Elevation is especially important at night. In addition to RICE, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) every eight hours. If the sprain is severe enough, your doctor might immobilize the finger with a splint, which can help ensure that it heals correctly.
Full Answer
What do you do if you have a sprained finger?
Jun 14, 2017 · To treat a sprained finger at home, RICE is the first step you’ll take. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You’ll need to …
How to know when my sprained finger has healed?
Tendon glides In this exercise, the steps follow one another to a make a continuous movement. Hold your hand upward. Your fingers and thumb will be pointing straight up. Your wrist should be relaxed, following the... Curl your fingers so that the top …
How can you tell if you sprained your finger?
You can also use RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Rest: Let your finger rest, if possible. Stop doing the activity that injured it (such as playing basketball) while your... Ice: Ice the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, especially within the first 24 hours. Put ice in a ...
How to tell if you finger is sprained?
Mar 11, 2022 · Finger sprain treatment Rest the finger and apply ice. Ice or cold therapy can be applied for 10 minutes every hour initially reducing the frequency as symptoms ease. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it may apply ice burns unless it is in the form of ice massage. Keeping an ice cube moving over the area should avoid ice burns.
How long does a sprain take to heal finger?
Though sprains may be painful, most mild finger sprains heal in about a week. More severe sprains require at least three to six weeks to heal fully, but may remain swollen and tender for a significantly longer period of time in some cases.Aug 12, 2021
How can I speed up the healing of 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.
Will a sprained finger heal on its own?
Most of the time a jammed finger will get better on its own within a week or two. But even with treatment, your finger may stay swollen or sensitive for many months. During recovery, try to use the finger as little as possible while it heals. Take a break from sports or other activities that could worsen your injury.
How do I know if my finger is sprained?
If your finger is sprained, you might have:Pain in one of your finger joints when you try to move or use it.Stiffness in your finger or having a hard time straightening or bending it.Tenderness in your joint when you touch the area.Swelling in one of your finger joints.Sep 1, 2020
How to treat a sprained finger?
In addition to taping or splinting the injured finger, other treatments for a sprain include: 1 Ice the injured finger 2 Elevate if there is swelling 3 Take an anti-inflammatory medication 4 Gently move the finger to prevent stiffening
How long does it take for a finger sprain to heal?
So long as there is no fracture or dislocation, most finger sprains should be allowed to move within about a week.
What is the most common injury to the hand?
Finger sprains and dislocations are common injuries to the hand. When a sprain occurs, a ligament that supports a joint is stretched too far and the tough fibers of the ligament tissue become either partially or completely torn. Ronald Martinez / Getty Images.
What causes a finger to sprain?
Common causes of finger sprains and dislocations include sports injuries, work-related injuries, and automobile accidents.
How long does it take to use your hand after a sprain?
Usually, you'll be able to use your hand as normal within a week. It is also normal for a sprain to cause pain and discomfort for a longer period of time. If it's really bothering you, ask your doctor if there is a way to reduce the discomfort. 6 . Although dislocation is a more serious injury, expect treatment similar to that of a sprain.
What is a dislocated finger?
A finger dislocation is a more severe injury to the digit, as it involves not only the ligament, but also the surrounding joint capsule, cartilage, and other tissues. When a joint is dislocated, the normal alignment of the finger is altered, and the joint must be put back into place. Sometimes, relocating a finger dislocation can be simple ...
What is the purpose of X-rays for dislocated fingers?
The X-ray is performed to ensure the joint is perfectly aligned, and that there was no fracture that occurred at the time of the injury. 5 . Once is has been reduced and splinted, care for a dislocated finger is similar to that of a sprained finger. You should ice and elevate the injured finger after the injury.
Introduction
Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. The exercises may be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Start each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you start to have pain.
MP extension
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.
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.
PIP extension (with MP extension)
Place your good hand on a table, palm up. Put your hand with the affected finger on top of your good hand.
Isolated PIP flexion
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.
Where can you learn more?
Enter J321 in the search box to learn more about "Finger Sprain: Rehab Exercises".
How to stretch your fingers?
You can mix this one up depending on what specific finger and joints you’re focusing on. Simply curl the fingers in toward the top of your palm, touching if possible. Then, alternate between touching the top and the middle of the palm. In between each repetition, completely straighten the fingers before going moving into the next. For an additional stretch, try spreading the fingers apart as far as possible as you straighten them.
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.
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.
Why do you need a finger splint?
