A hand injury often leads to questions about its severity. While many minor incidents result in sprains or bruises, a broken hand, also known as a fracture, can occur from impacts like falls or crush injuries. Accurately determining if a hand is broken without professional medical evaluation is challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment are important for optimal healing.
Recognizing the Signs of a Hand Fracture
A broken hand typically presents with several observable signs. Severe pain, which often worsens with movement or when gripping objects, is a primary indicator, usually localized directly at the injury site. Swelling around the injured area, sometimes extending to the fingers or wrist, is also a common response to a fracture.
Bruising or discoloration may appear around the injury site. A visible deformity, such as a crooked finger, a sunken knuckle, or an abnormal angle of the hand, strongly suggests a broken bone. Difficulty moving the fingers or hand, stiffness, or numbness and tingling in the fingers can also indicate a fracture.
Distinguishing a Fracture from Other Hand Injuries
Differentiating a hand fracture from a sprain, strain, or bruise can be difficult because many symptoms overlap. However, a fracture often involves sharp, intense pain localized directly on the bone, which typically worsens with pressure or movement. Unlike a sprain, which is an injury to ligaments, a fracture’s pain usually does not improve without appropriate medical intervention.
A visible deformity, such as a crooked or misaligned hand, is a stronger indicator of a fracture than a sprain or bruise. While sprains and bruises can cause swelling and bruising, a fracture often presents with more pronounced swelling directly over the bone. The inability to move the hand or fingers, or a significant loss of normal hand function, is also more characteristic of a fracture.
Immediate Steps After a Suspected Hand Injury
If a hand injury is suspected to be a fracture, immediate first aid measures can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Immobilize the injured hand to prevent movement of the potentially broken bones. This can be achieved by gently supporting the hand with a soft splint, a rolled towel, or even another hand.
Applying ice to the swollen area can help reduce both swelling and pain. The ice pack should be wrapped in a cloth and applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, rather than directly on the skin. Elevating the injured hand above heart level also assists in reducing swelling. Avoid attempting to “reset” the hand or apply excessive pressure, as this can worsen the injury.
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
Seek professional medical attention promptly if a hand fracture is suspected. Immediate care is particularly necessary for severe, unrelenting pain, especially pain that prevents any movement of the hand or fingers. A visible deformity, such as a crooked finger or a bone protruding through the skin, also requires urgent medical evaluation.
Other signs that warrant immediate medical attention include an open wound near the injury, numbness or tingling in the fingers, or any loss of sensation. Delaying diagnosis and treatment for a hand fracture can lead to poor healing outcomes, reduced range of motion, and decreased grip strength. Even if symptoms appear mild, a professional assessment is important to prevent potential long-term complications.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
Upon visiting a doctor for a suspected hand injury, the medical professional will typically begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about how the injury occurred and the symptoms experienced. A thorough physical examination of the hand will follow, assessing for tenderness, swelling, deformity, and the range of motion. The doctor will also check for sensation and circulation in the hand and fingers.
To confirm a fracture and determine its location and severity, imaging tests are commonly ordered. X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool for identifying broken bones in the hand, as they provide clear images of bone structures. In more complex cases, such as those involving multiple fractures or joints, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to provide a more detailed view.