Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Fractured Knuckle. Finger Still Swollen And Stiff. Cause?
Hello I Broke my pinky Five weeks ago. The knuckle was cracked but the doctor had not seen it on the x-ray til I had returned to remove the cast two weeks later and had another x-ray taken. He prescribed hand therapy to help my pinkie function in bending. The finger is quite swollen and stiff and difficult to bend. I don't understand why it is still so swollen and if I try to exercise it it just swells worse.
The swelling due to fracture may persist for weeks. This is because the bone involved is still inflamed, it may take a little while longer for it to completely resolve.
It is important to exercise the joint because the fingers, if not moved for a prolonged period may become stiff and contractures can develop.
You may want to consider taking an anti inflammatory pain killer 20 to 30 mins before you start exercising the joint. This would reduce any discomfort you feel, reduce the swelling and allow you to exercise the joint more effectively.
This would include ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, celebrex. These medications should be used on a full stomach
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Fractured Knuckle. Finger Still Swollen And Stiff. Cause?
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The swelling due to fracture may persist for weeks. This is because the bone involved is still inflamed, it may take a little while longer for it to completely resolve. It is important to exercise the joint because the fingers, if not moved for a prolonged period may become stiff and contractures can develop. You may want to consider taking an anti inflammatory pain killer 20 to 30 mins before you start exercising the joint. This would reduce any discomfort you feel, reduce the swelling and allow you to exercise the joint more effectively. This would include ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, celebrex. These medications should be used on a full stomach I hope this helps