Is it Broken, Bruised or Sprained? Identifying Finger Fractures

Jul 16, 2023

Most of us think very little of our fingers, despite using them for hundreds of everyday tasks. That is, until one of them is injured.

When you slam a car door on your fingers or jam them while catching a baseball, how do you know if the intense pain is caused by a bruise, a sprain or a break?

Daniel Seigerman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains the difference in finger injuries. “Oftentimes, it’s difficult to tell the difference between bruised and broken fingers from first glance, so if you’re concerned about an injury, it’s best to have a professional give it a look,” he says.

Injuries that cause the finger to jut out at an unnatural angle are clearly broken. But with more subtle injuries such as a fall, it is impossible to know if the digit is fractured, sprained or bruised unless it’s evaluated by a doctor.

That’s because all three types of finger injuries share several common symptoms:

“Oftentimes, fractures tend to hurt longer, but diagnostically an X-ray is the only way to know,” says Dr. Seigerman.

He offers guidance for when to see a doctor:

“If fractures are left untreated, your finger could heal improperly,” Dr. Seigerman says. “So if you suffer a finger injury, you should see a doctor because early intervention can save you future trouble.”

Treatment for a finger fracture depends on whether it is displaced or non-displaced.

If you do need surgery, Dr. Seigerman says there is good news: “There have been significant improvements in the way we fix fractures. There have been a lot of advancements in the orthopedic technology available that allow for early motion and faster return to function.”

If surgery is needed, you may also be prescribed occupational therapy post-surgery to help prevent or correct stiffness.

“While finger injuries may seem minor, or and not as important as an arm or leg fracture, they can still have a huge impact if they are not treated quickly and properly,” Dr. Seigerman says. “So if you hurt one of your fingers, get it checked out because it could make a big difference.”

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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