What should you know about stiff finger after fracture exercises?

Swelling, protective splinting, scar tissue, and reduced tendon glide can all limit movement after a fracture. Stiffness does not by itself show whether the bone has healed, so exercise should follow the fracture plan. A clinician may check alignment, tenderness, grip, and the way the finger moves with neighbouring fingers.

Pain that settles after activity is different from sharp pain, increasing swelling, or a new change in shape. Progress can be gradual, particularly when the finger has been immobilised or the fracture involved a joint.

Once you have been cleared to move, use slow, comfortable bending and straightening within the advised range. Short, regular practice is usually easier to tolerate than forceful stretching. Keep the wrist and other fingers moving if allowed, and elevate the hand when swelling builds. Do not force a stiff joint, lift heavily, or stop protective support before you are told it is safe.

A hand therapist or physiotherapist can adjust exercises for tendon glide, joint motion, swelling control, and function. Keep a simple record of movement and symptoms so your follow-up can focus on what is changing.

Contact the treating team if pain or swelling increases after exercises, movement suddenly worsens, or the finger begins to rotate or cross another finger when you make a gentle fist. Seek urgent help if the finger becomes blue, pale, cold, numb, or severely painful, or if a wound develops redness, discharge, or spreading warmth.

Ask when active movement, strengthening, and heavier tasks are appropriate; which positions to avoid; and how much soreness is acceptable after practice. Ask whether you need repeat imaging or hand therapy if movement is not improving.