What is a finger dislocation?
A finger dislocation is a displacement of the bones of the
finger from their normal position.
How does it occur?
A dislocation usually occurs when there is an accident such
as a ball striking the tip of the finger or a hard fall onto
a finger or getting a finger caught on a piece of equipment
like a football mask or a basketball net.
What are the symptoms?
A dislocation causes immediate pain and swelling. The
finger looks swollen and crooked. Usually you are unable to
bend or straighten the dislocated joint.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your finger. An
x-ray will be taken to confirm the dislocation and to
determine if there is also a break in your finger.
How is it treated?
Your health care provider will realign the dislocated bones.
Your finger will be placed in a protective splint for
several weeks.
Your finger will most likely be swollen after the
dislocation. You should apply ice packs to your finger for
20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 or 3 days or until
the pain goes away. Your hand should be elevated on a
pillow while you are lying down or on the back of a chair or
couch when you are sitting. Your health care provider may
prescribe an anti-inflammatory medicine. You will be given
exercises to strengthen your finger during the healing
process.
How long do the effects last?
Your finger may remain swollen and have decreased range of
motion and strength for many weeks and in some cases may be
permanent. It is important to continue your rehabilitation
exercises.
How long will it last?
Your finger may remain swollen with decreased flexibility
and strength for many weeks. Sometimes the joint swelling
may take weeks or months to go away, and in some cases may
be permanent. It is important to continue doing finger
exercises during and even after you return to your normal
activities. These exercises help strengthen your finger and
improve range of motion.
When can I return to my normal activities?
Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate.
Return to your activities will be determined by how soon
your finger recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has
been since your injury has occurred. The goal of
rehabilitation is to return you to your normal activities as
soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may
worsen your injury.
Your health care provider will recommend that your
dislocated finger be splinted or "buddy taped" (taped to the
finger next to it) for 3 to 6 weeks after your injury. In
many cases, you will be able to return to your normal
activities as long as you are wearing your splint or have
your finger taped.
How can I prevent finger dislocation?
Finger dislocations are usually the result of accidents that
are not preventable. However, whenever possible you should
try to avoid getting your finger stuck in objects such as
helmets, nets, or athletic jerseys.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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