How long are you in a cast for a fractured hand?

How long are you in a cast for a fractured hand?

The cast for your hand fracture is usually worn for three to six weeks. Gentle hand exercises can probably be started after three weeks. Afterward, the finger may be slightly shorter, but this should not affect the ability to use the hand and fingers.

Does a hand fracture need a cast?

Immobilization. Restricting the movement of a broken bone in your hand is critical to proper healing. To do this, you’ll likely need a splint or a cast. You’ll be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.

How long does it take for a fractured hand to heal?

With proper treatment, broken fingers will typically heal within a few weeks and broken hands within one to two months, although it may take several months to make a complete recovery from a severely broken hand.

How long is someone typically in a cast for a fracture?

Casts or braces that are used for fracture treatment are usually used for these same time periods – a typical wrist or ankle fracture usually requires 6 weeks of immobilisation and a typical fracture of a finger or toe usually requires 4 weeks of immobilisation.

How long does a fractured 5th metacarpal take to heal?

Metacarpal fractures usually take about six to eight weeks to heal. You’ll probably have to wear a splint as part of your treatment. It covers part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist, and you’ll most likely wear it for around three weeks. You may also undergo physical therapy.

When does a hand fracture need surgery?

In most cases, hand fractures do not require surgery in order to heal. After being diagnosed through an X-ray, the bones of the hand may need to be set. Then the hand will be immobilized with a cast, split, or a brace.

Can fractures heal without cast?

Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.

Can a hand fracture heal on its own?

In most cases, a hand fracture will heal well with nonsurgical treatment. Depending on the type and location of the fracture, this may include wearing a cast, splint or buddy straps for a period of time.

Can you heal a fracture without a cast?

Most broken bones involve some joint injury, so there is always a trade-off between the joints wanting to move and the bones needing to stay still. Some fractures stay still enough to heal without a cast or surgical plate.

Can a fracture heal in 2 weeks?

Depending on the severity of the fracture and how well a person follows their doctor’s recommendations, bones can take between weeks to several months to heal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average bone healing time is between 6 – 8 weeks, although it can vary depending on the type and site of the injury.

Can a bone heal in 4 weeks?

Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more. Healing time for fractures are divided into three phases: 1.

Does a fractured metacarpal need a cast?

Treatment of a metacarpal fracture can usually be accomplished with the use of a cast. A cast is usually worn for three to six weeks, followed by gentle motion exercises. 2 Occasionally, if stiffness becomes a problem after cast treatment, a hand therapist will be recommended to work with you.

Do you need a cast for a hand fracture?

Cast and Splints If the fracture is not displaced (meaning it is in proper position) a cast or splint will likely be sufficient for treatment of the fracture. Furthermore, there are some types of hand fractures that do not necessarily need to be in perfect position in order to heal properly.

How long do you have to wear a splint after a hand fracture?

Your health care provider will tell you how long you need to wear the splint. Usually, it is for about 3 weeks. If you had surgery, you may have a cast instead of a splint. Most fractures heal well. After healing, your knuckle may look different or your finger may move in a different way when you close your hand. Some fractures require surgery.

What should I expect after a hand fracture?

Hand fracture – aftercare – What to Expect 1 You will likely have to wear a splint. The splint will cover part of your fingers and both sides… 2 If you had surgery, you may have a cast instead of a splint. 3 Most fractures heal well. After healing, your knuckle may look different or your finger may move in…

How long does it take for a broken metacarpal bone to heal?

You’ll probably have to wear a splint as part of your treatment. It covers part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist, and you’ll most likely wear it for around three weeks. You may also undergo physical therapy. In some cases, metacarpal fractures require surgery.