in the bone, a sprain is a ligament that’s been torn or stretched. This is hard to determine by a layperson because there are so many small bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons within the hand that are injury-susceptible.

This is why, if you’ve injured your hand, you should head to an orthopaedic specialist for help. The experienced team at Orlando Orthopaedic Center can diagnose and treat your hand injury and help you get back to normal activities as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I know if my hand is broken or just sprained?
A: A fracture is a break in the bone, while a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. The only way to know for sure is to have an X-ray taken by a medical professional.

Q: How long does it take for a hand fracture to heal?
A: Most hand fractures take 4–8 weeks to heal, but recovery time depends on your age, overall health, the type of fracture, and whether surgery was required. Physical therapy may be needed after immobilization.

Q: Will I need surgery for a hand fracture?
A: Not all fractures require surgery. Surgery may be recommended if the bones are out of alignment, the fracture is unstable, or if there are multiple breaks. Your orthopaedic specialist will determine the best option.

Q: Can I use my hand while it’s in a cast or brace?
A: You should avoid activities that put stress on your healing bone. Your doctor may recommend light, safe movements to prevent stiffness, but you should follow their instructions closely.

Q: What happens if a hand fracture is left untreated?
A: An untreated fracture can heal improperly, leading to reduced mobility, deformity, arthritis, and chronic pain. Prompt treatment increases your chances of a full recovery.

OUR HAND & WRIST PHYSICIANS

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT