RehabFAQs

how long after a sprained finger before rehab

by Dr. Montana Halvorson Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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With basic rest and care, most sprained fingers start to feel much better within 48 hours. More moderate sprains often take 3 to 6 weeks to heal entirely. Though recovery time largely depends on the extent of the injury, severe or torn finger ligaments usually take two to three times longer to heal than mild or moderate finger sprains.

Typically, finger sprains heal well in patients who follow their rehabilitation program. Ligaments require from two to 10 weeks to heal. A small number of patients do experience complications such as re-injury, joint instability, arthritis, or inflammation where the ligament attaches to the bone.

Full Answer

How long does it take for a sprained finger to heal?

Depends: It depends on what exactly has happened to your finger. A simple "sprain" to your finger would normally be expected to be better by 10 weeks. It jus... Read More

When can I move my finger after sprain surgery?

Jun 14, 2017 · After minor and even moderate sprains, you should be able to start carefully using the finger again, slowly increasing mobility. Mild and moderate sprains typically are fully healed within three to...

How do you treat a sprained finger?

Place your good hand on a table, palm up. Put your hand with the affected finger on top of your good hand. Use the thumb and fingers of your good hand to grasp below the middle joint of your affected finger. Bend and then straighten the last two …

Can a sprained finger be swollen and stiff for months?

Apr 16, 2019 · We often see patients who let an injury go for several months with stiffness and pain. Once the finger is stiff for several months, it can take several weeks or even months of therapy treatment to regain motion and function. When you go to the doctor, try to remember as much as possible about the original injury.

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How do you rehab a sprained finger?

Isolated PIP flexionPlace the hand with the affected finger flat on a table, palm up. With your other hand, press down on the fingers that are not affected. Your affected finger will be free to move.Slowly bend your affected finger. Hold for about 6 seconds. Then straighten your finger.Repeat 8 to 12 times.

How long should I immobilize a sprained finger?

Keep the finger splinted or strapped until it no longer hurts. This can take about one to two weeks. For more serious injuries, see a doctor. You might need surgery if you have a bone fracture or a torn ligament or tendon.

What is the fastest way to heal a sprained finger?

How do you heal a sprained finger fast?Protecting your finger by using a brace.Resting your finger by minimizing use.Icing your finger several times a day.Compression on your finger utilizing a wrap.Elevate your finger as much as possible.

How do you tell if finger is fractured or sprained?

How do you tell if your finger is broken?Swelling that lasts for several days.Swelling that may extend to other parts of the hand.Bruising around the injured area.Extremely sharp pain.Limited range of motion of the finger.The finger looks misshapen or deformed.Stiffness.Burning or tingling.More items...•Apr 15, 2018

How can you tell if finger is broken or sprained?

To diagnose a sprained finger, your provider examines you and asks about your symptoms. They have you extend and flex your finger to see how well it moves. They also look at and feel your joints for swelling and tenderness. Your provider may order an X-ray to look for fractures.Aug 12, 2021

Should you go to the doctor for a sprained finger?

A person should seek medical attention anytime a sprained finger is excruciatingly painful, or if symptoms do not improve within the first 24 to 48 hours. Sprained fingers that appear misshapen, bent, or darkly colored also require medical attention.Dec 28, 2017

How do you know if you tore a ligament in your finger?

When a ligament supporting a finger joint is injured pain is felt in the finger. It is often made more painful if the joint is moved or if the finger is touched where the ligament is injured....Other symptoms may include:reduced range of movement.stiffness.weakness.deformity.biomechanical problems.

Is my finger broken or just swollen?

The most tell-tale symptom of a broken finger is immediate pain after the injury. If the pain and swelling prevent movement or use of the fingers, there's crushed tissue or exposed bone, then you should seek medical attention.Aug 19, 2019

How to tell if you have a sprained finger?

Other symptoms commonly associated with a sprained finger include: 1 pain 2 redness 3 swelling 4 increase in pain when attempting to move or use the finger 5 inability to straighten, extend, or bend the finger 6 throbbing, especially when allowing the finger to rest or when hanging at a person’s side 7 bruising

What are the symptoms of a sprained finger?

Share on Pinterest. Symptoms of a sprained finger include redness, pain, bruising, and swelling. Inflammation is the primary symptom of a sprained finger. Inflammation occurs because it is the body’s first line of immune defense after an injury. A sprain may also cause reduced mobility of the injured finger.

How long does it take for a sprained finger to heal?

Depending on the severity of the damage, sprained fingers usually improve in a few days with basic care, and heal entirely after a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

What is a broken finger?

Unlike a sprained finger, a broken finger involves injury to the actual bones or joints of the finger and requires medical treatment. Broken fingers also tend to be painful, disabling, or alarming enough that most people seek medical attention soon after they occur. Broken fingers often cause the same symptoms as sprained fingers, ...

How to reduce swelling and pain from a sprained finger?

One of the easiest ways to reduce pain and swelling associated with a sprained finger is to limit the use of the finger for a few days after the initial injury. Depending on how severe the sprain is, it often helps to rest the injured finger for a few hours each day while it heals.

What is the best treatment for a sprained ligament?

Treatment and home remedies. Share on Pinterest. Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, may help to manage the symptoms. Most mild sprains, where the ligaments are stretched too far but are not torn, do not require medical attention.

How to keep your finger elevated?

Keep the finger elevated, or raised at a level above the heart. Use a sling to keep the finger raised while standing or walking. While sitting or sleeping, use a pillow to prop up the injured finger.

How much time does a sprained finger take to heal?

4-6 weeks: A very bad sprained finger can take up to 4-6 weeks to heal. If your finger still hurts a lot after 2 weeks, go see your doc to check for possible str... Read More

I have had a sprained finger for 10 weeks now. how long does it usually take to heal?

Depends: It depends on what exactly has happened to your finger. A simple "sprain" to your finger would normally be expected to be better by 10 weeks. It jus... Read More

How long should it take a sprained finger to heal? i sprained my middle and ring finger of my left hand in the middle of november. it's now the middle of january and it still hurts as much as it did in nov. i've been wrapping the two fingers together an

That : That would be an abnormally long time to have significant pain from a simple sprain. Did you ever have xrays done? Often the mechanism of a spain (hyp... Read More

How can you heal a sprained finger?

Many things to do. : A sprained finger usually responds well to rest and splinting. Additionally, anti inflammatory medications and ice can also help. If the pain persists... Read More

Sign of a sprained finger?

Many signs...: A sprain injury can result in redness, bruising, swelling, pain, and possibly instability of the involved area. An x-ray will be able to assist in di... Read More

How can i treat a sprained finger?

Ice and early motion: It is important to find out if the finger is sprained and not broken. The only way to know for sure is to get an x-ray. Once a fracture is ruled out,... Read More

What can be done for a sprained finger?

Rest: Rest, warm compresses, splinting it by itself or buddy-taping to the one next to it and Aspirin or advil (ibuprofen) if tolerated and is painful.

How to make a fist with your fingers?

Place your good hand on a table, palm up. Put your hand with the affected finger on top of your good hand with your fingers wrapped around the thumb of your good hand like you are making a fist.

How to do dip flexion?

slide 3 of 9, DIP flexion, With your good hand, grasp your affected finger. Your thumb will be on the top side of your finger just below the joint that is closest to your fingernail. Slowly bend your affected finger only at the joint closest to your fingernail. Hold for about 6 seconds.

How to move a finger that is not affected?

Place the hand with the affected finger flat on a table, palm up. With your other hand, press down on the fingers that are not affected. Your affected finger will be free to move.

How to make a fist?

Make a fist by bending your knuckles. Your thumb can gently rest against your index (pointing) finger. Unwind your fingers slightly so that your fingertips can touch the base of your palm. Your thumb can rest against your index finger . Move back to your starting position, with your fingers and thumb pointing up.

How to make a towel out of a towel?

Fold a small towel in half, and lay it flat on a table. Put your hand flat on the towel, palm down. Grab the towel, and scrunch it toward you until your hand is in a fist. Slowly straighten your fingers to push the towel back so it is flat on the table again. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

How long does it take to recover from a splint?

Surgical intervention will typically require 4-6 weeks in a splint and then a very gradual return to full hand and wrist range of motion, strength, and function. Typically, a physical therapist will help you with the recovery process. You can expect to be back to full function within 12-16 weeks.

What happens if your finger is dislocated?

If the finger has been dislocated, there is typically tissue damage that affects the biomechanics of the finger that will also need to be repaired. Severely stretched or completely torn ligaments can be reattached in surgery to restore finger stability and function.

Can a grade 3 sprain be repaired?

If the finger has been dislocated, there is typically tissue damage that affects the biomechanics of the finger that will also need to be repaired. Severely stretched or completely torn ligaments can be reattached in surgery to restore finger stability and function.

Why do we need to rest our fingers?

With any type of new injury, rest should always be the first line of defense. As the body mounts a healing response (via swelling and heat), rest allows it to complete this cascade more efficiently. For a high use area like the finger where you might forget to keep it rested, you may need a finger splint or taping as a reminder.

What is the best way to heal a nerve ending?

