What Happens if You Don’t Get Treated for a Broken Finger?

If you don’t get treated for a broken finger, several potential complications can arise, ranging from mild to severe. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs we frequently see those with finger pain. Here are some consequences of not seeking treatment for a broken finger:

Poor Healing:

1. Delayed or Nonunion: Without proper immobilization and alignment of the broken bones (fracture), the finger may not heal correctly. This can result in delayed healing or nonunion, where the bones fail to heal together.
2. Malunion: The broken bones may heal in a misaligned position, leading to malunion. This can cause deformity and affect the finger’s appearance and function.

Functional Impairment:

1. Reduced Range of Motion: Improperly healed fractures can result in decreased flexibility and range of motion in the finger. This can make it difficult to bend or straighten the finger fully, affecting hand function.
2. Loss of Strength: A poorly healed broken finger may lead to weakness in the affected finger, impacting grip strength and fine motor skills.

Chronic Pain and Disability:

1. Chronic Pain: Improperly healed fractures can cause persistent pain, especially during activities that involve using the finger.
2. Stiffness: Stiffness in the finger can develop if the broken bones do not heal properly, making it difficult to move the finger freely.
3. Functional Limitations: Functional limitations may arise due to pain, stiffness, and weakness in the finger. This can affect the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and may require adaptive strategies.

Complications:

1. Arthritis: Malalignment of the broken bones or damage to the surrounding cartilage can increase the risk of developing arthritis in the finger joint over time. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and further loss of function.

Is it okay to leave a broken finger untreated?

Leaving a broken finger untreated is not advisable, as it can lead to various complications and impairments in hand function. While some minor fractures may heal adequately without medical intervention, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect a broken finger to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s why leaving a broken finger untreated can be problematic:

1. Complications: Without proper treatment, a broken finger may not heal correctly, leading to complications such as malunion (improper alignment of the bones), nonunion (failure of the bones to heal), and arthritis in the finger joint.
2. Functional Impairment: Improperly healed fractures can result in decreased range of motion, strength, and function in the finger. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities and may require rehabilitation to regain hand function.
3. Chronic Pain: Untreated broken fingers can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and discomfort, impacting the individual’s quality of life and ability to use their hand effectively.
4. Deformity: The broken bones may heal in a misaligned position, leading to deformity and aesthetic concerns. This can affect the appearance of the hand and may require corrective surgery to address.

When is it too late to fix a broken finger?

It’s challenging to determine an exact timeframe for when it’s “too late” to fix a broken finger, as it depends on various factors, including the severity of the fracture, the extent of healing that has occurred, and the individual’s overall health and circumstances. In general, the sooner a broken finger is evaluated and treated, the better the outcome. However, there are situations where delayed treatment or intervention may still be beneficial:

1. Missed Diagnosis: If a broken finger is initially misdiagnosed or left untreated, it may be discovered later during follow-up visits or when symptoms persist. In such cases, appropriate treatment can still be initiated to promote healing and address complications.
2. Nonunion or Malunion: If a broken finger fails to heal correctly (nonunion) or heals in a misaligned position (malunion), corrective measures such as surgery may be considered, even months or years after the initial injury. However, the success of treatment may be affected by the extent of bone healing and the presence of associated complications.

When should you get a broken finger checked?

It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you have a broken finger. While some minor fractures may not require immediate intervention, it’s essential to have the injury evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the extent of the damage and the appropriate course of treatment. Here are some situations when you should get a broken finger checked:

1. Visible Deformity or Misalignment: If your finger appears deformed, crooked, or misaligned after an injury, it’s crucial to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider. Visible deformity may indicate a significant fracture or dislocation that requires treatment.
2. Severe Pain: Intense or persistent pain in the finger, especially with movement or pressure, may indicate a fracture or other serious injury. Pain that does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medications should prompt medical evaluation.
3. Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling, bruising, or discoloration around the injured finger may suggest a fracture, ligament injury, or other soft tissue damage that requires medical attention.
4. Inability to Move or Use the Finger: If you cannot move or use the finger normally due to pain, stiffness, or weakness, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause of the impairment.
5. Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation, numbness, or tingling in the finger or hand may indicate nerve involvement or circulation problems associated with the injury. These symptoms warrant prompt medical attention.
6. Open Wound or Puncture: If the finger injury involves an open wound, laceration, or puncture wound, there is an increased risk of infection and may require medical treatment to clean and close the wound properly.
7. Persistent Symptoms: Symptoms that persist or worsen over time, despite home remedies or initial treatment, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying injuries or complications.

I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about what happens if you don’t get treated for a broken finger? If you would like us to evaluate you, and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.