Can i swim with a broken finger?

If you’re someone who loves to swim or has an upcoming vacation in the tropics, you must be wondering if it’s possible to take a dip even though your finger is broken. After all, swimming is supposed to relieve stress, not cause any more of it! Well, today we’re going to dive deep into this topic and clear up all of your confusion so that you can have some peace of mind during beach season.

Understanding Broken Fingers

First things first- let’s understand what a broken finger really means. A finger fracture occurs when one or more bones in the finger break due to injury, trauma or overuse. It usually causes severe pain, swelling and decreased movement capability in the affected area.

There are three types of bone fractures: simple (the bone cracks but stays aligned), transverse (the bone breaks horizontally) and comminuted (the bone shatters into multiple pieces). Depending on the type of fracture you’re dealing with will determine how long healing takes – which is typically four weeks for minor breaks and eight weeks for severe ones.

The Impact Of Swimming On A Broken Finger

Swimming while having a broken finger may seem like an innocent enough activity but it isn’t just harmless fun! The impact that swimming could have on your broken digit depends on several factors:

1. Pressure From Water

The pressure exerted by water directly affects bones and joints causing compression and thus making fractures worse than they already are.Soaking water adds additional force which can extend recovery time by months!

2. Movement Restrictions

Due to its natural aquatic environment or sometimes artificial wave machines at certain facilities provide inherent conditions for motion which can agitate existing wounds especially those involving fingers made worse through splashing.

3. Bacterial Growth

Pools and beaches are not germ-free no matter how fantastical you might picture their pools to be. Swimming around with an exposed wound and a broken finger – especially if it’s open or has stitches – can increase to the risk of bacterial growth. Infections happen extremely quickly, both causing serious harm without timely treatment.

Precautionary Measures To Take

When it comes to swimming drills of every kind, practicing caution is foremost important. Here are few precautionary measures you should take before taking that much-awaited dip in pool:

1. See A Doctor First!

Before anything else talk to your traumactic doctor first as best advice must come from professional medical sources even for something small like this!!

2. Bandaging

Securely bandage fingers (this will save you from various harmful microbes getting into wounds) so skin will stay hydrated during swim exercise routine lowering risks arising due dehydration caused by autumn dryness when many people suffer painful cracked “chapped” hands which can trigger worsening existing problems associated with bone fractures.

3.Waterproof Casts/Guards For Your Fingers

Another alternative is waterproof casts/guards specifically designed for water-based activities available commercially online or physical stores for your convenience! They protect broken bones while allowing ease of movement required while working out thereby preventing event further surface damage done on the skin.

Conclusion

It’s evident that swimming with a broken finger isn’t advisable at all- although there might be situations where one may need medication immediately after injury occurs(or ice packs work removing stiffness caused by being stationary). Remember, optimal healing requires limited movement , time and care making sure nothing worsens pre-existing injuries. As tempting as it may seem skipping swim-time forever protecting yourself goes way beyond avoiding short-lived happy time in pool.So look carefully towards ways better than crossing any established health boundaries; read our guide thoroughly regarding precautions should always be taken under professional guidance first!

Random Posts