How To Tell If You Fractured Your Hand
Hand fractures usually occur as a result of sudden trauma to the hand, such as a fall. Athletes are likely to sustain hand fractures, especially skateboarders and cyclists, who may use their hand to stop a fall, but a fracture can happen to anyone. If you have symptoms of a hand fracture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. 
Signs of Hand Fracture
When a fracture occurs, it is usually immediately obvious that something is wrong. Some signs of a hand fracture include:
- Being unable to move the wrists, hand, or fingers
- Pain, which is usually sudden and may be severe
- Swelling
- Warm to touch
- Bones that are visibly out of place
- A bone poking through the skin
Seek Treatment Promptly
If you think you have fractured your hand, it is important to seek medical care immediately. A broken bone can be a medical emergency, and prompt treatment can prevent serious complications and long-term loss of hand function.
It is better to seek treatment and find that it is not necessary than to not seek treatment and find that it was necessary. Therefore, if you have injured your hand and think it may be broken, the best thing you can do is to contact a skilled hand doctor.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ensure that the bones are correctly aligned, then to stabilize the hand so that it has time to heal without further trauma.
If the fracture is a hairline fracture and the other bones are still in place, the doctor may be able to stabilize the hand with a cast without using any surgery.
If the bone is severed in two pieces or is out of place, then surgery may be required. Open reduction and internal fixation is the usual surgery for a fracture. During this procedure, the doctor opens up the hand, returns the bones to their normal alignment, then uses devices such as screws and rods to stabilize the hand. After surgery, the hand is casted.
Recovery 
You may need to stay in the hospital for as little as one to as many as several days after your surgery. Unfortunately, recovering from a hand fracture is not a fast process. You will need to wear a cast or brace for several weeks, as directed by your physician.
After the cast comes off, physical therapy is usually necessary to restore strength and flexibility to the hand. Attending physical therapy regularly and performing any recommended exercises at home can help the hand heal as quickly as possible.
Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your hand fracture. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.