Often asked: How Long To Wait To See Orthopedist After Breaking Hand?

How long can you wait to treat a broken bone?

Immobilization. Restricting movement of a broken bone, which requires a splint, sling, brace or cast, is critical to healing. Before applying a cast, your doctor will likely wait until the swelling goes down, usually five to seven days after injury.

How long does it take a broken hand to fully 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.

What should I do if I broke my hand?

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 broken bone to start fusing together?

About 2 weeks after the break, cells called osteoblasts move in and get to work. They form new bone, adding minerals to the mix to make the bone hard and strong as it bridges the broken pieces. This stage is called the hard callus.

Can a fracture heal in 2 weeks?

The repairing or reparative phase begins within the first few days after the bone fracture and lasts for about 2 – 3 weeks. During this time, the body develops cartilage and tissue in and around the fracture site.

How do you know a fracture is healing?

New bone will start to form and replace the callus when osteoblasts (new bone-forming cells) move in weeks after the break. The new bone continues to develop until it completely replaces the callus. Within a few months after the fracture, you will have completely new bone tissue to repair the break.

How can I heal my broken hand faster?

How to heal a bone fracture as fast as possible

1. Fracture management – Including closed reduction (bone alignment through manipulation or traction), immobilization (using a splint or cast) and rehabilitation (physical therapy)
2. Physical therapy – To regain strength and normal function in the affected area.

Does a fracture ever fully heal?

Full healing from a fracture can take anywhere from several weeks to several months and occasionally even several years. Pain that persists after full healing is expected to have taken place is called chronic pain.

How long do you wear a cast for a broken hand?

The surgeon applies a cast or splint after surgery. You will need to wear it for 3 to 6 weeks. Your surgical team will give you instructions on how to care for yourself and your hand.

Is my hand broken if I can move it?

If you think you might have a broken hand, see a doctor immediately, especially if you have numbness, swelling or trouble moving your fingers. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor healing, decreased range of motion and decreased grip strength.

Can broken hand 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 you work with a fractured hand?

For severe fractures, you may need physical therapy after your splint or cast is removed. You can usually return to work or sports activities about 8 to 12 weeks after the fracture.

Are bones stronger after a break?

There is no evidence that a broken bone will grow back stronger than it was before once it has healed. Although there may be a brief time when the fracture site is stronger, this is fleeting, and healed bones are capable of breaking again anywhere, including at the previous fracture site.

What bone takes the longest to heal?

The femur — your thigh bone — is the largest and strongest bone in your body. When the femur breaks, it takes a long time to heal. Breaking your femur can make everyday tasks much more difficult because it’s one of the main bones used to walk.

What slows down bone healing?

A wide variety of factors can slow down the healing process. These include: Movement of the bone fragments; weightbearing too soon. Smoking, which constricts the blood vessels and decreases circulation.