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Knuckles, the joints located in our fingers, play a crucial role in daily activities such as grasping, gripping, and manipulating objects. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to injury and can easily become broken or fractured. Identifying broken knuckles is paramount to seeking appropriate medical attention and ensuring proper healing. In this informative guide, we will explore the signs and symptoms that indicate a broken knuckle, discuss the potential causes, and provide essential first aid advice and treatment options. Understanding how to identify broken knuckles is essential for protecting your hand’s functionality and overall well-being.
This article was co-written by Jonas DeMuro, MD. Dr. DeMuro is a licensed pediatric health surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his study in Surgical Urgent Care at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and served as a member. from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
There are 14 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 9,304 times.
When you break a knuckle, you can find it extremely painful. This condition can also disrupt your life if you have an occupation that requires the use of your hands. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if your knuckle is really broken or just bruised. Knuckle fractures require medical attention, but bruises and even minor fractures can heal on their own. Learn how to identify a knuckle fracture and seek medical attention if necessary.
Steps
Situation Assessment
- An explosive sensation does not always occur when the knuckle bone is broken. Whether you feel this or not depends on the severity of the fracture.
- There are also other less common causes of knuckle fractures. Knuckles can break when you fall, operate machinery, or engage in activities that cause injury to your hand.
- Some doctors now refer to knuckle fractures as a “fightman break” rather than a “boxer break” because boxers often prevent fractures by wearing gloves. You’re more likely to break a knuckle if you punch a hard object with your bare fist.
- If your knuckle is only mildly broken, you may not feel severe pain. However, you should still stop your hand because you may end up hurting your finger further.
Visually check knuckles
- When your knuckles start to swell, you may feel a prickling or numbing sensation.
- Take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce swelling and deal with pain.
- Swollen hands will hinder the doctor’s examination. Applying ice to the wound early on can help reduce swelling. Wrap a bag of ice or frozen vegetables in a paper towel and place it on your finger. Apply for about 20 minutes each time to let the skin return to normal temperature before applying again. [6] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source
- There are also cases of fractures without bruising, but very rarely.
- Elevate your hand to reduce bruising. Raising your hand above your heart will help blood flow out of the wound. [7] X Research Sources
- The fracture can affect the position or angle of the knuckle, causing it to drop.
- Washing a broken finger can be painful, but it’s very important.
- Make sure the wound is completely dry, as moisture will encourage bacteria to grow. You can also cover the wound with clean gauze to prevent infection.
- Remove any debris from the wound. If something goes through your knuckle, leave it to your doctor to remove.
Test your mobility
- If the bone is dislocated or rotated, you will need to be realigned by your doctor.
- Rotated or dislocated knuckles usually take longer to heal than a typical broken knuckle.
- Don’t try too hard. If you use all your strength to push through the pain and make a fist, you may end up hurting more or dislocating your joint further.
- If you only have a slight fracture in your knuckles, you may still be able to hold a grip. However, if you suspect you have broken a bone, you should leave it alone. Gripping an object too tightly can make a fracture worse.
Advice
- To immobilize the knuckle, you should splint the injured finger to another finger.
- See a doctor as soon as you think your knuckle is broken. Your doctor may take X-rays to confirm your suspicions.
- Always cover open wounds to prevent bacteria from entering.
Warning
- Never try to use a broken finger; you can turn a minor crack into a more serious one.
- Avoid punching hard objects to prevent broken knuckles. If fighting or practicing martial arts, wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Some cases of knuckle fractures require surgery. If surgery is required, the recovery time may be longer.
- If you have a severe knuckle fracture that requires immobilization with a cast, it may take four to six weeks to recover. Be prepared to lose some work if your profession requires the use of hands.
This article was co-written by Jonas DeMuro, MD. Dr. DeMuro is a licensed pediatric health surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his study in Surgical Urgent Care at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and served as a member. from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
There are 14 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 9,304 times.
When you break a knuckle, you can find it extremely painful. This condition can also disrupt your life if you have an occupation that requires the use of your hands. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if your knuckle is really broken or just bruised. Knuckle fractures require medical attention, but bruises and even minor fractures can heal on their own. Learn how to identify a knuckle fracture and seek medical attention if necessary.
In conclusion, identifying broken knuckles can be a crucial step in obtaining the appropriate medical treatment. By observing and recognizing the common symptoms such as swelling, deformity, pain, and limited mobility, individuals can determine whether their knuckles are broken. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention if any of these signs are present to prevent potential complications and ensure proper healing. Although self-diagnosis should not replace professional medical advice, being aware of the potential indicators of broken knuckles can provide valuable information and aid in making informed decisions about seeking appropriate healthcare assistance.
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