About this topic
Your fingers and thumbs are made of small bones. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold the bones together. If the ligaments are stretched or torn, you have a finger sprain. Sometimes, the ligament is torn just a little. Other times, it may be torn all the way. ‚
Falls or accidents may cause finger sprains. You may have pain and swelling in your finger. There may also be stiffness and problems moving the finger. Most finger sprains can be treated without surgery. If there is bad damage, surgery may be needed. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Avoid moving your sprained finger.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your hand on pillows to help with swelling.
- Your doctor may have you tape your sprained finger to the next finger. This will support you injured finger. Other times, the doctor may have you wear a splint on your finger.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may order physical therapy or an exercise program for you.
- An x-ray test may be needed a few weeks later to make sure that your injury is fully healed and the bones are lined up in the right position.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your finger for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you work out or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Less motion
- Finger stiffness
- Repeated injury can cause a long-term problem like arthritic finger joint
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take care when on slippery or wet surfaces. Try to avoid falling.
- Use protective equipment and padding, like wrist guards, when playing play sports.
- Stay active and work out to build strong muscles and bones.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Splint gets damaged or breaks
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00022 ‚
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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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