Finger fractures
A finger fracture can make even simple everyday tasks such as writing, typing, cooking or getting dressed painful and difficult.
What is a finger fracture?
A finger fracture is a break in one of the 14 small bones that make up your fingers. Although some fractures are straightforward, others can affect the alignment of the finger or involve the joints, making them more complex to treat. Finger fractures most commonly happen after a fall onto an outstretched hand, a direct blow to the finger or when a finger is forcefully bent or jammed during activities such as catching a ball or playing contact sports. They can affect anyone, from children and active adults to older people following a fall. Because even a small change in finger alignment can affect how your hand functions, it's important to have persistent pain, swelling or deformity assessed by a specialist as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture but commonly include:
- Pain immediately after the injury
- Swelling around the finger
- Bruising
- Tenderness when touching or moving the finger
- Difficulty bending or straightening the finger
- A finger that appears crooked, shortened or out of position
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects
If your finger appears significantly deformed, is numb, or has an open wound where the bone may be exposed, you should seek urgent medical attention.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by asking how your injury happened and how it is affecting your hand. They will carefully examine your finger, checking its alignment, movement and whether the fingers sit correctly when making a fist.
To confirm the diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of finger movement and alignment
- Grip and hand function assessment
- X-rays to confirm the fracture and check whether the bones have moved out of position
- Occasionally, a CT scan if the fracture extends into the joint or is more complex
How is it treated?
Your treatment will depend on the type of fracture, whether the bones remain well aligned and your individual needs. Your consultant will explain your options clearly and recommend the approach that's most appropriate for you.
Treatment may include:
- Pain relief to keep you comfortable
- Realigning the broken bone if it has moved out of position
- A splint, cast or buddy strapping to support the finger while it heals
- Hand therapy or physiotherapy to restore movement and reduce stiffness
- Surgery if the fracture is unstable, significantly displaced or involves the joint
Treatment routes for finger fractures
Many finger fractures heal successfully without surgery.
If the broken bone remains well aligned or can be gently repositioned, your finger will usually be protected in a splint, cast or with buddy strapping for several weeks while the bone heals. As healing progresses, you'll begin gentle exercises to restore movement, reduce stiffness and regain hand function.
Recovery goals after finger fractures
During the first stage of recovery, the focus is on:
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the fracture while it heals Maintaining movement in the surrounding joints Preventing unnecessary stiffness
As healing progresses, rehabilitation focuses on:
Restoring finger movement Improving grip strength Increasing hand function Returning to normal daily activities
As your recovery progresses, rehabilitation aims to help you:
Rebuild strength and dexterity Return safely to work, hobbies and sport Improve coordination and hand function Reduce the risk of future injury
Working with Hand and Wrist professionals and teams
Our hand and wrist specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hands and wrists. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Hand and Wrist treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Finger fracture FAQs
Most uncomplicated finger fractures heal within 4 to 6 weeks, although stiffness and swelling can take several months to settle completely. More complex fractures or those requiring surgery may take longer to recover.
Not usually. Many finger fractures can be treated successfully with a splint or cast. Surgery is generally only recommended if the bones are significantly displaced, unstable or the fracture extends into the joint.
Sometimes. Being able to move your finger does not always mean it isn't fractured. If you have persistent pain, swelling or difficulty using your finger after an injury, it's important to have it assessed.
Most people regain good movement and function following appropriate treatment. Following your rehabilitation programme and performing any recommended exercises can help reduce stiffness and support the best possible recovery.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
1 of 4