Fractures

Meet Peter

Peter, a 27-year-old avid cyclist, was enjoying a weekend ride through his favourite trails when a patch of loose gravel sent him tumbling to the ground. As he broke his fall, sharp pain shot through his right hand.

At the hospital, X-rays confirmed a fracture of his 5th metacarpal, commonly known as a Boxer’s Fracture.

Eager to get back to his active lifestyle, Peter was keen to return to cycling as soon as possible and sought the care of a hand therapist to optimise his outcomes

Hand and finger fractures treatment with hand therapy

At The Upper Hand Clinic, our experienced hand therapists work closely with orthopedic specialists to provide holistic care for hand and finger fractures. Our role extends beyond simple treatment, focusing on personalised care to restore function and strength.

The symptoms of a fracture may include swelling, bruising, visible deformity, pain, or difficulty moving the affected area. In some cases, the fracture may be subtle and require imaging to confirm.

Hand and finger fractures are typically caused by:

Falls: Landing on an outstretched hand or directly on the fingers

Sports injuries: High-impact activities like basketball, skiing, or martial arts

Workplace accidents: Crushing injuries from machinery or tools

Direct trauma: Punching a hard surface or sustaining a blow to the hand

Why choose the Upper Hand Clinic?
Our therapists specialise in understanding the unique anatomy and function of the hand, offering treatments that prioritise both healing and restoration of movement. With a compassionate, patient-centered approach, we ensure that your recovery journey is smooth and successful.

Get back to what you love
Don’t let a hand or finger fracture hold you back - at The Upper Hand Clinic, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your path to recovery!

Anatomy

The human hand is a marvel of engineering, composed of 27 bones that provide structure and dexterity. These include:

Phalanges: The small bones in the fingers (three in each finger and two in the thumb)

Metacarpals: The five long bones in the palm

Carpals: The eight small bones in the wrist, which connect the hand to the forearm

Together, these bones form a complex framework, enabling fine motor skills, strength, and flexibility. When fractures occur, they can significantly impact daily activities, such as gripping, writing, or even buttoning a shirt.

How hand therapists can help fractures

At The Upper Hand Clinic, our experienced hand therapists work closely with orthopedic specialists to provide holistic care for hand and finger fractures. Our role extends beyond simple treatment, focusing on personalized care to restore function and strength.

Assessment & diagnosis

Collaborating with doctors to interpret imaging studies like X-rays and make appropriate referrals.

Evaluating the extent of injury, swelling, and functional limitations.

Educating patients about their injury and recovery expectations.

Treatment & rehabilitation

Splinting and Orthoses

Designing custom splints to immobilise the fracture, ensure proper alignment, and protect healing tissues. These may be applied to treat fractures without surgery or may be applied following surgery and "fixation" of fractures if they are deemed "unstable".

Edema Control

Using techniques like compression and elevation to reduce swelling.

Pain Management

Providing strategies such as graded movement, modalities (e.g., heat/cold therapy), and education to manage discomfort

Therapeutic Exercises

Developing targeted exercise within safe healing time frames programs to improve range of motion, strength, and coordination and prevent stiffness

Preventing complications

Monitoring for stiffness, scar tissue formation, and reduced mobility

Addressing common post-fracture challenges like tendon adhesions or joint contractures

Guiding safe return to work, sport, or daily activities

Promoting recovery

Empowering patients to regain independence and confidence

Supporting long-term hand health through ergonomic advice and injury prevention strategies

Facilitate timely return to sport, work and other important life activities

Frequently asked questions about finger & hand fractures

How can you tell if your hand is fractured?

Signs and symptoms of a hand fracture include:

Pain: Severe pain, especially when trying to move or use your hand.

Swelling: Localised swelling around the injured area.

Bruising or Discolouration: Black-and-blue marks may develop soon after the injury.

Deformity: A visibly misaligned finger or part of the hand.

Limited Movement: Difficulty bending or straightening the fingers.
Tenderness: Pain when touching the affected area.

Numbness or Tingling: This can indicate nerve involvement, especially in more severe fractures.

If you suspect a fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. X-rays or other imaging techniques are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Do you need a cast for a fracture?

The need for a cast depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture.

Simple fractures: These are often treated with a custom splint or a cast to immobilise the hand and promote proper healing.

Complex Fractures: In some cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones, followed by a cast or splint.

Hand therapists at The Upper Hand Clinic can create customised orthoses to provide tailored support and ensure optimal recovery.

Can you move your hand if it's fractured?

Yes, it is possible to move your hand even if it’s fractured, but this varies depending on the type and severity of the injury.

In some cases, movement is painful or limited. Some fractures may allow for partial movement, but attempting to use the hand can worsen the injury.

If you suspect a fracture, avoid unnecessary movement and seek professional care to prevent further damage.

Got more questions? We’re here to help!

At The Upper Hand Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing expert care for hand and finger fractures. Contact us today for advice, diagnosis, and tailored rehabilitation solutions to help you recover and regain function.