Finger sprains and dislocations arecommon hand injuries.
A sprain happens when the tough tissue that supports a joint is stretched too far.
This tissue, called a ligament, can be partially or completely torn.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
The joint may also be dislocated.
Sprains and dislocations can cause pain and swelling.
Theinjuries commonly happenduring sports, at work, or in car accidents.
Some of the treatment steps are similar for both types of injuries.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Are the Symptoms of a Sprained Finger?
Finger sprains are classified in degrees, from mild to severe.
First-Degree Sprain
A first-degree sprain is considered mild with ligaments getting stretched but not torn.
Sprains can occur any time your finger bends in an unusual way.
Sprains can be in any of theknuckle jointsin your finger.
However, the joint in the middle of your fingercalled theproximal interphalangealor PIP jointis the most commonly sprained.
How Is a Sprained Finger Diagnosed?
How Is a Sprained Finger Treated?
Other treatments may include:
How Long Does a Sprained Finger Take to Heal?
Your healthcare provider will let you know when you’re free to start using your finger normally.
Some sprains might need to be splinted or taped for longerespecially if the ligament might be torn.
A severe sprain typically requires splinting and can take several weeks or even months to recover fully.
Further testing or treatment may be needed.
It occurs with forceful or repetitive thumb movements or a fall on an outstretched hand.
Activities prone to this injury include skiing, rock climbing, and soccer.
The term “gamekeeper’s thumb” first originated from Scottish gamekeepers.
The repetitive use of their hands frequently caused this injury.
This injury usually needs to be treated with a cast or splint for 4 to 6 weeks.
It might even need surgery to fix.
Other times, the dislocation is harder to fix.
In these cases, there might be tendons or other tissues preventing the joint from getting into position.
Putting your finger back into the right position is called “reducing” it.
Once it’s been reduced, your finger needs to be splinted for about three weeks.
For example, ice your finger and keep your hand elevated to help with swelling.
When a joint is dislocated, the ligaments and the joint capsule may get torn.
Usually, a splint is enough to help the tissue heal.
However, sometimes ligaments do not heal properly.
If this happens, you might need to have surgery.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Many finger sprains can be treated safely at home.
A sprain happens when the finger is stretched in a way that stresses the ligaments.
A dislocation happens when the two bones that make a joint in the finger move out of position.
Both injuries can cause pain and stiffness in the finger.
Sprains and dislocations are often easy to treat.
They can also get your finger splinted or taped up to help keep it from moving while it heals.
Symptoms of both a sprained and broken finger include pain, swelling, and tenderness to the touch.
You might be able to move a sprained finger, but not without pain.
Sprains affect the ligaments around a joint, causing swelling and pain.
It depends on the extent of the sprain.
A mild sprain may heal on its own in a few weeks.
A severe sprain typically requires medical attention and splinting.
Even then, a bad sprain can take several weeks or even months to recover fully.
Some sprains require physical therapy before the finger is fully functioning.
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