When to see a doctor for Jammed Finger?
Finger injuries are not to be taken lightly. Finger problems can result in time away from work, a lot of pain, and difficulty completing daily tasks.
If you believe you have a jammed finger, it is critical that you seek treatment as soon as possible. So keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about jammed fingers, from the causes to the symptoms to the treatments.
What is a jammed finger?
A jammed finger happens when a finger gets stuck in something or caught between two things and bends backwards instead of breaking at the joint. This condition is likely to occur if your finger absorbs the full force of a volleyball spike, basketball rebound, or hard-hit baseball. Thus, jammed fingers are extremely common in sports.
Jammed fingers can be excruciatingly painful and make simple tasks difficult to complete. A sprain usually causes a jammed finger to your finger’s knuckle or joint. You could also have a joint dislocation or a small fracture.
Your impacted finger(s) will most likely swell and become extremely sensitive to touch. Jammed fingers should be treated right away to speed up the healing process. If a jammed finger is not treated immediately, it may conceal further damage, such as dislocations or fractures.
Symptoms:
- Acute pain
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Limited range of motion
How is a jammed finger diagnosed?
A mildly jammed finger can be diagnosed and treated at home. But if you can’t straighten or bend your finger or are in tremendous pain, you should seek medical help immediately. These severe symptoms may indicate a ruptured tendon or a broken bone.
When you visit the doctor, they will examine your finger to see if it is swollen. They will also ask you how painful it is and how well you can move your finger. Comparing your impacted finger to the fingers around it can also assist you and your doctor in determining how much swelling is occurring.
If your doctor suspects that your finger is broken or has some other damage, they may order an X-ray to get a better look. You may also need a CT scan or an MRI, which will assist the doctor in determining the extent of your injury.
What is the primary treatment for jammed fingers?
The three most common treatments for a jammed finger are as follows:
- Cold packs and elevation are examples of first aid.
- Splinting or buddy taping the injured finger to an uninjured neighbouring finger
- Taking anti-inflammatory or pain reliever medications.
If there is a fracture, it may be necessary to refrain from participating in sports or other activities that could cause the finger to become jammed again.
When is it compulsory to visit a doctor for jammed finger treatment?
A jammed finger should heal within one or two weeks.
However, if it doesn’t or if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should immediately contact your primary care physician or an emergency room:
- The finger cannot be bent in any direction
- The swelling and pain in the finger are excruciating
- Your injured finger has a deformity or a bump at the tip
- You are unable to move your finger
- Fractured finger
- You are experiencing severe pain, numbness, tingling, or a dropping sensation
Seek unparalleled treatment at our specialist hand surgeon
Prof Dr Robert Hierner is a renowned hand surgeon in Dubai with more than 30 years of extensive experience. He is an expert in treating all kinds of ailments related to hands. In addition, he possesses skills in various interdisciplinary areas like physiotherapy, neurology, rheumatology, radiotherapy, anaesthesia, and surgery.
Schedule your appointment today to undergo an apt treatment plan and avoid long-term damage to your hand.
