How do you tell if my finger is broken or jammed?
A person may hear a cracking or popping noise with finger movement if they have a broken finger. A doctor will also ask the person to try to move their finger. A jammed finger will usually have some range of motion, but if a person has a broken finger, they will hardly be able to move it.
Can a broken finger heal itself?
The physicians at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists treat finger injuries on a regular basis, and many will heal on their own. However, it’s important to know the difference between pain from a temporary jam and a potential fracture that needs immediate medical attention, or even surgery.
Should I tape a jammed finger?
Tape your fingers. Tape your injured finger to the finger beside it. This will immobilize your jammed finger and serve as a splint. Taping your fingers together will help secure the healing process by lessening injuries to your jammed finger.
Is a jammed finger a sprain?
A jammed finger occurs when the tip of the finger is compressed towards the hand. As the finger is compressed, the ligaments supporting the joints are stretched or “sprained.” Ligaments are soft tissues that hold bone to bone. The greater the force, the more severe the sprain.
Is my finger broken or just swollen?
The most tell-tale symptom of a broken finger is immediate pain after the injury. If the pain and swelling prevent movement or use of the fingers, there’s crushed tissue or exposed bone, then you should seek medical attention.
Do I need to go to the doctor for a sprained finger?
After an injury, there will be pain, swelling and often stiffness or difficulty moving the finger. See a doctor immediately if the finger is obviously out of place, crooked or misshapen, cold, pale or numb, or if swelling and/or severe pain developed immediately within the first 30 minutes after the injury.