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You might first seek treatment for a broken hand in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly to allow healing with immobilization, you might be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.
With proper treatment, a majority of hand fractures go on to heal with good overall function. However, some fractures are more problematic than others and can result in poor outcomes. It is important to seek medical care for a hand fracture as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.
What is broken hand treatment? How your provider treats your broken hand depends on which bones are broken, which type of fracture you have and if you have any other injuries. The most common treatments include:
Medical evaluation and x-rays are usually needed for your doctor to diagnose the fracture and determine the treatment. Depending on the type of fracture, your hand surgeon may recommend one of several treatment methods.
If you have a broken hand, a doctor is the best person to diagnose and treat it. Here's what you may experience as you go through treatment.
Most broken hands require some form of fixation to heal correctly and restore full function to the hand. Fractures of the hand and fingers can be treated without surgery as long as they can be held in proper alignment long enough to heal. This can be accomplished with a hand or finger splint.
Metacarpal fractures are one of the most common types of broken bones. It might be frustrating not to use your hand while it heals, but don’t rush your recovery. If you put too much stress on your bone before it’s healed, you can increase your chances of re-fracturing it or developing other complications. What is a metacarpal fracture?
It's important to treat a broken hand as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bones might not heal in proper alignment, which might affect your ability to do everyday activities, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. Early treatment will also help minimize pain and stiffness.
Hand Fractures - Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from the Merck Manuals - Medical Consumer Version.
Contact a doctor, who will often refer the injured person to the emergency department, an orthopedist, or a hand specialist for diagnosis and treatment. How Do Medical Professionals Diagnose a Broken Hand? Most injuries to the hand will require an X-ray.