How can you tell if your knuckle is jammed?
Common symptoms of a jammed finger include:
- Pain in the finger’s PIP joint, which can be dull and mild for a slight sprain or sharp and throbbing for a severe sprain.
- Swelling and redness in the PIP joint, which may be more evident when comparing the affected finger with the others.
Should you go to the hospital if you jammed your finger?
Often you can diagnose and treat a jammed finger yourself. If you’re in a lot of pain or you can’t bend and straighten your finger, see your doctor or go to an emergency room for treatment. These symptoms could indicate a fractured bone or ruptured tendon.
What happens if a jammed finger goes untreated?
If left untreated, a jammed finger can lead to complications including prolonged stiffness or difficulty fully straightening the finger. Once the joint has had time to heal, a doctor may recommend exercises to reduce stiffness in the joint.
How do you unjam a knuckle?
The first thing you can do on your own for a jammed finger is to remove all rings from the hand, then ice and elevate the injured finger to minimize swelling. Apply ice for 15 minutes, wait until the finger temperature returns to normal and repeat the process.
Can you break your knuckle bone?
A knuckle fracture occurs when one or more of your knuckles makes forceful contact with an object or person. The hand can be closed in a fist or open when the contact occurs. Punching a wall or a door is the most common cause of a broken knuckle.
How long does it take to heal a jammed finger?
A jammed finger is an injury to the tendon that straightens the tip of your finger. A piece of bone may be pulled away with your tendon. Your injury may take 4 to 8 weeks to heal.
How do you treat a jammed finger?
Home Treatment for a Jammed Finger
- Temporarily immobilize the finger.
- Take a break from sports or activities that may reinjure or further injure the finger.
- Use ice therapy to decrease inflammation and dull pain by applying a cold pack to the affected joint for 5 to 10 minutes every few hours.
Is my knuckle fractured or bruised?
They can usually use a physical examination combined with imaging to diagnose a broken knuckle. The more severe the symptoms, the more likely it is that the knuckle is broken. If the injury does not dramatically affect the knuckle’s movement or cause much pain, it may just be a bruised knuckle.
What does a sprained knuckle feel like?
If your finger is sprained, you might have: Pain in one of your finger joints when you try to move or use it. Stiffness in your finger or having a hard time straightening or bending it. Tenderness in your joint when you touch the area.
Does a jammed finger get swollen?
A jammed finger or broken joint will cause pain, swelling, and immobility of the finger. Swelling may occur and last for a few weeks. The swelling should go down after a few weeks, but the swelling may persist depending on the severity of the injury.
When should I be worried about a jammed finger?
A jammed finger can be a common sports injury, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. But, if pain in your finger lingers, you probably should have a physician check it out.