A finger fracture occurs when one or more small bones (phalanges) or knuckles in your finger break. This injury can happen due to various incidents, including direct impact, crushing, or jamming the finger. This article explores the consequences that can arise if a fractured finger is not properly treated.
Immediate Effects Without Treatment
Leaving a fractured finger untreated can lead to an immediate escalation of symptoms. The initial pain will intensify, and swelling around the affected finger typically worsens, often accompanied by bruising and tenderness.
Without immobilization, fractured bone fragments become unstable and can shift further out of alignment, potentially causing more damage. Even simple hand movements become difficult, and attempting to use the finger can lead to sharp, persistent pain.
Long-Term Health Consequences
The long-term health consequences of an untreated fractured finger can be significant. One common outcome is improper healing, which can manifest as either malunion or nonunion. Malunion occurs when bone fragments heal in a misaligned position, leading to a visible deformity, such as a crooked or shortened finger.
Nonunion means bone fragments fail to heal, resulting in chronic pain and instability in the affected finger. This can happen if the fracture is not adequately immobilized or if there is insufficient blood supply to the injury site. Both malunion and nonunion can lead to persistent pain.
An untreated fracture often results in significant stiffness and a reduced range of motion in the affected finger. This is due to scar tissue formation around the break site and prolonged lack of movement in an uncorrected position. The finger may become permanently stiff, unable to bend or straighten fully.
The risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected joint increases considerably. When bones heal out of proper alignment, it places abnormal stress on the joint cartilage, accelerating its wear and tear. This degenerative condition can cause chronic pain, swelling, and limit the finger’s mobility, sometimes appearing years after the initial injury. In severe cases, sharp bone fragments from an untreated fracture can irritate or damage surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to long-term nerve pain, characterized by burning, tingling, or numbness, and potentially affect circulation in the digit.
Impact on Daily Life
The physical limitations stemming from an untreated fractured finger can profoundly affect a person’s daily life. Fine motor skills, essential for precise movements, are often compromised. Tasks requiring dexterity, such as writing, buttoning clothes, or handling small objects, become challenging or impossible.
Grip strength can also be significantly impaired, making it difficult to hold or lift objects securely. This loss of strength affects a wide range of activities, from opening jars to carrying bags. Occupational performance can suffer, particularly for individuals whose jobs require manual labor or precise hand movements.
Hobbies and leisure activities involving the hands, such as playing musical instruments, sports, or crafting, may no longer be feasible. These functional limitations can diminish overall quality of life, leading to frustration and reduced independence.
Why Professional Care is Essential
Seeking professional medical care for a suspected finger fracture is important to prevent immediate and long-term complications. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the fracture, typically using X-rays to assess its type and severity. This diagnostic step helps determine the most appropriate course of action.
Proper alignment and immobilization of fractured bone fragments are crucial for correct healing. This often involves splints or casts, which hold the bones in place while they mend. Such intervention helps manage pain and significantly reduces the risk of malunion, nonunion, and subsequent stiffness or deformity. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy after immobilization, is also key to restoring strength, flexibility, and full function. Neglecting professional treatment significantly increases the likelihood of severe and lasting negative outcomes.