How do you tell if finger is broken or sprained?

Broken fingers often cause the same symptoms as sprained fingers, though they tend to be more severe or exaggerated. A broken finger may also appear disfigured, out of alignment, or abnormally bent. And most broken fingers are nearly impossible to straighten, stretch, or use without extreme pain.

How can you tell the difference between a broken or sprained finger?

Sprained fingers and broken fingers have many of the same symptoms. But broken fingers involve injuries to the bones, while sprained fingers involve soft tissue injuries. Broken fingers tend to cause more pain and need immediate medical treatment.

When should you go to the doctor for a finger injury?

Pain and swelling are severe or persistent. The injury is a puncture or open wound and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years. The injury is from a human or animal bite. If the wound doesn't heal or shows signs of infection: redness, swelling, pain, or pus.

How do you check if your finger is broken?

Can you wiggle your finger if it's broken?

You may still be able to move your finger even though it's broken. But moving it will usually cause pain. Sometimes the pain will be dull and not too much for you to bear. You should still see a provider even if you can tolerate the pain.

How to tell if your finger is broken, or sprained or jammed

What does a sprained finger feel like?

Sprained Finger Symptoms

Pain in one of your finger joints when you try to move or use it. Stiffness in your finger or having a hard time straightening or bending it. Tenderness in your joint when you touch the area. Swelling in one of your finger joints.

Will a broken finger heal itself?

The physicians at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists treat finger injuries on a regular basis, and many will heal on their own. However, it's important to know the difference between pain from a temporary jam and a potential fracture that needs immediate medical attention, or even surgery.

What do you do for a sprained finger?

How long does it take for sprained finger to heal?

With basic rest and care, most sprained fingers start to feel much better within 48 hours. More moderate sprains often take 3 to 6 weeks to heal entirely.

Should I go to the ER for finger pain?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have finger pain but it is not an emergency, such as severe pain or you have trouble moving your finger. You should also see a doctor promptly if you have an infection that isn't going away or is worsening.

Can you move a sprained finger?

You need to try not to move your finger while it is healing. That can be hard to do, but wearing a splint on your finger can help. Splints are supports that are usually made from foam and metal. A sprained finger can also be taped to one of the fingers next to it while it heals.

Should I wrap a swollen finger?

Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don't wrap it too tightly or you may hinder circulation.

How do I stop my finger from throbbing?

What to do when your finger is swollen and hurts?

Apply ice and elevate the finger. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naprosyn (Aleve) to reduce both pain and swelling. If needed, buddy tape the injured finger to the one next to it. This will help protect the injured finger as it heals.

When is a swollen finger an emergency?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: severe joint pain that comes on suddenly. swelling around the joint. a change in color of the skin around the joint.

Why is my finger hurting when I touch it?

Possible causes of finger pain include tendon conditions, arthritis, ganglion cysts, and infections. A person should see a doctor for finger pain or symptoms that impact a person's daily activities. They should also seek prompt medical attention if they suspect a fracture, dislocation, or wound infection.

When should I be worried about a smashed finger?

People should seek medical attention if a smashed finger causes severe pain. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to ensure no further damage was done to a joint if more than just the fingertip is involved in the injury.