Hand Fracture Treatment in NYC - Manhattan PT

If you are feeling the sting of the discomfort of a hand fracture and the dawn of its complications, do not worry, for help is nearby. Here at Manhattan Physical Therapy our staff is fully equipped and willing to help each patient with expert advice on the best treatment techniques we offer with the purpose of the relief of pain and the strengthening of muscles. Our services are now sophisticated to ensure that we fit in with the specific needs of any indigent who needs our services to facilitate his/her recovery process.

Call us at (680)-208-3884 and book an appointment and start your journey to healing if you have a hand fracture. It is our goal to assist you get back to doing the things you like.

Causes of Hand Fractures

Hand fractures can occur for various reasons, with trauma being the most common cause. Trauma-induced fractures often result from falls, car accidents, or direct blows during sports or physical activities such as basketball, football, or skiing.

Overuse injuries, another frequent cause, stem from repetitive stress or overuse, particularly in sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, or activities that require repeated hand movements, like typing or playing musical instruments. These stress fractures develop gradually due to the continuous strain on the bones.

Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, also plays a significant role in increasing the susceptibility to fractures. Individuals with osteoporosis may experience fractures from minor traumas or even normal activities.

Work-related injuries are a notable cause as well, especially in professions involving heavy manual labor or the use of power tools. Repetitive tasks, lifting heavy objects, or operating machinery can put workers at higher risk for hand fractures.

Symptoms of Hand Fractures

Prompt identification of hand fractures is vital for effective treatment and recovery. Severe pain and tenderness at the fracture site are common, often intensifying with movement or pressure.

Swelling and bruising around the injured area are typical, and the hand may appear swollen or discolored. The deformity is another clear indicator, with visible misalignment or unusual angles of the fingers or hand.

 Limited range of motion and difficulty moving the fingers or hand are frequent symptoms, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks such as gripping, writing, or typing. Numbness or tingling can occur if the fracture impacts nearby nerves, necessitating immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Diagnosis of Hand Fractures           

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, our comprehensive diagnostic process begins with a thorough physical examination of the hand. Our specialists assess pain levels, swelling, deformity, and range of motion to gauge the extent of the injury. Imaging tests, primarily X-rays, are used to confirm the presence, location, and severity of the fracture.

X-rays provide detailed images of the bones, helping to identify fractures, displacement, and alignment issues. In complex cases or when soft tissue involvement is suspected, additional imaging such as CT scans or MRI may be necessary.

CT scans offer cross-sectional images that provide a more detailed view of the bone structure, while MRI scans are useful for evaluating soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and nerves, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the injury.

Treatment Options for Hand Fractures

Our clinic offers a range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Our approach focuses on promoting healing, restoring function, and minimizing recovery time.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are often effective for hand fractures, especially when the fractures are stable and have minimal displacement. At our clinic, we employ several non-surgical methods to ensure proper healing and recovery.

1. Immobilization: Immobilization is the primary treatment for stable hand fractures. By using splints or casts, we ensure that the fractured bones are kept in place, allowing them to heal naturally. The immobilization period can vary depending on the severity of the fracture, typically lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months. During this time, it's crucial to avoid any activities that could stress the injured hand and disrupt the healing process. Our team closely monitors the healing progress and adjusts the treatment plan as necessary.

2. Pain Management: Managing pain and inflammation is a key component of non-surgical treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often sufficient to alleviate discomfort. In cases where pain is more severe, prescribed medications may be necessary. Our approach to pain management is holistic, ensuring that patients remain comfortable throughout the healing process without over-relying on medication.

3. Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing phase is complete, physical therapy becomes an integral part of the recovery process. Our skilled therapists design personalized rehabilitation programs to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the injured hand. Physical therapy typically begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain joint flexibility. As healing progresses, the focus shifts to strengthening exercises aimed at rebuilding muscle strength and improving overall hand function. Therapists may use various techniques, including resistance training and functional exercises, to enhance recovery.

Surgical Treatments

In cases where fractures are complex, unstable, or involve joint surfaces, surgical intervention may be required.

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure involves realigning the fractured bones and securing them with hardware such as plates, screws, or pins. ORIF is often necessary for fractures that cannot be adequately stabilized with non-surgical methods.

2. External Fixation: In some cases, an external fixator device may be used to hold the bones in place during the healing process. This method is typically employed for severe fractures with significant soft tissue damage.

3. Percutaneous Pinning: For certain types of fractures, minimally invasive pinning techniques can be used to stabilize the bones through small incisions.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Recovery from a hand fracture varies depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment received. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we emphasize a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to ensure a successful recovery.

1. Early Mobilization: Gentle range-of-motion exercises are introduced early in the recovery process to prevent stiffness and maintain joint flexibility.

2. Strengthening Exercises: As healing progresses, strengthening exercises are incorporated to rebuild muscle strength and improve hand function.

3. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation help reduce scar tissue and enhance mobility.

4. Occupational Therapy: For patients whose hand fractures affect their ability to perform daily tasks, occupational therapy provides targeted interventions to restore independence and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Hand fractures can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday activities, but with the right treatment, recovery is achievable. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping our patients overcome hand fractures and return to their normal lives with restored function and reduced pain. If you or a loved one is dealing with a hand fracture, trust our experienced team to provide the comprehensive care you need.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Manhattan Physical Therapy today. Let us help you get back to doing what you love with a healthy, functional hand.