About this topic
Your fingers and thumbs are made of small bones. A joint is the place where two bones meet. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold the bones together. If the ligaments are stretched or torn, you have a finger sprain. When the finger bone is forced out of its normal place, you have a dislocation. Often, a dislocation will cause very bad pain and will make your finger look deformed. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Jamming force or blow to the finger
- Finger gets twisted, bent, or extended backwards with much force
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Playing contact sports
- Trauma or accident
- Fall
- Having a dislocated finger before
What are the main signs?
- Finger is not lined up in its normal position, looks deformed
- Very bad pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Not able to straighten the finger
- Numbness and tingling
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will look at your finger and see if you are able to bend and straighten it. The doctor can most often tell just by looking at your finger if it is dislocated. Your doctor might also order an x-ray. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will put the finger joint back into place by moving the finger a certain way. You may need a shot to lessen pain for this. ‚
Your doctor may order things to help with any finger pain. These may include: ‚
- Splint or taping to keep the finger from moving
- Ice
- Propping up your hand to lower swelling
- Exercises
- Surgery
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Long-term damage if you do not have the finger put back in place soon enough
- Nerve, blood vessel, muscle, and ligament damage could happen if you try to put the finger in place yourself
- Mild to very bad deformity
- Partial or full loss of the finger
- Finger gets dislocated again
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear protective equipment when playing sports.
- Do finger strengthening exercises often. If you have had this injury before, this may lower the risk of it happening again.
- Keep your home free of clutter that could cause a fall.
Where can I learn more?
British Society for Surgery of the Hand ‚
http://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/commonhandconditions/fingerdislocations ‚
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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