Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
BROKEN HAND & FINGER TREATMENT IN THE CHICAGO AREA
Hand & Finger Fracture Treatment in Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove & Elk Grove Village
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty focus on hand and wrist conditions, including fractures of the hand and fingers. A broken bone in the hand can affect how you grip, work and play, and getting the right treatment early helps the bone heal in the right position. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to restore strength and motion with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether you have a suspected broken finger from a sports injury, a fall or a workplace accident, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation and a plan matched to the type of fracture. As part of his broader hand and wrist care(opens in a new tab), he can see you quickly, and even emergently if needed, and uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, with minimally invasive fixation when surgery is needed.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the hand & wrist doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Hand Pain, Swelling & a Crooked Finger After Injury
Signs and Symptoms of a Hand or Finger Fracture
The hand contains many small bones, and a fracture can look a lot like a bad sprain, so symptoms alone cannot confirm a break. Common signs after an injury include:
- Pain and tenderness: Pain at the site of the injury that gets worse when you move, grip or press on the area.
- Pain that does not improve in the first day or two, or that is severe right away, is a reason to be examined.
- Swelling and bruising: Puffiness and discoloration in the finger, knuckle or back of the hand.
- A crooked or misaligned finger: A finger that looks bent, shortened or out of place, or that crosses over a neighboring finger when you make a fist.
- Trouble moving or gripping: Difficulty bending the finger, making a fist or holding objects.
- Warning signs that need prompt care: Numbness, a finger that looks pale or cold, or an open wound.
- If you notice any of these after an injury, seek care right away rather than waiting for symptoms to settle.
SPLINTS INSTEAD OF CASTS & MINIMALLY INVASIVE FIXATION
Hand & Finger Fracture Treatment Options
Treatment depends on which bone is broken and the nature of the fracture, and it may include conservative management or surgical intervention. Dr. Yaffe offers a full array of treatment options depending on each patient’s unique needs, including:
- Non-surgical care: Splints are used instead of casts whenever possible, including custom splints made by Certified Hand Therapists, and removable fracture braces can be an option for some fractures. Hand therapy helps restore motion and strength as the bone heals.
- Minimally invasive fracture fixation: Procedures like temporary pinning and micro screw fixation can promote healing while avoiding the need for large incisions. When surgery is needed, Dr. Yaffe provides expeditious surgical care in-office.
- Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the hand and wrist, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and sports as soon as possible.
- Preparing for Surgery & Procedure(opens in a new tab): If you and Dr. Yaffe decide on surgery, this guide explains how to get ready for your procedure so you know what to expect.
Surgery is considered for fractures that are displaced, unstable, rotated, or that do not heal properly with conservative treatment. There is no single right plan for every break, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation with X-rays is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hand and finger fractures?
Hand and finger fractures most often result from falls, sports injuries, direct blows, crush injuries, workplace accidents and car accidents. Because the hand is used constantly and sits at the end of the arm, it is easy to injure. Dr. Yaffe evaluates how the injury happened to understand the type of fracture and how best to treat it.
How can I tell if my finger is broken or just sprained?
It is often hard to tell by looking, because a break and a bad sprain can both cause pain, swelling and bruising. A finger that looks crooked, crosses over its neighbor when you make a fist, or cannot move normally is more concerning. An exam and X-rays are the reliable way to know, so it is worth being evaluated rather than guessing.
When should I see a hand specialist for a suspected fracture?
As soon as you can after an injury. Early evaluation helps the bone heal in the right position and helps avoid stiffness. Dr. Yaffe can see you quickly, and even emergently if needed. Seek care right away for an open wound, numbness, or a finger that looks pale, cold or clearly deformed.
Will I need a cast for a broken hand or finger?
Often not. Dr. Yaffe uses splints instead of casts whenever possible, including custom splints made by Certified Hand Therapists, and a removable fracture brace may be an option for some fractures. The right choice depends on the bone involved and the type of fracture.
When is surgery needed for a hand or finger fracture?
Surgery is considered when a fracture is displaced, unstable or rotated, involves the joint surface, or does not heal properly with conservative treatment. Many fractures heal well without surgery, so treatment depends on the nature of the fracture. Dr. Yaffe reviews the expected benefits and risks of any recommended procedure with you before you decide.
How does minimally invasive fracture treatment work?
For fractures that need surgery, Dr. Yaffe uses techniques such as temporary pinning and micro screw fixation, which hold the bone in position while it heals and avoid the need for large incisions. When needed, he provides expeditious surgical care in-office. This minimally invasive surgery(opens in a new tab) is aimed at reducing recovery time so you can return to work and sports sooner. Results vary by patient, and Dr. Yaffe will discuss what to expect for your situation.
What can I expect during my recovery from a hand or finger fracture?
Recovery depends on the bone involved and whether you had surgery. Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for protecting the hand, when to begin moving the fingers, and when to return to work, sports and other activities. Many patients work with Certified Hand Therapists to regain range of motion and strength. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best hand and wrist specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to recovery. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note how and when you were injured.
Get Your Hand Injury Evaluated by a Hand & Wrist Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.