A dislocated finger occurs when the bones forming a joint are forced out of their normal alignment, resulting in a visibly crooked or misshapen digit. This common injury is frequently caused by a forceful impact, such as a sports injury or a fall. Dislocation often involves damage to surrounding soft tissues, including stabilizing ligaments and the joint capsule. Because this injury can involve associated fractures or nerve damage, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
Immediate Steps Before Seeking Care
The first and most important action is to completely stop any activity and avoid moving the injured hand. You should immediately remove any rings or jewelry from the affected finger, as swelling will begin quickly and can make removal impossible later, potentially restricting circulation. To help manage the initial swelling and pain, apply a cold compress or ice pack, making sure it is wrapped in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin.
Gently elevate the hand above the level of the heart to further reduce swelling while seeking medical attention. Stabilize the finger by lightly taping it to an adjacent, healthy finger (buddy taping) or by using a small, makeshift splint. Avoid the temptation to pull, jerk, or “pop” the finger back into place yourself. Attempting manual realignment can cause permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels, or the delicate ligaments and tendons.
The Medical Procedure for Realignment
Upon arriving at a medical facility, X-rays are ordered to confirm the dislocation and check for any accompanying bone fractures. The procedure to put the bones back into their correct position is called a reduction, typically a “closed reduction” performed without a surgical incision.
A local anesthetic is usually injected to numb the area and ensure the procedure is painless. The physician uses gentle traction and specific maneuvers to manipulate the bones back into the joint socket. A second set of X-rays is taken afterward to verify the joint is aligned and stable. If closed reduction fails (often due to soft tissue trapped in the joint), a surgical “open reduction” may be required to clear the obstruction.
Once successfully reduced, the finger is immediately immobilized with a splint or by buddy taping it to the neighboring finger. This stabilization protects the joint, allowing damaged ligaments and soft tissues to begin healing without the risk of re-dislocation. The specific type and duration of immobilization depend on the joint affected and the severity of the soft tissue injury.
Managing Recovery and Long-Term Mobility
The initial period of immobilization with a splint typically lasts for a few weeks, though this varies based on the injury’s location and stability. During this time, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help manage residual pain and swelling. Keeping the hand elevated for the first one to two weeks remains important for controlling persistent swelling.
The transition to movement is important for preventing long-term stiffness, a common complication after finger dislocations. Once the splint is removed, a physical therapy regimen begins to restore full range of motion and strength. Exercises focus on gentle active and passive movements, such as making a fist and straightening the finger, to mobilize the joint and prevent scar tissue from limiting flexibility. Stiffness can persist for months, so a return to activities, especially sports, should only occur after the joint is stable and full function is regained.