Title: Treating a Jammed Finger
Headings: Treating a Jammed Finger
Treating a Jammed Finger
When to Seek Medical Care for a Jammed Finger
In This Article:
Home Treatment for a Jammed Finger
Further Reading: Is My Hand and Wrist Pain Caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Something Else?
Pages:

Content: Temporarily immobilize the finger. Protect the finger from further injury using either by “buddy taping” it or using a finger splint. Budding taping involves taping the injured finger and a neighboring finger together. Buddy taping helps protect the jammed finger while also improving its range of motion by allowing it to be a “buddy” to an uninjured finger. Temporarily splinting the finger for 1 to 2 days is okay. A temporary splint may be appropriate if moving the finger is very painful and/or a fracture has not been ruled out. However, if there is no fracture, splinting for longer than 1 to 2 days can negatively affect the joint's long-term healing and range of motion. Take a break from sports or activities that may reinjure or further injure the finger. Use ice therapy to decrease inflammation and dull pain by applying a cold pack to the affected joint for 5 to 10 minutes every few hours. Take anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), as needed.