The hand and wrist contain many small bones and it is possible to experience a broken hand, wrist or finger and not be aware of it. Fractures are typically a result of trauma and can present as simple and nondisplaced, or they may present as complex fractures that need surgical repair and require post-surgical rehabilitation.
Common fractures include those of the wrist (distal radius and ulna, scaphoid and other carpal fractures) as well as those of the hand (metacarpal) and fingers (phalangeal fractures). At FORM Hand Therapy, our hand therapist are knowledgeable in advanced surgical techniques used and will stay in constant communication with your surgeon to make sure you receive the most comprehensive care throughout your therapy program.
The following are just a few fractures we provide post-surgical rehabilitation for. If you have recently had surgery to your hand, wrist or elbow, ask your doctor for a referral to FORM Hand Therapy. You can print a referral form for your doctor to fill out or contact our office for additional information at (510) 585-2535.
- Distal Radius Fracture (Wrist)
- Finger (Phalangeal) Fractures
Distal Radius Fracture (Wrist)
One of the most common wrist fractures is a distal radius fracture. The radius is the larger of the two bones of the forearm. A fracture of the distal radius occurs when the area of the radius near the wrist breaks, usually from a fall on an outstretched hand. There are many different types of radial fractures that occur and it is important to classify the type of fracture because some fractures can be more difficult to treat than others. Some fractures can be treated nonsurgically (closed reduction) and needing only a splint or cast, or surgically treated (open reduction).
At FORM Hand Therapy our hand therapists will work closely with your surgeon to determine the right time to initiate therapy and depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment, and level of functioning of the affected arm, your therapist will customize a progressive exercise plan for you to regain range of motion, strength, and restore function.
Finger (Phalangeal) Fractures
Stabilizing a finger (phalangeal) fracture is crucial for the initiation of early and effective rehabilitative exercises to restore finger joint function. Your therapy plan will depend on where the fracture is located along the finger, the type and severity of the fracture, and if surgery was needed for repair. Symptoms of finger fractures include swelling, tenderness or pain, deformity of the finger, and/or difficulty or inability to move a finger.
Therapy may include active range of motion exercises, joint blocking exercises, and active tendon gliding exercises in protective blocking splints. Should your finger fracture require surgery, our hand therapists will remain in constant communication with your surgeon to determine your therapy needs to restore range of motion and hand function.