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Common Finger Injuries


About this topic


Fingers are made up of many small bones. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold your bones together. There are also muscles and tendons in your fingers. These attach to the bones and help move the finger up, down, or sideways. Nerves and blood vessels also run through your finger. The nail protects the end of your finger. Damage or injury to any of these structures can lead to finger pain and problems. ‚  
Common finger injuries include: ‚  
  • Broken or dislocated bone
  • Problems with tendons and ligaments
  • Cuts, bites, or infection
  • Problems with the fingernail
  • Amputation


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What are the causes?


  • Trauma from a fall, direct hit, accident, or fight
  • Finger is crushed, twisted, pulled, or jammed
  • Accident that causes burns or cuts
  • Arthritis
  • Infection
  • Irritation to muscles, ligaments, or other tissues
  • Nerve compression
  • Circulation problems

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Having a job where your hands are at risk for injury
  • Having a job where you do repeat motions with your hands
  • Playing contact sports or sports where you are at risk for falling
  • Having certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes

What are the main signs?


  • Pain, swelling, soreness, or stiffness
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Trouble bending, straightening, or moving the finger
  • Numbness or tingling in the finger
  • Weakness or trouble gripping objects
  • Finger is cold and pale
  • Finger in an abnormal position
  • Missing tissue

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will look at your finger and hand. Your doctor may have you try to move your fingers to check your motion. Your doctor may push on your fingers to test your strength. Your doctor will also check for numbness and blood flow. ‚  
The doctor may order: ‚  
  • X-ray
  • MRI or CT scan

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Based on the problem, your doctor may suggest: ‚  
  • Rest and avoid activities that make your problem worse
  • Splint or brace
  • Taping
  • Ice
  • Elevation
  • Compression
  • Wound care
  • Drainage of blood under the fingernail
  • Exercises
  • Lining up bones in the right position
  • Surgery

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
  • Help with pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Prevent or fight an infection

The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Loss of finger movement or strength
  • Ongoing pain or stiffness
  • Long-term disability
  • Injury to nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Wear protective equipment when playing sports.
  • Take rests often when doing something with repeat hand motions.
  • Follow all safety precautions when running machinery.
  • Do not wear rings when working with machinery.
  • Do not run equipment or machines when tired.
  • Use caution when cutting with knives. Make sure the blades stay sharp. Dull blades can slip and cause injuries.
  • Do not approach fighting dogs or animals. Be careful when getting near an animal that you do not know.

Where can I learn more?


American Society for Surgery of the Hand ‚  
http://www.assh.org/Public/HandConditions/Pages/default.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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