Diagnosis Explanation:

A finger fracture occurs when one of the phalanges (finger bones) is broken due to trauma, falls, sports injuries, or direct impact. Fractures can be stable (aligned) or displaced (misaligned) and may involve the joint surface in more severe cases.

Types of Finger Fractures:

• Stable Fracture: Bone remains aligned, usually heals with splinting.
• Displaced Fracture: Bone pieces are misaligned and may require reduction or surgery.
• Comminuted Fracture: Bone breaks into multiple pieces.
• Intra-Articular Fracture: Break extends into the joint, potentially causing stiffness.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain and swelling in the affected finger.
• Bruising and tenderness around the injury site.
• Limited movement or inability to grip objects.
• Visible deformity (in displaced fractures).

Specific Work Modifications:

• If your job involves typing or writing: Use voice dictation software, take frequent hand-stretching breaks, and consider an ergonomic keyboard.
• If your job requires manual labor: Avoid gripping, pulling, or using vibrating tools. Use adaptive hand tools with larger grips if needed.
• If your job is desk-based: Keep the hand elevated to reduce swelling, and use a soft keyboard rest.
• Avoid: Heavy lifting, repetitive gripping, and activities that put stress on the injured finger.

Specific Activity Modifications:

• If you play sports: Avoid ball-handling sports (basketball, volleyball, tennis) and contact sports until fully healed.
• If you play an instrument: Modify technique and use adaptive grips.
• If you do crafting, gardening, or cooking: Use larger-handled tools to reduce strain.
• Avoid: High-impact activities, repetitive hand movements, and forceful gripping.

Recommended Supplements:

• Calcium & Vitamin D – 1000mg/800 IU daily for bone healing.
• Collagen Peptides – 10g daily to support bone and soft tissue repair.
• Magnesium – 300-400mg daily for bone strength and muscle relaxation.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – 1000mg daily to reduce inflammation.
• Turmeric (Curcumin) – 500-1000mg daily for pain relief.

Recommended Nutrition and Hydration:

• Increase Lean Protein (chicken, fish, tofu, eggs) to aid bone and muscle healing.
• Eat Bone-Strengthening Foods (leafy greens, dairy, nuts, seeds) to support fracture repair.
• Consume Anti-Inflammatory Foods (berries, turmeric, green tea) to reduce swelling.
• Limit Processed Foods & Sugars to prevent inflammation.
• Hydration: Drink 8-10 cups of water daily to support bone regeneration.

Home Exercise Prescription (Rehabilitation for Finger Fracture)

Early Phase (0-2 Weeks, Protecting the Finger & Reducing Pain):

• Splinting – Wear a finger splint for 2-6 weeks, as directed by your doctor.
• RICE Protocol – Rest, Ice (15-20 min, 3x/day), Compression, Elevation.
• Passive Finger Flexion & Extension – Use the opposite hand to gently bend and straighten the finger, 10 reps, 2x/day.

Strengthening Phase (2-6 Weeks, Restoring Mobility & Function):

• Towel Scrunches – Place a towel on a flat surface, use fingers to scrunch it, 10 reps, 2x/day.
• Finger Lifts – Place hand flat, lift each finger individually, 10 reps per finger, 2x/day.
• Rubber Band Finger Extensions – Wrap a rubber band around fingers, open hand against resistance, 10 reps, 2x/day.

Advanced Phase (6+ Weeks, Preventing Recurrence & Maintaining Function):

• Grip Strengthening (Soft Ball Squeeze) – Squeeze a soft ball 5 seconds, repeat 10 reps, 2x/day.
• Finger-to-Thumb Opposition – Touch thumb to each fingertip, 10 reps, 2x/day.
• Wrist Circles – Slowly rotate wrists in both directions, 10 reps, 2x/day.

Helpful Books:

1. The Hand and Wrist Pain Solution: Simple Exercises for Relief – Dr. Ross Clifford.
2. Arthritis and Hand Therapy: A Self-Help Guide to Managing Joint Pain – Susan J. Barnhart, PT.

Contact the Key West orthopedic clinic or reach out to Dr. Jason Pirozzolo.