A dislocated finger occurs when the bones forming a finger joint are forced out of their normal alignment. This can happen at any of the three joints in a finger, or two joints in the thumb, though the middle joint (proximal interphalangeal or PIP joint) is most frequently affected. When a finger dislocates, the strong ligaments that usually hold the bones in place are often stretched or torn, leading to visible deformity and significant discomfort.
Immediate Steps for a Dislocated Finger
If you suspect a finger dislocation, avoid attempting to reposition it yourself. Trying to “pop” the finger back into place can cause further damage to surrounding tissues, including nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments. Do not pull on the injured finger, as this can also worsen the injury.
Focus on pain management and reducing swelling. Immediately remove any jewelry, such as rings, from the affected finger before swelling increases. Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours to lessen pain and limit swelling.
Elevating the injured hand above the level of your heart can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. You can achieve this by resting your hand on pillows while lying down or sitting. These initial steps help stabilize the injury and prepare for professional medical evaluation.
Deciding on Immobilization
Immobilization aims to prevent further injury and stabilize the joint while awaiting professional medical care. Improper manipulation can lead to complications such as chronic stiffness, persistent pain, or long-term functional loss.
Immobilization can be appropriate as a temporary measure to provide comfort and prevent additional trauma to the joint before a healthcare provider assesses and treats the injury. This temporary stabilization ensures the displaced bones do not cause more soft tissue damage to ligaments, tendons, or nerves. A healthcare professional will confirm the dislocation, often using X-rays, and rule out any associated fractures before performing a reduction.
After a medical professional has successfully realigned the finger, immobilization becomes a necessary part of the healing process. A splint or buddy taping holds the joint in its correct position, allowing damaged ligaments and other soft tissues to heal. The duration of immobilization varies, but prolonged splinting can lead to stiffness, so a balance is sought to support healing while encouraging early, controlled movement as advised by a medical professional.
How to Stabilize a Dislocated Finger
While awaiting medical attention, simple methods can provide temporary support without causing further harm. A common technique is buddy taping, where the injured finger is taped to an adjacent healthy finger. This method provides stability and support, allowing the uninjured finger to act as a natural splint.
To buddy tape, place a small piece of gauze or soft padding between the injured finger and its healthy neighbor to prevent skin irritation. Use medical tape to secure the two fingers together, wrapping the tape snugly but not too tightly around both fingers. Ensure the tape does not cover the joint itself to allow some flexibility, but secures the bones above and below the injured joint.
Alternatively, an improvised splint can be created using a rigid object like a popsicle stick or a pen. Position the chosen item along the injured finger, on the palm side, and secure it with tape. Pad the area around the injury for comfort and to prevent pressure points. After any immobilization, check the finger’s circulation by pressing on the fingertip and observing if the color returns quickly; if the finger feels numb, cold, or appears discolored, the tape or splint may be too tight and should be loosened.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking professional medical attention for a dislocated finger is always recommended. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the injury, confirm it is a dislocation and not a fracture, and perform a proper reduction. Delaying treatment or attempting self-treatment can lead to chronic pain, persistent stiffness, decreased mobility, or long-term deformities.
Medical evaluation ensures that associated injuries, such as tears to ligaments or damage to the joint’s cartilage, are identified and addressed. An X-ray is performed to assess the extent of the injury and rule out any accompanying bone breaks. This comprehensive assessment helps prevent complications like post-traumatic arthritis or permanent functional loss.
Certain signs necessitate immediate emergency care. These include an open dislocation where the skin is broken over the joint, severe deformity, or any signs of nerve or blood vessel damage such as numbness, tingling, or a pale, cold finger. Prompt medical intervention in these instances mitigates the risk of infection or permanent tissue damage.