Compression. Prolonged pressure to the injured area is a great way to promote blood circulation for the healing process. Additionally, compression provides comfort to sensitive pain nerve endings. You can use an elastic bandage to cover the entire hand, tape to address a specific finger, or compression gloves.

How to reduce swelling in finger?

While swelling isn’t necessarily the enemy, it can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Ice in a bag or an ice pack can be applied to the finger for 10 minutes every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

Who is Jaydee Vykoukal?

JayDee Vykoukal is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, owner of the healthy habit platform Health Means Wealth, and freelance medical writer. She loves traveling and spending time with her family in nature. Her passion is helping others continue to participate in the activities they love through education and proper exercise.

How long does it take for a sprain to heal?

Mild and moderate sprains typically are fully healed within three to six weeks. Sprains can be painful, but fortunately, they’re highly treatable. They’re also preventable. If you stretch before you exercise and build strength in the surrounding muscles, you’ll be less susceptible to sprains.

What are the symptoms of a sprained finger?

A third-degree sprain is the most severe type of sprain. It indicates a severe tearing or rupture of the ligament. Symptoms may include: 1 full or partial dislocation of the finger 2 severe pain and swelling 3 instability of the full finger 4 discoloration of the finger

What is a sprain in sports?

A sprain is an injury that occurs when ligaments are torn or stretched. Ligaments are the bands of tissue that connect joints together. Sprains are extremely common injuries. While they are especially common in athletes that participate in sports involving catching or throwing balls, anyone can sprain a finger relatively easily.

What is second degree sprain?

A second-degree sprain is considered a moderate sprain, where more damage is done to the ligament. Damage may be done to the joint capsule, too. This may include a partial tear of the tissue. Symptoms include:

What is the most severe sprain?

A third-degree sprain is the most severe type of sprain. It indicates a severe tearing or rupture of the ligament. Symptoms may include: full or partial dislocation of the finger. severe pain and swelling. instability of the full finger. discoloration of the finger.

Do you need to see a doctor for a sprain?

If you think that you have a mild sprain, there’s no need to see a doctor at first. If home treatment hasn’t helped and you have no improved mobility after three or four days, though, make an appointment just to double check. Second- and third-degree sprains may require the attention of a doctor.

How to make a fist with your fingers?

Place your good hand on a table, palm up. Put your hand with the affected finger on top of your good hand with your fingers wrapped around the thumb of your good hand like you are making a fist.

How to do dip flexion?

slide 3 of 9, DIP flexion, With your good hand, grasp your affected finger. Your thumb will be on the top side of your finger just below the joint that is closest to your fingernail. Slowly bend your affected finger only at the joint closest to your fingernail. Hold for about 6 seconds.

How to move a finger that is not affected?

Place the hand with the affected finger flat on a table, palm up. With your other hand, press down on the fingers that are not affected. Your affected finger will be free to move.

How to make a fist?

Make a fist by bending your knuckles. Your thumb can gently rest against your index (pointing) finger. Unwind your fingers slightly so that your fingertips can touch the base of your palm. Your thumb can rest against your index finger . Move back to your starting position, with your fingers and thumb pointing up.

How to make a towel out of a towel?

Fold a small towel in half, and lay it flat on a table. Put your hand flat on the towel, palm down. Grab the towel, and scrunch it toward you until your hand is in a fist. Slowly straighten your fingers to push the towel back so it is flat on the table again. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

What is a finger sprain?

Finger Sprains: Leave Them, Fix Them or Treat Them? A sprain occurs when a joint is stretched too far — causing stretching or tearing of ligament tissue that holds the joints together . Finger sprains, or “jams,” are one of the most common injuries in hand-focused sports, like basketball or volleyball, or sports where falls on hands are common, ...

What are the three joints of the finger?

The finger has three joints: the metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCP joint) or big knuckle, the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) or the middle knuckle, and the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint) ...

What is the best way to treat a finger injury?

With minor injuries, typically the finger can be treated with RICE principles (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Another helpful treatment is to buddy tape the finger to the adjacent finger for increased stability.

What degree did Carlin have?

Carlin received a Masters of Arts in gender studies from Birkbeck University in London and a Bachelors of Arts in psychology from Temple University, Philadelphia . Musicians are prone to finger joint injuries. A finger joint injury can make simple daily tasks more difficult. According to the National Institutes of Health, ...

How to get your fingers to move?

Stretch the muscles of the fingers actively. Using the finger muscles, straighten each finger until you reach your range of motion. Stretch the fingers for one minute and then release. Practice this exercise 10 times.

How to get rid of a swollen finger?

Make a fist with your injured fingers and squeeze for one minute. Alternatively, you can squeeze your fist around a tennis ball. Relax your grip and rest. Squeeze for a total of 10 times.

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