Broken hand

Overview

A broken hand refers to a fracture or a crack in any of the bones located in the hand. This type of injury can be caused by falls or direct blows, and in the case of motor vehicle accidents, broken hand bones may require surgical intervention due to the possibility of multiple fractures.

Participating in contact sports like football or hockey, as well as having a disease that causes bones to thin out and become more brittle (osteoporosis), can increase your risk of breaking your hand.

A broken hand needs to be treated as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it’s possible that the bones won’t heal properly, which could make it difficult for you to perform daily tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt. Early intervention will also lessen discomfort and stiffness.

Symptoms

Several symptoms and indicators could be brought on by a fractured hand:

• Swollen, tender or bruised hand
• Intense pain that could get worse when you squeeze, grab, or move your hand
• The hand or fingers are numb
• A clear physical structure deformity, like a bent finger
• The inability to flex your fingers or thumb or stiffness

See a doctor right away if you believe you may have a fractured hand, especially if you are experiencing numbness, swelling, or difficulty moving your fingers. Poor healing, a reduction in range of motion, and a weakening of the grip can all result from delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

Hand fractures can be caused by a direct impact or crushing injury. In the case of car accidents, hand bones can break into several pieces, requiring surgical repair.

Risk factors

Participating in sports like football, soccer, rugby, or hockey may increase your chance of breaking your hand. Your chance of breaking your hand may also increase if you have osteoporosis, a disorder that weakens bones.