What Is a Jammed Finger?
krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
A jammed finger is a common type of injury that occurs when a sudden impact causes the tip of your finger to be pushed inwards towards the hand. When this happens, ligaments (the soft tissues that support the joints of the finger) become torn or stretched (sprained).
It is important to treat a jammed finger right away to prevent it from getting worse. If it was caused by a strong force of impact, the ligaments could tear completely. Visit a healthcare provider promptly if you suspect you may have a jammed finger.
A jammed finger can be painful, but there are several ways to alleviate symptoms and find relief.
Jammed Finger Symptoms
A jammed finger can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. You may notice signs of a jammed finger soon after the initial impact, including:
Pain or tenderness
Difficulty moving the finger
Not being able to bend, grip, or straighten the finger
A jammed finger can present as a sprain, but it may be a more severe condition if the injury results in a dislocation (a separation of two bones), a fracture (broken bone), or a fracture-dislocation. The greater the force of impact, the more severe the sprain. More severe cases of sprains will require medical attention.
If you are in a lot of pain or are unsure whether the injury is a jammed finger or something more severe, visit your nearest emergency room or contact your healthcare provider.
What Causes a Jammed Finger?
A jammed finger is caused by sudden impact to the tip of the finger. This may occur during sports or daily activities, such as walking and experiencing a fall that hurts your finger. The force of the impact causes the finger to move inwards toward the hand, which can cause swelling and other symptoms of a jammed finger.
Risk Factors
While a jammed finger can result by accident, such as from a fall or an unexpected hit during a sports game, certain factors can make the injury more likely for some people. Risk factors include:
Having a previous finger injury
Playing the same sport year-round or playing certain types of sports that involve more tension in the hands or fingers (such as surfing or climbing)
Not using proper techniques for exercises
Not wearing proper equipment during sports activities
Training too frequently or for too long
How Is a Jammed Finger Diagnosed?
If you think you may have a jammed finger, visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible. During your appointment, the provider will examine your finger, checking for pain, swelling, movement, and finger position.
The provider will also assess the extent of finger tenderness to evaluate for possible fracture fragments or dislocations. For instance, a mass that moves easily or fullness along the joint may indicate a broken or torn tendon (connective tissue) or ligament, instead of a jammed finger.
In addition to an examination, your provider may perform some medical tests to make an accurate diagnosis, which may include:
X-ray: An X-ray is a medical imaging test that uses electromagnetic radiation, which is similar to visible light, to take pictures of the body's internal structures, such as bones and tissues.
MRI: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive, medical imaging procedure that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed images of the body.
CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging procedure that uses X-ray technology to identify disease or injury in the body. The scan produces images that can give a healthcare provider more detailed information than conventional X-rays.
These additional tests can help your healthcare provider properly diagnose the issue if a physical examination is inconclusive or requires additional information.
Treatments for a Jammed Finger
Treatment options for a jammed finger are designed to reduce symptoms such as pain and swelling, and to restore full functionality to the finger. For more mild cases of jammed finger, treatments include:
RICE: A jammed finger can be treated at home by resting, icing, compressing, and elevating (RICE) the injured finger. This method helps reduce inflammation to aid in healing and should be performed in regular intervals of 20 to 30 minutes within the first 12 hours after injury.
Physical therapy: Led by a physiotherapist (a movement expert who helps people improve their ability to move with exercise and hands-on care), physical therapy provides exercises that aid in healing and restoring function to the jammed finger over time. In some cases, your medical provider may refer you to a hand therapist, a specialist who evaluates and treats hand injuries.
Use of a splint: A splint is a device that provides support to the jammed finger, keeping it in place to prevent it from moving and causing further injury. It can be worn for up to 3 weeks, but the overall time will vary for each individual.
Buddy strap: A buddy strap is a common treatment for a jammed finger. You or your healthcare provider would use a bandage to tape the damaged finger to a healthy finger. The healthy finger acts as a splint to keep the damaged finger in an optimal position for healing.
More severe or prolonged cases of jammed fingers may require surgery, or your healthcare provider may also recommend surgery if other treatment options are not successful.
How To Prevent a Jammed Finger
Although you can't always prevent a jammed finger, there are some ways to reduce your risk of harming your fingers and hands.
Practicing physical therapy or strength training exercises that reduce joint stiffness and improve joint strength can help prevent reoccurrences of a jammed finger, especially in people who play sports.
If you are concerned about the risk of a jammed finger in a workplace setting, there may be equipment safety features, injury prevention programs, or changes to workplace hours (to reduce strain on the hands) that can prevent or reduce the chances of a jammed finger occurring.
Related Complications
Potential complications that can stem from a jammed finger (particularly if left untreated) include torn tendons, broken bones, and dislocations. It's important to treat a jammed finger when it first happens. Otherwise, it can result in prolonged healing, deformities, or permanent damage to the finger. Some complications may also occur after treatment for a jammed finger, including joint stiffness, post-traumatic arthritis, and chronic swelling.
A Quick Review
A jammed finger is a type of injury that occurs from a sudden impact to the tip of your finger, causing it to move inwards toward the hand. Depending on the force of the impact, the injury can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the finger. Treatment options like the RICE method or a splint can provide relief and speed recovery. You should treat a jammed finger right away to avoid complications. Visit a healthcare provider if your finger is severely injured or you suspect it might be broken.
For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Health.com.
