It is possible to break a bone in your hand and still move it. Despite the common belief that movement rules out a fracture, the hand’s intricate anatomy and certain fracture types allow some movement to persist. This article explains why this occurs and what other signs indicate a potential hand fracture.
How Hand Bones Can Break and Still Allow Movement
The human hand contains 27 bones, forming a complex structure supported by a network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These soft tissues can provide enough stability to allow some movement even when a bone is compromised. For example, hairline fractures, also known as stress fractures, involve tiny cracks in the bone rather than a complete break. These subtle injuries may not immediately disrupt the hand’s overall function, permitting continued but often painful movement.
Non-displaced fractures are another type where the bone is broken, but the fragments remain in their proper alignment. In such cases, surrounding tissues can hold the fractured pieces together, allowing some range of motion. Partial fractures, where the bone is cracked but not entirely separated, can similarly allow movement.
Other Signs of a Broken Hand
Since the ability to move your hand does not rule out a fracture, recognizing other symptoms becomes crucial. Persistent localized pain is a primary indicator, often worsening with pressure or movement. Swelling around the injured area commonly develops as the body responds to the injury, accumulating excess fluid. Bruising, which may appear immediately or hours after the injury, results from damaged blood vessels leaking into surrounding tissues.
Tenderness to the touch over a specific bone in the hand also strongly suggests a fracture. While not always obvious, subtle deformities, such as a finger appearing crooked or a knuckle looking sunken, can indicate a bone out of alignment. Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers might occur if the fracture impacts nearby nerves. Additionally, weakness in the hand or difficulty gripping objects are common complaints that can signal a fractured bone.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
Prompt medical attention is essential if a hand fracture is suspected, regardless of whether movement is still possible. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications such as improper healing, chronic pain, or long-term loss of function. Untreated fractures may result in malunion, where bones heal in an incorrect position, or nonunion, where they fail to grow back together. Such outcomes can significantly affect the hand’s ability to perform daily activities.
An urgent care clinic or emergency room can provide the necessary assessment to determine the extent of the injury. Early intervention helps minimize pain and stiffness and can prevent more severe, lasting issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hand Fractures
Diagnosing a hand fracture typically begins with a physical examination of the affected hand. The healthcare provider will assess for signs like swelling, tenderness, deformity, and limited range of motion. Imaging tests are then used to confirm the presence and extent of the injury. X-rays are the standard diagnostic tool, providing clear images of the bones to identify fractures. For more complex cases or to assess soft tissue damage, advanced imaging such as CT scans or MRIs may be utilized.
Treatment approaches for hand fractures vary based on the type and severity of the break. Many fractures can be managed without surgery through immobilization, which restricts movement to allow proper healing. This often involves wearing a splint or cast for several weeks. Pain management is also a component of care, often with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
For more severe or displaced fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bone fragments and secure them in place with pins, screws, or plates. After the bone has healed, rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is often recommended to restore full function, strength, and range of motion to the hand.