How long for knuckles to heal

But it should steadily improve, starting a few days after you break it. It is very important that you wear and take care of the cast or splint exactly as your doctor tells you to so that your finger heals properly and does not end up crooked. Wearing a splint may interfere with your normal activities. Ask for help with daily tasks if you need it.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. These fingers have a greater range of motion and can more easily compensate for the injury. An orthopedic surgeon can realign the fracture and fix it in place with hardware such as pins and screws. The fracture may then be immobilized in a cast to protect both the incision and the fracture. After the broken bone has healed, your surgeon may remove the hardware or leave it in place.

In addition, you may need physical therapy to help restore the strength and range of motion that can lessen after your finger was immobilized. If you may have broken a bone in your hand, make an appointment for an evaluation today with Mirza Orthopedics. What is a metacarpal fracture? People may feel mild to severe pain in the injured knuckle or knuckles.

This can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation. The pain may worsen with movement. Symptoms of a fractured or broken knuckle include:. People can treat sprains, strains, and other mild knuckle injuries with RICE therapy :. They will reset broken bones or maneuver a dislocated phalanx back into place. They may recommend wearing a brace or splint while the knuckle heals. Rheumatoid arthritis RA is an autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation in the joints.

The Arthritis Foundation state that RA typically affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. According to an overview article in Medical Principles and Practice , RA initially causes painful swelling in small joints, such as the knuckles, before progressing to larger joints and organs.

A healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments for knuckle pain related to RA:. Osteoarthritis OA is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than It is an age-related degenerative disease that involves cartilage loss and bone changes.

OA can affect any joint in the body, including the knuckles. OA most often affects the joints at the tip and middle of the fingers. X-rays are also useful to evaluate for abnormalities of the joint or bones. Less frequently, an MRI may aid in the diagnosis and help to guide treatment decisions. Injuries that are painful, but have an intact extensor tendon that moves the joint, may be treated with splinting and anti-inflammatory medication while the hand is rested.

More severe cases, such as an inability to straighten the finger, snapping of the extensor tendon, or the presence of joint instability, may need surgical repair to improve function.