Medicines for Broken finger or thumb

What it is

A broken finger or thumb is a break (fracture) in one of the small bones that make up a finger or the thumb. It is a common injury, often caused by a direct blow or crush (for example trapping the finger, or a heavy object landing on it), a fall onto the hand, a sports injury (such as a ball hitting the fingertip), or bending the finger back forcefully. The symptoms can include: pain, swelling, and tenderness in the finger or thumb; bruising; difficulty moving the finger, or pain when moving it; stiffness; and, in some cases, the finger looking bent, out of shape, or deformed. It can sometimes be difficult to tell a break from a bad sprain or other injury, so assessment and an X-ray are usually needed to confirm a fracture and to check the position of the bone. A broken finger or thumb should be assessed, particularly if it looks deformed, is very painful or swollen, or cannot be moved, as correct treatment helps it heal in a good position and function well. After examination and X-rays, treatment depends on which bone is broken, where, and whether it is displaced or involves a joint: many broken fingers and thumbs are treated without surgery — for example by strapping the injured finger to the one next to it ("buddy strapping") or using a splint to hold it still while it heals — while some fractures, particularly those that are displaced, unstable, rotated, or involve a joint, need the bone to be realigned or fixed, sometimes with surgery (using wires, screws, or other devices). Most broken fingers and thumbs heal well with appropriate treatment, though it takes some weeks, and gentle movement and exercises help restore function and prevent stiffness. The key messages are to get a suspected broken finger or thumb assessed (especially if deformed or not moving), to follow the treatment advice, and that most heal well.

How it is treated

A broken finger or thumb should be assessed, and treatment depends on the bone involved and whether it is out of position; most heal well with appropriate care. If a fracture is suspected — particularly a finger or thumb that looks deformed, is very painful or swollen, or cannot be moved after an injury — it should be assessed (at an urgent care or A&E setting or minor injuries unit), where examination and an X-ray confirm the diagnosis and show the position of the bone. Initial care includes resting and elevating the hand (to reduce swelling), applying ice (wrapped), removing rings from the affected finger early (before swelling makes this difficult), and pain relief. Treatment then depends on the fracture: many are treated without surgery — for example by "buddy strapping" the injured finger to an adjacent one, or using a splint, to hold it still and supported while it heals, sometimes after the bone has been gently realigned if it is out of position; while fractures that are displaced, unstable, rotated, or that involve a joint may need the bone to be realigned and fixed, sometimes with surgery (using wires, small screws or plates, or other devices), to ensure it heals in a good position. It is important that fingers and thumbs heal in the correct alignment (including rotation), as this affects hand function, which is why assessment matters. During healing, keeping the hand elevated helps swelling, and gentle movement of the uninjured fingers keeps them supple. After the fracture has healed enough, gentle exercises or hand therapy help restore movement, strength, and function and prevent lasting stiffness, which is common in hand injuries. Recovery usually takes some weeks, with a graded return to normal use. Following the advice on strapping or splinting, elevation, and exercises, and attending follow-up (including any check X-rays), support good recovery. It is important to seek attention for warning signs, such as increasing pain, numbness, tingling, or colour change in the finger (which could indicate swelling affecting circulation, or a splint or strapping that is too tight), the finger becoming more deformed, or signs of infection (particularly if the skin was broken or after surgery). The reassuring message is that a broken finger or thumb, though it can be quite disabling and stiff at first, usually heals well with appropriate treatment and hand exercises, and most people regain good function.