Using a finger splint can provide more rigid support for the finger. Typically, you can simply adjust a splint to the appropriate size and position you need them for gaining optimal support. A splint can provide pain relief and prevent you from re-injuring or aggravating the injury.
What is the best medication for swelling?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Aleve , and naproxen are over the counter medications that can provide you relief.
What is Buddy Taping?
Buddy Taping. Buddy taping is a great way to provide support for the injured finger without completely limiting hand and wrist function. This is a great option for mild or moderate sprains. It simply involves using the neighboring fingers for stability.
What happens if you have a grade 3 sprain?
When a grade 3 sprain results in instability of the finger there is generally significant compromise of connective tissue in the finger necessary for normal function. 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.
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
Why do my fingers sprain?
Sprained fingers are caused by physical impact to the finger. In most cases, sprains are caused by a blow to the end of a finger, which reverberates up to the joint and causes it to become hyperextended. This stretches or tears the ligaments. Sports injuries are extremely common causes of sprained fingers. This is especially true ...
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 the mildest sprain?
A first-degree sprain is the mildest. It involves ligaments that are stretched but not torn. Symptoms include: some localized pain and swelling around the joint. a restriction in the ability to flex or extend the finger. The strength and stability of the finger and joint are not affected.
How many different grades of sprains are there?
General symptoms of sprains are pain, swelling, limited mobility, and bruising. There are three different grades of sprains. Each grade has its own specific version of these symptoms.
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 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:
How to get a swollen finger out of your hand?
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 joints of your affected finger. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
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 do slide 9 of 9?
slide 9 of 9, Towel grab, 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 to get a hook out of your hand?
Slowly uncurl the joints of your hand with the affected finger where your fingers connect to your hand so that only the top two joints of your fingers are bent. Your fingers will look like a hook. Move back to your starting position, with your fingers wrapped around your good thumb. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
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 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 do MP extension?
MP extension. 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. Slowly uncurl the joints of your hand with the affected finger where your fingers connect to your hand so that only the top two joints ...
Overview
A sprained finger involves torn or stretched soft tissues, such as a ligament, in your finger. These soft tissues connect bones to other bones and supports your joints.
Symptoms and Causes
Most finger sprains result from injuries. An injury that bends your finger too far backward (hyperextension) or the wrong way can lead to sprained fingers. This type of injury often occurs when playing sports, such as basketball, football or volleyball.
Diagnosis and Tests
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.
Management and Treatment
You can often treat a mild sprain at home. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain. You can also use RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation):
Prevention
You can’t always prevent sprained fingers, especially if you play sports where your fingers come into contact with a ball. Sometimes the use of buddy straps or supportive wraps may be helpful in preventing an injury.
Living With
Tell your provider if you continue to have pain or swelling after the injury. These could be signs of a more severe injury, such as a broken finger.
How to treat a finger sprain?
Finger sprain treatment. Rest the finger and apply ice. Ice or cold therapy can be applied for 10 minutes every hour initially reducing the frequency as symptoms ease. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it may apply ice burns unless it is in the form of ice massage.
What is a sprained finger?
A sprained finger occurs when the finger is bent in some way causing damage to the ligaments which connect bones together. It is a common injury in sport. Here we explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment for a finger sprain.
What is the ligament under the middle joint called?
The ligament underneath the middle joint is called the ‘volar plate’ . It is a strong, thick ligament which is injured when bending the finger back too far (hyperextension). Read more on Volar plate finger sprain.
What is finger buddy taping?
Finger buddy taping. The aim of this taping is to prevent movement of the injured finger during the healing stage of rehabilitation. Fingers 1 and 2 are usually ‘paired’ for taping and 3 and 4 are usually best taped together. Read more on finger sprain taping.
Why do you tape your finger when you have a swollen ligament?
Once the swelling has died down the finger should be taped to protect the injured ligament while it heals. The taping will be specific to the ligament injured. When returning to sport it may be necessary to use a finger buddy taping where the injured finger is taped to the adjacent one for protection.
How to restore finger strength?
Eventually, hand strengthening exercises with putty or hand exercise balls can restore strength. A surgeon may operate if required for more severe cases or a complete rupture. Read more on finger exercises.
Who is Mike Walden?
Mike Walden. Mike is creator & CEO of Sportsinjuryclinic.net. A qualified Sports Injury Therapist with a degree in Physical Education, Sports Science and Physics, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
