Finger Sprain

Home care

• Keep your hand raised (elevated) to reduce pain and swelling. This is very important during the first 48 hours.

• Apply an ice pack over the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 to 6 hours. You should do this for the first 24 to 48 hours. You can make an ice pack by filling a plastic bag that seals at the top with ice cubes and then wrapping it with a thin towel. Continue the use of ice packs for relief of pain and swelling as needed. As the ice melts, be careful to avoid getting any wrap or splint wet. After 48 to 72 hours, or as directed by your health care provider, apply heat (warm shower or warm bath) for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Or you can switch between ice and heat.

• If buddy tape was applied and it becomes wet or dirty, change it. You may replace it with paper, plastic, or cloth tape. Cloth tape and paper tape must be kept dry. Apply gauze or cotton padding between the fingers, especially at the webbed space. This will help prevent the skin from getting moist and breaking down. Keep the buddy tape in place for at least 4 weeks, or as instructed by your provider.

• If a splint was applied, wear it for the time advised.

• You may use over-the-counter pain medicine to control pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. If you have long-term (chronic) liver or kidney disease, ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, or take blood thinners, talk with your provider before using these medicines.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider as directed. Finger joints will become stiff if immobile for too long. If a splint was applied, ask your provider when it's safe to begin range-of-motion exercises.

Sometimes fractures don’t show up on the first X-ray. Bruises and sprains can sometimes hurt as much as a fracture. These injuries can take time to heal completely. If your symptoms don’t improve or they get worse, talk with your provider. You may need a repeat X-ray. If X-rays were taken, you'll be told of any new findings that may affect your care.

When to call your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if:

• You have pain or swelling that increases.

• Your fingers or hand becomes cold, blue, numb, or tingly.