A sprained hand and a broken hand may look the same from the outside, but there are some key differences. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between a sprained hand and a broken one. We will also provide information on how to properly treat each injury.
A sprained hand is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the hand are stretched or torn. The ligaments are the tissues that connect the bones in the hand. A sprained hand can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury.
A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the hand are stretched or torn. This can happen if you fall and put your outstretched hand down to break your fall, or if you twist your hand awkwardly. Symptoms of a sprained hand include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In some cases, you may also need to wear a splint or take over-the-counter pain medication.
A broken hand is a more serious injury than a sprain. It occurs when one or more of the bones in the hand are broken. A broken hand can also range from mild to severe, depending on how many bones are broken and how badly they are damaged.
The most common type of break is a fracture, which occurs when one or more of the bones in the hand are cracked or broken. Symptoms of a broken hand include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and numbness. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the affected joint with a splint or cast. You may also need surgery to repair the broken bone(s).
The main difference between a sprained hand and a broken one is that a sprain only affects the ligaments, while a break involves the bones. A sprained hand is usually less serious than a broken one, but both injuries can be painful and cause swelling, bruising, and stiffness in the hand.
The treatment for a sprained hand is typically rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The RICE method can help to reduce swelling and pain. If the sprain is severe, you may need to wear a splint or brace to support the hand.
The treatment for a broken hand depends on the severity of the injury. A mild break may only require RICE. More severe breaks may require surgery to fix the bones. You may also need to wear a cast or splint to support the hand while it heals.
If you have any questions about your hand injury, be sure to contact your doctor or visit an urgent care center for further evaluation and treatment. Hand injuries can be painful and debilitating, so it is important to seek medical help if you are unsure about the extent of your injury.
Treating a hand injury at home can be tricky, so be sure to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical help if you are unsure about your injury. With proper treatment, most hand injuries will heal within a few weeks. However, more severe injuries may require surgery or other interventions. If you have any concerns about your hand injury, be sure to contact your doctor or visit an urgent care center for further evaluation and treatment.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com