Sprained and dislocated fingers are common hand injuries. A sprain occurs when the tough tissue that supports the joint is stretched too much. This tissue, called a ligament, can be partially or completely torn. The joint may also be dislocated.
Sprains and dislocations can cause pain and swelling. Injuries usually occur during exercise, work, or in car accidents. Some treatment steps are similar for both types of injuries.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What are the symptoms of a sprained finger?
Finger sprains are graded in degrees, from mild to severe.
First degree sprain
A grade 1 sprain is considered a mild sprain where the ligaments are stretched but not torn. Symptoms may include:
- Pain while moving your finger
- Bruising and/or swelling on or around your finger or joint
- Tenderness or stiffness in your finger joint
Second degree sprain
A grade 2 sprain causes further damage to the ligament, such as a partial tear. Symptoms may include:
- Long pain
- Swelling of the affected finger, especially around the affected joint
- Weakness of the affected joint
Third degree sprain
A grade III sprain is the most serious sprain that results in a complete tear of the ligament, causing symptoms such as:
- Severe pain and swelling around the affected joint
- Limited range of motion of the affected joint
- Instability of the affected joint
- Maybe a “pop” sound as it happens
What are the causes of finger sprain?
A sprain can happen any time your finger bends in an unusual way. This can happen if you fall on your hand or get hurt while playing sports, for example.
A sprain can be in any of the joints in your knuckle. However, the joint in the middle of your finger is called the Proximal interphalangeal Or PIP joint — most commonly sprained.
How is a sprained finger diagnosed?
If you cut your finger, you may need to have an X-ray to see if any of the bones in your hand are broken (fractured). If you break a bone in your finger, you will need different treatment than if you sprained your finger.
How is a sprained finger treated?
There are many ways to treat a finger sprain, such as the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- break: Do not use the affected body part to protect it from further damage.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack several times daily for 10 to 20 minutes each time to reduce pain and swelling. Do this for the first two or three days. Place a towel or cloth between your skin and the ice pack to avoid damaging your skin with the ice.
- pressure: Wrap the affected finger with an elastic bandage, but not too tightly. Loosen the bandage if you notice numbness, tingling, increased pain, or swelling under the wrap.
- to lift: Elevate the affected finger above heart level any time you sit or lie down.
Other treatments may include:
- Medicines that do not require a doctor’s prescription: Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) or a pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).
- Friend bar: Buddy taping involves gluing the sprained finger to one of the fingers next to it while it heals.
- splint: Splinting a sprained finger while you do activities that could further injure it can protect your hand. Discuss with your healthcare provider when to use a splint and for how long.
- surgery: If you are If you have a complete tear in the ligament, surgery may be necessary to repair it. The hand surgeon determines the type of procedure necessary based on the location and extent of the injury.
How long does it take for a sprained finger to heal?
If you haven’t broken any bones or dislocated a joint and you have a mild sprain, your symptoms will likely go away within one to two weeks. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can start using your finger normally.
Some sprains may need splinting or taping for a longer period, especially if the ligament is torn.
A severe sprain usually requires splinting and can take several weeks or even months to fully recover. Some sprains require finger exercises, physical therapy, or occupational therapy to restore full function of the affected finger.
If you sprain your finger and your symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks, follow up with your health care provider for re-evaluation. Further tests or treatment may be needed.
The injury, called “gamekeeper’s thumb,” is a sprain in one of the ligaments in the joint where the thumb meets the hand. It occurs with forceful or repetitive thumb movements or falling onto an outstretched hand. Activities at risk for this injury include skiing, rock climbing, and soccer.
The term “gamekeeper’s thumb” first originated from Scottish gamekeepers. Repetitive use of their hands has often caused this injury.
Hurting the ligament in this joint multiple times may make it difficult to use your finger to make a “pinch” motion. This injury usually needs to be treated with a splint or splint for 4 to 6 weeks. You may even need surgery to fix it.
How to treat a dislocated finger
Sometimes it is easier to reduce or reposition the finger. Other times, a dislocation is more difficult to repair. A person may need anesthesia or even need surgery to put the joint back in place. In these cases, there may be tendons or other tissues preventing the joint from reaching position.
Returning your finger to the correct position is called “reducing” it. Once it is reduced, your finger will need to be splinted for about three weeks. You will also need to have an X-ray to make sure the joint is lined up properly and that no bones are broken.
After these steps are completed, care for a dislocated finger is exactly the same as care for a sprained finger. For example, ice your finger and hold your hand up to help treat swelling. Check with your healthcare provider to find out when you can start moving your finger again.
When a joint is dislocated, the ligaments and joint capsule may tear. A splint is usually enough to help the tissue heal. However, sometimes ligaments do not heal properly. If this happens, you may need surgery.
When to see a health care provider
Many finger sprains can be treated safely at home. However, you should seek medical care in the following cases:
- Symptoms do not go away after rest and home treatment.
- The bone or joint is clearly deformed or broken.
- There is swelling and/or severe pain.
- There is tingling, numbness, or inability to move the finger.
summary
Sprained and dislocated fingers are common hand injuries. A sprain occurs when the finger is extended in a way that puts pressure on the ligaments. A dislocation occurs when the two bones that make up the joint in the finger move out of position. Both injuries can cause pain and stiffness in the finger.
Sprains and dislocations are often easy to treat. However, to find out the extent of the damage to your finger, you will need to see a health care provider. They may also splint or tape your finger to help keep it from moving while it heals.
Frequently asked questions
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How do you know if your finger is sprained or broken?X-rays are the only way to know if your finger is broken or sprained. Symptoms of a sprained and broken finger include pain, swelling, and tenderness to the touch.
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Can you move a crooked finger?You may be able to move your sprained finger, but not without pain. The sprain affects the ligaments surrounding the joint, causing swelling and pain.
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Will a sprained finger heal on its own?It depends on the extent of the sprain. A mild sprain may heal on its own within a few weeks. A severe sprain usually requires medical attention and splinting. Even then, a bad sprain may take several weeks or even months to fully recover. Some sprains require physical therapy before the finger can fully function.
