A broken finger can truly put a crimp in your capability to perform daily tasks. These injuries typically need several weeks of immobilization to permit the bone heal correctly. Nevertheless, tendons that move your fingers and the ligaments that hold your finger bones together can become stiff. A research study published in 2012 by “The Open Orthopaedics Journal” mentions that long-lasting stiffness is more likely to be a problem if your broken finger is immobilized longer than 3 weeks.
Best Exercises after a Broken Finger
Since broken fingers are often splinted in a straight position, it can be challenging to flex the finger once it has actually recovered. Exercises such as tendon glides, obstructing exercises and grip conditioning can improve finger flexing after a fracture.
Tendon Glides
Tendon glides are a group of exercises that enhance your ability to bend your fingers and make a fist. The tabletop fist bends the largest knuckles while keeping your fingers directly. The hook fist flexes the middle and smallest joints of your fingers while keeping the biggest knuckles directly. A flat fist bends the biggest and middle knuckles of your fingers while keeping the smallest knuckles straight. The complete fist bends all the joints of your fingers at the very same time. You might perform some or all of these exercises, depending on your specific injury.
Blocking Exercises
Depending upon the area of your finger fracture, you may have difficulty bending one specific knuckle after the bone heals. Obstructing exercises help direct force to the stiff knuckle to improve your capability to bend. One finger joint is held directly by the opposite hand while you flex and straighten the joint above. For example, to work on flexing the knuckle at the pointer of your finger, the middle joint is held in a straight position with your opposite hand. To direct the force to your middle joint, the big knuckle at the base of your finger is held in a straight position with the opposite hand.
Grasping Exercises
Gripping exercises can improve your ability to bend your finger. However, to avoid additional damage to your finger, you should be cleared by your doctor to carry out reinforcing activities prior to trying these exercises. You may begin by squeezing a soft things such as a washcloth or sponge. As your bending enhances, you might damp the washcloth or sponge to add resistance. You might also use workout putty or other grip-strengthening exercise devices.
Caution
Follow your doctor or hand specialist’s particular directions for exercise after a finger fracture. Moving the finger prematurely or in the incorrect method can cause permanent damage. Stop exercising and contact your doctor if you experience enhanced pain or swelling while trying to bend your finger.
