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.

How long do you wear a cast for a broken hand?

Depending on the location and stability of the fracture, you may have to wear the cast for 3 to 6 weeks. Some types of fractures can be protected by wearing a removable splint or by being “buddy strapped” to an adjacent non-injured finger. The non-injured finger acts as a “moving splint” to support the injured finger.

Can a broken hand heal without cast?

Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.

What do hospitals do for broken hand?

Treatments for Hand Fractures You will typically be placed in a cast, splint or fracture-brace to immobilize the broken hand bones and hold them in place. The cast will probably extend from the fingertips up past the wrist almost to the elbow. This broken hand treatment ensures that the bones do not move.

Can you move your fingers with a broken hand?

If you think you might have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately, especially if you have numbness, swelling or trouble moving your fingers. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, decreased range of motion and decreased grip strength.

Can you still move your hand if it’s broken?

How fast does a broken hand heal?

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.

Is a broken hand an emergency?

Normally, broken bones of the hand, wrist, ankle, or foot may be treated at the local urgent care center. On the other hand, the severity of the injury even though they are only located on the limbs might warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Did I sprain or break my hand?

When to seek medical assistance: You should see a doctor immediately if you think your hand is broken. Some common signs and symptoms of a hand fracture include: a bone in your hand is visibly bent or deformed. your hand is bruised, tender, and swollen.

Is my hand broken or just bruised?

Broken thumb symptoms include swelling, bruising, sensitivity to the touch, and decreased range of motion. Some patients also report numbness or feelings of cold around the injury. In some cases, the hand or fingers may change colors, becoming pale or even blue, after a fracture of the hand.

What does a hairline fracture in the hand feel like?

Fast facts on hairline fractures: They can be hard to notice, but a dull pain often develops over time. Feelings of pain from light to moderate pressure can indicate a hairline fracture. Pain may be reduced using common painkillers, such as paracetamol.

How long do you have to have a cast on a broken hand?

You will likely undergo a second set of X-rays about a week later to ensure that the broken hand bones have remained in the proper position. The cast for your hand fracture is usually worn for three to six weeks. Gentle hand exercises can probably be started after three weeks.

What is the recovery time for a broken hand?

6 weeks. It usually takes a hand fracture 6-8 weeks to heal and another 4 weeks for bones to remodel and regain their native strength. However, exercises can be started as early as 3-4 weeks following an injury to maintain hand flexibility.

Why is cast arm for broken finger?

Casts that go up to the elbow often are used for broken fingers, because they keep the finger and hand from moving. That gives the broken bone the best chance to heal well. For finger fractures that don’t require surgery, a cast is usually only needed for about three or four weeks.

What is the treatment for a broken hand?

Possible treatments of a broken hand include: Cast and splints: If the fracture is not displaced (meaning, it is in the proper position), a cast or splint will likely be sufficient for treating the fracture. Pins: Small metal pins may be inserted through the skin in order to hold the bones in a better position.