Follow your provider's instructions about wearing your splint. Your provider will tell you when you can:. Keep your splint or cast dry.
For example, when you shower, wrap the splint or cast in a plastic bag. You will likely have a follow-up exam 1 to 3 weeks after your injury. For severe fractures, you may need physical therapy after your splint or cast is removed. You can usually return to work or sports activities about 8 to 12 weeks after the fracture.
Your provider or therapist will tell you when. Day CS. Fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 7. Fractures and dislocations of the hand. Just over three-quarters of all knuckle fractures occur among men, and they are more common among teens and young adults. Read on to find out more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of broken knuckles. A fracture can leave your knuckle and the surrounding parts of your hand feeling sore or tender.
It might hurt to bend your fingers or make other hand movements. You might not be able to move the affected finger at all. The knuckle might look concave or sunken. Common symptoms of a broken knuckle typically appear close to the site of the fracture. They can include:. A knuckle fracture occurs when one or more of your knuckles makes forceful contact with an object or person. The hand can be closed in a fist or open when the contact occurs.
Punching a wall or a door is the most common cause of a broken knuckle. Accidental falls are another common cause. Among athletes, a fractured knuckle could be the result of direct impact with another player, a playing surface, or a ball, stick, or bat. Your doctor may ask you about the injury and symptoms. They will conduct a physical examination of the affected hand and fingers. This will likely include checking your tendons and joints. Wounds and cuts around the knuckle can indicate that something is stuck in your hand.
They can also indicate an open fracture, in which the bone has broken through the skin. If your doctor has reason to believe that one or more or your knuckles is fractured, they will order X-rays. Your doctor will use several X-rays taken from different angles to make a thorough check for the fracture. Sometimes, additional X-rays or other imaging tests are used to provide more details about the injury.
In the short-term, broken knuckle treatment focuses on alleviating pain and swelling. My experience with this doctor was positive from the outset. Arora was kind and spent a great deal of time with me. Staff was friendly. The office was nice and bright. Very friendly and helpful Great staff!!! Doctor Arora was very professional and did great work. I was very happy with everything! Close Menu. Our Blog. Common Causes of Broken Knuckles Two of the most common types of hand fractures are phalanges fractures and metacarpal fractures.
If not, the break may heal incorrectly, causing a deformity of the finger. Hand Fracture Treatment Treatment of broken knuckles or fractured knuckles typically involves realigning the bone by stabilizing it, although the location and extent of the fracture will determine the course of treatment.
You may require surgery if: Your metacarpal bones are broken and misaligned Your fingers do not align correctly The fracture has broken through the skin The pain gradually worsens If you have experienced a hand fracture, Dr. If you suspect that your knuckle is broken, then see a doctor or visit an emergency room as soon as possible to get treated. You will probably have to wear a splint or brace for a few weeks until the knuckle heals.
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. To keep your knuckle in place, you should splint it to another finger. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Go to a doctor as soon as you can if you think your knuckle is broken. A doctor will be able to take an x-ray to confirm your suspicions.
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Never try to work through a broken knuckle, you could turn a minor fracture into a severe break. Helpful 38 Not Helpful If you have a severe break that needs to be placed in a cast, it can take four to six weeks to heal. Be prepared to miss some work if your job requires you to use your hands. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. Sometimes broken knuckles do require surgery. If surgery is required the knuckle may take even longer to heal. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. Avoid punching solid objects to prevent breaking your knuckles.
If you spar or do martial arts, wear gear to protect your hands. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 4. About This Article. Medically reviewed by:. Jonas DeMuro, MD. Co-authors: Updated: July 16, Categories: Bone Fractures Finger Health. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
Article Summary X To know if your knuckle is broken, consider whether you felt a popping or snapping sensation accompanied by severe, immediate pain at the time of injury. In other languages Italiano: Capire se hai la Nocca Fratturata. Nederlands: Herkennen of je een gebroken knokkel hebt. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Reader Success Stories Kathy B. Jul 13, I have been confused about my knuckle after I accidentally slammed it against a wall while cleaning.
My bruise is huge, the pain is bad and goes up two of my fingers and to my wrist. At night it wakes me up. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better.
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