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Rehabilitation
for a finger fracture
Exercises for a finger fracture
How long will the effects of the injury last?
When can I return to my sport or activity?
Read more about
finger fractures
Rehabilitation
for a finger fracture
As an athlete, your number one concern is getting back to full strength
as soon as possible so that you can return to training and competition.
That is why appropriate rehabilitation is extremely important. Rehabilitation
for a fractured finger often includes the following:
- Rest
Avoid using the inured finger.
- Ice
Apply ice or a cold pack to your finger for 15 to 20 minutes, 4 times
a day until swelling and pain are gone. Wrap the ice or cold pack in
a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
- Elevation
Keep the injured finger raised above the level of your heart for 48
hours (such as up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce
swelling.
- Medication
Use anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation
and speed up recovery.
Exercises
Rehabilitation for a fractured finger is a matter of following prescribed
treatment until symptoms disappear. You may be required to wear a splint
or cast until the bone heals. However, the following exercises may aid
in restoring strength and range of motion to the injured hand once the
finger is healed.
- Ball squeeze
Place a tennis ball or equivalent in the palm of the injured hand and
squeeze as forcefully as pain permits for five seconds. Slowly relax
the hand. Rest for five seconds. Repeat 10 times at least three times
a day. Generally, the more often the sequence can be repeated in a day,
the better. From day to day, pain should subside until the point where
the exercise can be done without pain.
- Finger extension
Place hand, palm forward, on a wall or other flat surface. Press the
palm toward the flat surface as fully as pain permits and hold for five
seconds. Return to starting position and rest for five seconds. Repeat
this sequence 10 times at least three times a day. Generally, the more
often the sequence can be repeated in a day, the better. From day to
day, pain should subside until the point where the exercise can be done
without pain.
How long will the
effects of the injury last?
Once the bones of the finger are realigned (if needed), you will need
to wear a splint or cast for 3 to 6 weeks. After this period you may begin
the rehabilitation exercises to bring back strength and range of motion.
When can I return
to my sport or activity?
It may take a month or more to return to competition, depending on the
severity of the disruption of the joint.
Remember: The goal
of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as
is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury,
which could lead to permanent damage. Return to your activity is determined
by how soon your fractured finger recovers and full range of motion is
restored, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury
occurred.
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