A finger fracture is a break in one or more of the small bones in your fingers, called phalanges or metacarpals. These injuries are common and can happen from sports, falls, crush injuries, or even slamming your finger in a door. Because fingers are essential for gripping, writing, and nearly all hand activities, proper treatment is important to avoid long-term stiffness or deformity.

In adults, treatment depends on the severity and position of the break. If the bones are well-aligned and the fracture is stable, the finger can often be treated without surgery. This usually involves “buddy taping” the injured finger to a neighbouring finger or using a small splint to keep it still for 2–4 weeks. If the fracture is displaced (bones out of position), rotated, or involves a joint, the doctor may need to realign the bone. This can be done manually under local anaesthesia or, in more severe cases, through surgery using small wires, pins, or plates and screws. After healing begins, gentle exercises are started early to prevent stiffness. Patients are often referred to an occupational therapist for post-surgical rehabilitation.

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In children, finger fractures are usually treated without surgery because their bones heal quickly and remodel over time. A splint or buddy taping is often enough for simple breaks. If the bone is out of place, it can be gently moved back into position before splinting. Surgery in children is rare but may be needed if the fracture involves the growth plate or if the bones cannot be aligned with simple methods. Healing time in kids is often 3–4 weeks, and they tend to regain full function quickly.

Complications in adults can include stiffness, joint swelling, or decreased grip strength if the finger is immobilized too long or not positioned correctly during healing. In children, the main concern is injury to the growth plate, which can affect finger length or shape, but this is uncommon with prompt care.

Most finger fractures heal well if treated properly. The key is early diagnosis, correct alignment, and starting movement exercises as soon as it’s safe. Ignoring a finger fracture or letting it heal in a bad position can lead to permanent deformity or loss of function, so it’s always worth getting checked after an injury.