Pulled this from Scotland's Health Services website related to the type of fracture I have (
displaced distal phalanx fracture):
0 to 3 weeks after your injury
Between 0 to 3 weeks after your injury, you should:
- use the affected hand within the splint for light activities like eating, dressing or typing on a keyboard, as long as the pain allows
- increase the movement in your thumb, fingers and wrist with gentle exercises
- manage your pain and swelling
- wean yourself out of using your splint as far as comfort allows
So why am I wearing the thing? Just because the NP who treated me said to keep it on until I see ortho. Pain level is very low, I already know I can bend it at the knuckle as far as it will go with no pain so screw the splint, I'm just going to start taking it off for short periods of time and see what happens. If I keep the wound wrapped tight that should be enough to immobilize the actual fracture as
@Bliss Doubt suggested, and I should be able to use my thumb more normally at least to a degree.