You might be worried about its seriousness if you recently got an injured finger and have a broken knuckle; don’t be scared. A broken knuckle is easy to treat, and you do not need to visit a doctor if you do not notice multiple signs of a broken knuckle. But make sure that you consult an orthopedic doctor if your symptoms worsen or if you experience severe pain.
1. How Do You Know If You Have a Broken Knuckle?

Suppose you have an affected finger or an affected knuckle. There are things that you need to be informed about. If you experience a sudden pop or crack in your finger, chances are there that your knuckle is broken.
However, if no pain and swelling are involved, it’s probably not broken. If the pain and swelling extend to a certain point that you can not even finish your average takes, then make sure to visit an orthopedic surgeon.
1.1. Popping Sound

One of the symptoms of a broken knuckle symptoms is feeling a popping sensation at the time of knuckle injury. 1This happens when a knucklebone pops out from its original place. However, you may not always experience the popping sound, as it also depends on the intensity of the fractured knuckle.
So, if you have got a broken bone, make sure to visit the doctor. A surgical consult is needed to assess and treat your situation.
1.2. Severe Pain

When there is a broken knuckle, you will get to know it because of the sharp pain and swelling. As soon as the injury of the busted knuckle occurs, you will feel a sharp pain. A throbbing feeling will also follow the pain.
The pain also depends on the type of fracture. If it is just a minor fracture, it won’t hurt much. Make sure to stop whatever work you are doing and let your affected knuckle rest, or the pain may worsen.
1.3. A Feeling of Numbness

Most knuckle fractures will give you an indifferent feeling or a feeling of numbness2. If a person punches a wall or gets his finger jammed, he can still feel a sensation. You may not be able to feel the numbness of your broken knuckle until it subsides.
Once there is alleviating pain, and you apply an ice pack, you will notice that your finger has gone numb and you need to see a doctor immediately.
1.4. Hot Sensation

As soon as you get a broken knuckle or an injured hand, you will see the temperature of the affected area change. This is because there will be an increased blood flow to the area of your fractured knuckle. The affected area might get hot burns.
You can compare the temperature of both your hands. If the affected hand feels warmer than the other hand, you might have a broken knuckle. Make sure to get checked immediately and get a broken knuckle treatment.
1.5. Swelling
If you have a bruised knuckle or a broken knuckle, the area will immediately start to swell. The affected finger will swell, later spreading to the whole hand. Any kind of hand movement won’t be possible if the swelling increases. Other symptoms include a numbing or tingling sensation.
For the bruised knuckle, you can take medications that minimize pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other counter pain medication is used to reduce swelling and relieve pain3. You can also apply ice on the broken knuckle to reduce swelling. You can apply the ice pack on the affected finger for around 15 minutes or more.
1.6. Bruising and Discoloration
Broken knuckles require surgical repair and immediate medical attention. A bruise from a knuckle fracture is much more different than normal bruising4. In the area of bruised knuckles, an increased blood rush will lead to discoloration.
There have been specific scenarios where knucklebones have fractured but no bruised knuckles. However, that is a rare condition. If you feel that your knuckle bones have fractured, keep your hands elevated.
1.7. Open Fracture

If you notice your knuckle bone sticking through your skin, it indicates that you have an open fracture, which is a more severe injury. Ensure not to waste any time, as it needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms worsen if any open wound around the area of the broken knuckle remains untreated.
If you do not treat your open wound, it will affect the healing process of your broken knuckle, as it will also get infected. The wound must be appropriately dried so the bacteria does not grow there. The wound must also be covered with a soft cloth bandage to avoid contact with any other external entity.
If there is any object on the vulnerable knuckle, leave it. Let the doctor remove it in the hospital during the physical examination.
1.7. A Sunken Knuckle

You can be sure about a broken knuckle if it is sunken compared to the other fingers.5 You can try to curl your bruised knuckles into a fist. They should be seen sticking out, and if you cannot see other knuckle bones, then there have been multiple fractures.
It might also happen that your most vulnerable knuckle has fractured, sticking out at a strange angle. By this process, you will understand that the fracture type is severe and requires surgery. Then, you can go for proper diagnosis and treatment.
1.8. Rotating Your Wrist

Your knuckle is located at the top of your metacarpal bone. The metacarpal head is connected to your wrist bone. All these bones are connected; hence, a broken knuckle can affect the rotation of your wrist.
You can try moving your wrist upwards-downwards and sideways. While doing this test, you might have a metacarpal fracture if you feel a sharp pain in your hand.
2. Broken Knuckle Treatment
The treatment of broken knuckles depends on the type and severity of the fracture. This treatment reduces pain and extreme swelling.
2.1. External Fix
In the process of external fixation, a metal frame is secured around your finger. The metal frame helps to keep the knuckle in its place for healing properly. After the fingers are healed. The frame is removed.
2.2. Internal Fix
Your knuckle heals quickly when it is given proper treatment. In the process of internal fixation, the knuckle is realigned using wires, screws, and pins to heal appropriately.
2.3. Using Cold Therapy
The symptoms of a knuckle fracture include swelling and sharp pain. You must apply an excellent ice pack on the affected area to reduce those symptoms. If you have other injuries in the fractured area, keep them clean and dry for a few weeks during recovery.
2.4. Rice Method
The rice method is mainly used in dealing with minor injuries6. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Firstly, rest involves you minimizing your movement of the injured areas. There should be no movement for the healing process to begin.
Secondly, Ice involves applying cool ice packs on the fractured area that helps reduce pain and swelling symptoms. Thirdly, Compression involves applying gentle pressure around the injured fingers to provide support and deal with symptoms like swelling.
Finally, Elevation involves raising the injured fingers to improve blood flow. The positioning should be above the heart.
Concluding Thoughts
Bruised or broken knuckles generally occur when a direct blow to your joint area occurs. They are generally solid bones and are not easily fractured so that you might treat the injured fingers at home.
If you have gone through this article, you know the symptoms of fractured fingers and tests to be sure about them. Make sure not to put the fingers to any use if there is any sharp pain and rush to the hospital immediately.
FAQs
1. What is known as a boxer’s fracture?
When the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone in your hand breaks, it is known as a boxer’s fracture. It usually happens when there is a limited range of motion of your little finger, also known as the pinkie finger.
2. How long does a proximal phalanx fracture take to heal?
A proximal phalanx fracture takes around seven months to heal. After that, it might take some more weeks to consolidate the healing. You should pause participating in contact sports and heavy lifting during this procedure.
3. What is known as immobilization?
Immobilization means a process where the broken knuckle must be kept in place to heal faster. It is done by tapping two fingers with a rubber band.
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