How can you tell your finger is broken?

Have you ever jammed your finger and thought to yourself, “Is it broken or am I just being dramatic?” Well, let me tell you, you are not alone. Many people have been in the same boat as you. But how can you actually tell if your finger is broken? In this informative article, we will look at various signs and symptoms of a broken finger that’ll help you make a more informed decision.

What Causes A Broken Finger?

Before we dive into the signs of a broken finger (or should I say digital fracture) let’s take a quick moment to understand what causes a broken finger in the first place. The most common cause of breakages occurs when there is significant trauma or force applied to your digits.

For instance; when engaging in contact sports such as rugby, basketball or wrestling which require heavy ‘impact’ on their fingers/palms. Other common ways one can get their digit fractured include hitting them against hard surfaces such as walls/floors among others.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Broken Finger

  1. Pain:

Nobody wants to experience pain— unless they’re into that kind of thing (not judging!). Just kidding! Back to business: One key sign that indicates your knuckles may be fractured is PAIN.That excruciating anguish experienced whenever there’s pressure exerted onto it usually occurs within minutes after impact but could still surface few hours later for some cases.
2. Swelling:
Have you noticed swelling around any of the distal digi-phalanx joint(s)? That’s right (of course I’m right!)– swollen knuckles /palm could indicate an underlying inflammatory response (like osteoarthritis) OR… brace yourselves…!—>
probably due scruffs/contusions/spasms (damn! Was too much scientific names thrown out earlier)

  1. Redness:
    Another glad signal to quickly detect if your finger might be broken is confirmed when you see red dots around the distal digit or in some serious situations – a blue-ish blackish tinge or purple hue over said areas.

  2. Limited Range of Motion:

Move your fingers now and then… just like that… Okay, great! But wait- If there occurs difficulty flexing/straightening any finger because of pain while attempting such moves– this may indicate digital trauma /impact happened breaking crucial bones present inside its structure.

  1. Flattened Appearance:

There exists occasional instances whereby the intensity of force exerted onto the digits may cause them appear ‘flat’. This is usually accompanied by localized swelling around affected spot.
6. Crooked Alignment
Your fingers should all run straight with each other as fellow digi-phalanx comrades – In case, any one finger refuses to abide and decides it prefers an “L” for Loser shape after impact, …DANGER.! most likely a fracture has occurred.

7.Numbness/Tingling Sensations
Numb? Digits asleep? Having tingling sensations where nothing seems abnormal could mean nerves have been pressed inwardly against bone occurrence (nerve entrapment), thus indicating possible fracture..

When To Seek Medical Attention For A Broken Finger

If you notice any signs & symptoms mentioned above (still sharp?), seeking medical attention from an orthopedic surgeon or general practitioner within few hours.. weeks depending on severity level usually highly recommended!

  • Use ice packs on area immediately
    Ice can help control/constricts blood vessels surrounding damaged sites thereby reducing ache/soreness and inflammation too.

  • Manage Pain
    You sway seek alternative health-care providers- physical therapist/chiropractor etc who could help exceed current treatment options beyond mere OTC drugs available locally( if any).

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, some broken finger symptoms may be similar to those of sprains and other seemingly mild injuries. Therefore, it’s important to check for multiple signs that suggest a fracture could have occurred.

If you evaluate your finger correctly using the mentioned criteria above ,medically treatable issues can easily be identified—otherwise who knows what might happen!

Stay safe my friends!

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