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: 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. Once pain and swelling recede, the finger can be reconditioned by exercising the joint—for example, by making a fist or squeezing a stress ball. Recovery time for a jammed finger is dependent on the degree of injury. It can take a few weeks to many months for the swelling and pain to resolve. Some stiffness may persist. For those returning to sports, buddy taping should be used for a few weeks or until the finger is completely recovered.