Individuals suffering from a jammed finger: Can knowing the signs and symptoms of a finger that is not broken or dislocated allow for at-home treatment and when to see a healthcare provider?
Table of Contents
A jammed finger, also known as a sprained finger, is a common injury when the tip of a finger is forcefully pushed toward the hand, causing the joint to become compressed. This can cause pain and swelling in one or more fingers or finger joints and cause ligaments to stretch, sprain, or tear. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2015) A jammed finger can often heal with icing, resting, and taping. This is often enough to allow it to heal in a week or two if no fractures or dislocations are present. (Carruthers, K. H. et al., 2016) While painful, it should be able to move. However, if the finger cannot wiggle, it may be broken or dislocated and require X-rays, as a broken finger or joint dislocation can take months to heal.
Treatment consists of icing, testing, taping, resting, seeing a chiropractor or osteopath, and progressive regular use to regain strength and ability.
If the pain and swelling persist, see a healthcare provider to get it checked for a possible fracture, dislocation, or other complication as soon as possible, as these injuries are harder to treat if the individual waits too long. (University of Utah Health, 2021)
At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we passionately focus on treating patients’ injuries and chronic pain syndromes and improving ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored to the individual. Our providers use an integrated approach to create personalized care plans that include Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine protocols. Our goal is to relieve pain naturally by restoring health and function to the body. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premier rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective clinical treatments.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand. (2015). Jammed finger. www.assh.org/handcare/condition/jammed-finger
Carruthers, K. H., Skie, M., & Jain, M. (2016). Jam Injuries of the Finger: Diagnosis and Management of Injuries to the Interphalangeal Joints Across Multiple Sports and Levels of Experience. Sports health, 8(5), 469–478. doi.org/10.1177/1941738116658643
Won, S. H., Lee, S., Chung, C. Y., Lee, K. M., Sung, K. H., Kim, T. G., Choi, Y., Lee, S. H., Kwon, D. G., Ha, J. H., Lee, S. Y., & Park, M. S. (2014). Buddy taping: is it a safe method for treatment of finger and toe injuries?. Clinics in orthopedic surgery, 6(1), 26–31. doi.org/10.4055/cios.2014.6.1.26
University of Utah Health. (2021). University of Utah Health. Should I worry about a jammed finger? University of Utah Health. healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/all/2021/03/should-i-worry-about-jammed-finger
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Understanding and Managing a Jammed Finger" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Could learning to apply healthy sleep hygiene habits help improve sleep and overall health for… Read More
Can incorporating natural probiotic foods help improve many people's gut health and restore functionality to… Read More
Experiencing a whiplash injury can be disorienting and painful. Can recognizing the signs of more… Read More
Individuals dealing with fibromyalgia can find natural remedies to reduce the pain-like symptoms and provide… Read More
For individuals who are looking for a whipped cream substitute for a dairy-free alternative, what… Read More
Can modified workouts and/or having a personal trainer design an alternate fitness routine while in… Read More
Is applying ice the best option for individuals who experience an acute back strain injury?… Read More
Individuals don't have to memorize or overthink every vitamin, mineral, or macronutrient. Can having a… Read More
While some disc herniations don't cause symptoms, individuals who are overweight with a herniated disc… Read More
Can individuals have a full night of sleep by making small changes to their sleep… Read More
Can the short-term potato diet be a solution for individuals trying to lose weight? Potato… Read More
Can individuals improve their brain function by incorporating yoga as part of their routine to… Read More