Version July 2025
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What is a finger fracture? —
This is when a bone in the finger breaks. The finger bones are also called the "phalanges" (figure 1). A "fracture" is another word for a broken bone.
Finger fractures can happen if a finger is hit, twisted, or bent too far.
When a bone breaks, it might crack, break all the way through, or shatter.
There are different types of fractures, depending on which bone breaks and how. Examples include:
●"Open" fracture – This is when the bone sticks out of the skin or can be seen through a wound.
●"Closed" fracture – This is when the bone does not stick out of the skin and cannot be seen through a wound.
Compared with adults' bones, children's bones are more likely to bend or break only partway. Special kinds of fractures children can get include "growth plate" fractures. This is when the growing part of the bone near the end breaks, often where a ligament attaches to it.
What are the symptoms of a finger fracture? —
Symptoms depend on which bone breaks and the type of break. Common symptoms can include:
●Pain, swelling, or bruising over the area
●The finger looking bent in an abnormal position or not the usual shape
●Not being able to bend or move the finger
●Trouble making a fist or grasping things with the fingers
●Numbness in the area of the broken bone
Is there a test for a finger fracture? —
Yes. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms, do an exam, and take an X-ray.
They might also do other imaging tests, such as a CT, MRI, or ultrasound. These create pictures of the inside of the body.
How are finger fractures treated? —
Treatment depends, in part, on the type of fracture and how severe it is. The goal is to have the ends of the broken bone line up with each other so the bone can heal.
If the ends of the broken bone are already in line with each other, the doctor will put on a splint, "buddy tape" your fingers, or both. Buddy taping involves taping your injured finger to the finger next to it (figure 2).
If the ends of your broken bone are not in line with each other, the doctor will need to line them up:
●Sometimes, they can move the bone to the correct position without doing surgery, and then put a splint on or buddy tape your fingers. This is called "closed fracture reduction."
●For more serious fractures, they might need to do surgery to put the bone back in the correct position. During surgery, they can use screws, pins, rods, or plates to fix the bone inside the body. This is called "open fracture reduction."
How long do finger fractures take to heal? —
Most take weeks to months to heal, depending on the type of fracture. The doctor or nurse will talk to you about when to return to things like work, sports, or other activities.
Healing time also depends on the person. Healthy children usually heal much more quickly than older adults or adults with other medical problems.
How do I care for myself at home? —
To care for yourself or your child at home:
●Follow the doctor's instructions for wearing the splint or buddy taping your finger. This supports and protects your bone as it heals.
●Follow instructions for limiting activity and movement until your bone is healed. The doctor or nurse will tell you what activities are safe to do.
●Prop your injured hand on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.
●The doctor might recommend you take an over-the-counter pain medicine. These include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●You might get a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time. Follow the instructions for taking these.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and the splint or tape. Ice for at least 6 hours after an injury. It might help to ice longer, even up to 2 days.
●Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and protein (figure 3).
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●You might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert) after your fracture heals. They will show you exercises and stretches to strengthen your hand and finger muscles and keep them from getting stiff.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have less feeling or movement in your fingers.
●Your finger gets swollen or starts to hurt more.
●The splint feels too tight and uncomfortable.
●Your fingers are numb or tingly, or turn pale, blue, or gray.
Patient education: Common finger injuries (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Fractures in children (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
