A dislocated finger occurs when the bones that form a finger joint are forced out of their normal alignment. Understanding the potential risks and appropriate actions is important to prevent further harm. This injury can happen in various finger joints, including those closest to the fingertip, in the middle, or at the base near the hand.
Recognizing a Dislocated Finger
Recognizing a dislocated finger involves observing visual cues and physical sensations. The affected finger often appears crooked or bent at an abnormal angle. Intense pain and tenderness are usually felt immediately at the injury site. Swelling and bruising around the joint develop rapidly.
Difficulty bending or straightening the affected digit is also common. Numbness, tingling, or a pale appearance of the finger may be present, suggesting potential nerve or circulation involvement.
When Professional Medical Care is Essential
Immediate professional medical attention is important to prevent serious complications. If the dislocated finger presents with a severe deformity, an open wound with bone exposure, or if a fracture is suspected, medical care is necessary. Signs of a suspected fracture can include extreme swelling or a grating sensation, known as crepitus, when the finger is gently touched. Any loss of sensation, numbness, tingling, or a pale or cool appearance of the finger indicates compromised circulation or nerve damage, requiring urgent evaluation.
Dislocations involving the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, the knuckle closest to the hand, are often more complex and may require surgical intervention. These dislocations are less common but can involve entrapment of soft tissues, making self-reduction difficult or impossible. Seek medical attention if there is any doubt about the injury’s nature or severity, as delaying proper treatment can lead to long-term problems such as permanent deformity, joint instability, stiffness, or arthritis. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the injury, often using X-rays to rule out fractures and assess the extent of the damage.
Techniques for Self-Reduction
Self-reduction of a dislocated finger should be approached with extreme caution and only considered for minor, uncomplicated dislocations after ruling out serious signs. Professional medical help is generally recommended for any finger dislocation. However, if a medical professional is unavailable and the injury is a simple dislocation without severe pain, open wounds, or suspected fracture, gentle techniques might be considered. The most common joint to dislocate is the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, the middle joint of the finger.
To attempt self-reduction of a dorsal PIP joint dislocation, when the middle bone is displaced backward, one method involves applying gentle, continuous traction to the dislocated finger. This means pulling steadily on the fingertip in line with the bone. While maintaining this traction, gently hyperextend the finger slightly, then apply pressure to the top (dorsal) aspect of the middle bone, pushing it back into place as you simultaneously flex the finger at the dislocated joint. This helps disengage the bone and guide it back into position. For a dislocated distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, the joint closest to the fingertip, a similar approach can be used: apply gentle longitudinal traction with slight hyperextension, then press the base of the distal phalanx (the bone at the fingertip) back into alignment.
Stop immediately if you encounter increased pain, significant resistance, or if the finger does not easily return to its normal position. Forcing the reduction can cause additional damage to ligaments, tendons, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially leading to complications. If the attempt is unsuccessful or concerning symptoms develop, professional medical attention is essential. Even if a reduction seems successful, consult a healthcare provider to ensure no underlying issues or partial tears that could lead to instability or re-dislocation.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following a successful finger reduction, appropriate aftercare is important for healing and preventing re-injury. Immediately after the reduction, apply ice to the affected joint for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort. Elevating the hand above the heart minimizes swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage any residual pain.
To provide support and promote healing, the finger often needs immobilization. This can be achieved through splinting or “buddy strapping,” taping the injured finger to an adjacent healthy one. This allows for protected movement while stabilizing the injured joint. Monitor the finger closely for any signs of complications, such as persistent or worsening pain, increased swelling, renewed numbness or tingling, or if the finger appears to re-dislocate. Follow-up medical attention is recommended to ensure proper healing, assess joint stability, and guide rehabilitation exercises to restore full range of motion and strength.