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General Hand Fracture Treatment
in Central, Kentucky

A general hand fracture is a break or crack in one of the bones of the hand. The hand has 27 bones, including the small bones in the fingers (phalanges), the long bones in the palm (metacarpals), and the wrist bones (carpals). Fractures can happen from falls, sports injuries, accidents, or direct trauma. Symptoms usually include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the hand or fingers. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture and may include splinting, casting, or surgery to properly align and heal the bones.

BGO General Hand Fractures
BGO General Hand Fractures

What General Hand Fractures Are
and Why Early Care Matters

General hand fractures are breaks or cracks in any of the bones of the hand, including the fingers (phalanges), the long bones of the palm (metacarpals), or the wrist bones (carpals). They often result from falls, sports injuries, accidents, or direct impacts. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity, and difficulty moving the hand or fingers.

Early care matters because prompt evaluation and treatment help ensure the bones heal correctly, restore full hand function, and prevent long-term problems such as stiffness, reduced grip strength, or permanent deformity. Seeking treatment quickly can often make recovery faster, reduce pain, and improve overall outcomes.

    Symptoms You May Be Experiencing

    • Pain in the hand that worsens with movement or gripping
    • Swelling or inflammation around the injured area
    • Bruising or discoloration of the hand or fingers
    • Tenderness to touch
    • Difficulty moving the fingers or hand
    • Deformity or abnormal appearance of the hand or finger
    • Weakness or reduced grip strength
    • Numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are affected
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Bluegrass Orthopaedics

Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics
for General Hand Fractures

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our specialists provide expert care for all types of hand fractures. We offer advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans—from splints and casts to surgical repair—and comprehensive rehabilitation to restore strength and function. With a focus on fast, safe recovery and minimizing long-term complications, our team ensures your hand heals correctly so you can return to daily activities with confidence.

BGO General Hand Fracture

Non-Surgical Treatment Options
for a General Hand Fracture

Non-surgical treatment options for a hand fracture focus on protecting the bone and allowing it to heal properly. This may include wearing a splint or cast to keep the injured area stable, or buddy taping the finger to a neighboring finger for support if the fracture is stable. Patients are often advised to use ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce pain and swelling, along with activity modification to avoid further injury. As healing progresses, hand therapy may be recommended to restore strength, motion, and function.

Surgical Treatment Options & Recovery for General Hand Fracture

Surgical options for hand fractures are used when the bones are displaced, unstable, involve a joint, or cannot heal properly with conservative care. Procedures may include:

  • Pinning (K-wires): Small metal pins are inserted through the skin to hold the bones in the correct position while they heal.
  • Plates and Screws: Metal plates and screws are used to realign and stabilize more complex or displaced fractures.
  • External Fixation: A frame outside the body stabilizes the fracture using pins connected to the bone, typically for severe or open fractures.
  • Fragment Repair or Bone Grafting: In cases where bone pieces are missing or crushed, surgeons may repair fragments or use grafts to restore stability.

How We Decide What’s Right for You

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, treatment is a collaborative process:

  • Evaluation: We’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle demands. We may perform a physical exam and nerve testing.
  • Discussion of Options: We’ll walk through non-surgical vs. surgical approaches, including which type of surgery may make sense for you, based on your goals, job, and recovery expectations.
  • Customized Plan: If surgery is recommended, we’ll help you choose the method that fits your needs and explain clearly what to expect before, during, and after.
  • Support for Recovery: You’ll receive a post-treatment plan, including wound care, when it’s safe to use your hand, and therapy if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions - General Hand Fracture Treatment

How do hand fractures occur?

Most result from falls, crush injuries, or sports.

Do all fractures need surgery?

No—many heal with splinting.

How long is healing?

Usually 4–6 weeks.

Will I regain full movement?

Therapy helps restore strength and mobility.

Ready to take the next steps towards lasting relief?

If you’re experiencing persistent tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand — don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with our hand and wrist specialists to get a clear diagnosis and explore your treatment options. Whether you want to try conservative care first or you’re ready to talk about surgery, we’re here to help you find relief and restore your hand function.

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