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Middle Phalanx Fracture Healing Stages – A Complete Physiotherapy Guide.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read


INTRODUCTION;

A middle phalanx fracture refers to a break in the middle bone of the finger. Although it may look small, this injury can significantly affect hand function, grip strength, dexterity, and daily activities if not properly treated and rehabilitated.

At Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Chennai, we focus not just on fracture union but also on complete functional recovery through stage-wise physiotherapy rehabilitation.


What is a Middle Phalanx Fracture?

The middle phalanx is the bone between the proximal and distal phalanx of the finger. Fractures commonly occur due to:

Common Causes

  • Falls on an outstretched hand

  • Sports injuries (cricket, volleyball, basketball)

  • Road traffic accidents

  • Direct trauma or crush injuries

  • Occupational injuries

Common Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Finger deformity

  • Stiffness and reduced movement

  • Difficulty gripping objects


Diagnosis & Initial Management

Diagnosis is confirmed through X-ray imaging. Depending on severity:

  • Stable fractures → Splinting or buddy taping

  • Unstable or displaced fractures → Reduction or surgical fixation

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role after immobilization to prevent stiffness and long-term disability.


Healing Stages of a Middle Phalanx Fracture

Fracture healing occurs in four well-defined biological stages. At Physio360 Chennai, rehabilitation is planned according to each stage.


Stage 1: Inflammatory Phase (0–7 Days)

What Happens?

  • Bleeding around the fracture site

  • Inflammation and swelling

  • Pain due to tissue injury

Symptoms

  • Severe pain

  • Swelling and warmth

  • Limited finger movement

Physiotherapy Focus at Physio360

✅ Pain relief

✅ Swelling control

✅ Protection of fracture

Physiotherapy Management

  • Ice therapy (cryotherapy)

  • Elevation of hand

  • Gentle movements of unaffected fingers

  • Patient education on splint care

Goal: Protect the fracture and reduce inflammation


Stage 2: Soft Callus Formation (1–3 Weeks)

What Happens?

  • Fibrocartilaginous tissue forms between fracture ends

  • Early bone repair begins

Symptoms

  • Reduced pain

  • Mild stiffness

  • Healing still fragile

Physiotherapy Focus

✅ Prevent stiffness

✅ Maintain joint mobility

✅ Improve circulation

Physiotherapy Treatment

  • Gentle active range of motion exercises

  • Tendon gliding exercises

  • Hand oedema control techniques

  • Wrist and shoulder mobility exercises

Goal: Maintain movement without stressing the fracture


Stage 3: Hard Callus Formation (3–6 Weeks)

What Happens?

  • Soft callus converts into hard bone

  • Fracture becomes more stable

Symptoms

  • Minimal pain

  • Noticeable stiffness

  • Reduced grip strength

Physiotherapy Focus at Physio360

✅ Restore finger mobility

✅ Improve strength

✅ Enhance hand function

Rehabilitation Program

  • Finger flexion and extension exercises

  • Putty and sponge ball exercises

  • Grip strengthening

  • Functional hand activities

At Physio360, we customise exercises based on occupation and daily needs

Goal: Regain strength and functional movement


Stage 4: Remodelling Phase (6 Weeks – 3 Months)

What Happens?

  • Bone reshapes according to stress

  • Strength gradually returns to normal

Symptoms

  • Occasional stiffness

  • Mild discomfort during heavy activity

Advanced Physiotherapy Care

✅ Full functional recovery

✅ Dexterity and coordination training

✅ Return to work/sports

Advanced Exercises

  • Resistance band exercises

  • Fine motor skill training

  • Occupational task simulation

  • Sports-specific hand drills

Goal: Achieve pain-free, full finger function



Why Physiotherapy is Essential After Middle Phalanx Fracture?

Without proper physiotherapy, patients may develop:

Finger stiffness

Reduced grip strength

Malunion

Chronic pain

Functional disability


Benefits of Physiotherapy at Physio360

✔ Faster recovery

✔ Reduced stiffness

✔ Improved hand strength

✔ Safe return to daily activities

✔ Personalised rehabilitation plans


Why Choose Physio360 for Finger Fracture Rehabilitation?

Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Centre in Chennai offers:

  • Experienced orthopaedic physiotherapists

  • Evidence-based fracture rehabilitation

  • Advanced hand therapy techniques

  • One-to-one supervised sessions

  • Affordable and patient-friendly care

    Available near you – Physio360 Chennai

Book Your Physiotherapy Consultation Today!

If you or your loved one is recovering from a middle phalanx fracture, don’t wait for stiffness to set in.

Visit Physio360 – Chennai’s Trusted Physiotherapy Clinic. Get expert guidance for fast, safe, and complete recovery

Physio360 – Moving You Better, Stronger, Faster.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE.


1.Rehabilitation approaches for distal and middle phalanx fractures of the handhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0894-1130(03)80006-6.


2.Crushing Consequences: A Case Report on the Rehabilitation of a Middle Phalangeal Fracture in an Industrial Incidenthttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/382056992_Crushing_Consequences_A_Case_Report_on_the_Rehabilitation_of_a_Middle_Phalangeal_Fracture_in_an_Industrial_Incident.

 
 
 
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