Broken/Fractured finger

Fingers are broken/fractured and injured regularly and relatively easily in everyday activities. The result of which is usually significant pain and swelling that can naturally lead to a disruption in your everyday life, from activities such as cutting your food, right through to gripping your tennis racket or golf club for example.

What causes a broken/fractured finger?

The most common cause of a broken/fractured finger is usually during contact sport such as rugby, hockey or football for example. This is because a certain amount of force is required to cause the bone to break and this usually happens when it is bent forcefully in the wrong direction. This can of course be caused in other ways such as a fall on to an outstretched hand or trapping your finger in the door for example.

What are symptoms/effects of a broken/fractured finger?

The symptoms of a broken/fractured finger may include:

Pain
Swelling in the broken finger but also possibly in non-injured fingers
Deformity of the injured finger
Bruising of the injured finger
Stiffness/reduced range of movement

Physiotherapy treatment for a broken/fractured finger

Prior to physiotherapy intervention a broken/fractured finger is usually immobilised in a splint for 2-4 weeks. The extent of your injury will determine whether or not you need surgery and this is something that should be discussed with your Doctor. Please ensure that you check with your Doctor that it is safe for you to commence physiotherapy treatment prior to booking your appointment.

Physiotherapy treatment should start as soon as possible after removal of your splint so that our specialist physiotherapists can work with you to increase the strength and flexibility of your finger and help you return to full function as soon and in as few treatment sessions as possible.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: