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How to Properly Deal with Finger Fractures & Sprains

Last updated on April 18, 2020 By Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT Leave a Comment


We have been seeing a lot of finger fractures and sprains as of late. Here is my list of finger facts that you may find useful if you ever have to deal with a finger trauma and subsequent rehabilitation.

1. Don’t panic

If your finger is crushed, jammed, sliced, slammed, or otherwise traumatized, in all probability you are not going to die. Many people tend to panic immediately following a finger injury, more so than if they traumatize ankles, knees, hips, and other joints. The hands are a major source of sensory input and are vital for manipulating objects in our everyday lives. It is understandable for people to feel a sudden sense of dread in losing functional usage. Try to relax.

2. Take a quick assessment

Can you both bend and straighten your finger? If you can, your tendons are working and all of the support structures are probably functioning well.

3. Expect swelling

Fingers tend to swell a lot when they are traumatized. Unfortunately this swelling can take a very, very long time to go away. Fingers are notoriously slow to drain: it is not uncommon to see a traumatized finger swollen six months to a year after the actual incident. You can speed the process along through guidance from a physical therapist or occupational therapist.

4. Do you need an X-ray?

If there is significant bruising, swelling, and pain, it is worthwhile to get an evaluation and X-ray to be safe.

5. Use your finger once you’re able

Once the acute phase of your injury is passed, AND with your doctor’s permission, start using your hand again! I have seen far too many people who develop excessive stiffness and hypersensitivity, simply because they are “babying” the injured finger. You do not want to end up with a finger that is stuck in one position. Use it or lose its function.

Filed Under: Featured, Orthopedic Injury Tagged With: Hand Wrist & Elbow



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About Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT

Dan is a licensed Physical Therapist in the District of Columbia, license #PT2916. He has a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Dan specializes in sports medicine & upper extremity rehabilitation. He is a Certified Hand Therapist, certified by the American Society of Hand Therapists (initial certification date 11/6/2004, certification #1041100023). Dan has extensive continuing education in manual therapy from the Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions. Answers to questions submitted are merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given. PhysioDC insists that all patients receive approval from a prescribing physician prior to starting a structured exercise program involving any of the exercises included on this site. PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.