What's the difference between a jammed and sprained finger?

A jammed finger

jammed finger

Jammed finger is a colloquialism referring to a variety of injuries to the joints of the fingers, resulting from axial loading beyond that which the ligaments can withstand. Common parts of the finger susceptible to this type of injury are ligaments, joints, and bones.

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Jammed finger - Wikipedia

occurs when the tip of the finger is compressed towards the hand. As the finger is compressed, the ligaments supporting the joints are stretched or “sprained.” Ligaments are soft tissues that hold bone to bone. The greater the force, the more severe the sprain.

How do you know if my finger is jammed or sprained?

How long does a jammed finger take to heal?

Most of the time a jammed finger will get better on its own within a week or two. But even with treatment, your finger may stay swollen or sensitive for many months. During recovery, try to use the finger as little as possible while it heals. Take a break from sports or other activities that could worsen your injury.

What do you do for a jammed finger?

How do you tell if you've jammed a finger?

However, you should still take a jammed finger seriously to avoid exacerbating the injury. Some common symptoms of a jammed finger include pain in the injured area, redness and swelling, weak feeling in the finger, and inability to extend the finger fully.

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

Does a jammed finger hurt to touch?

If your finger takes on the full impact of a volleyball spike, basketball rebound, or hard hit baseball, you will probably experience a jammed finger. Your impacted finger, or fingers, will likely swell and be extremely sensitive to touch.

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.

Should you pull a jammed finger?

If you are like many athletes, one of the most common recommendations for an acute finger sprain is to “pull it out.” This should not be done. Pulling on any joint could create further stress on a newly injured ligament.

When should you see a 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.

When should I go to the ER for a swollen finger?

If your finger, hand or forearm is bent unnaturally after an injury. If you see something white through your skin, which could represent a bone or tendon. If you had a high pressure injection injury such as from a paint gun. If you have redness and swelling after an insect bite, animal bite or a cut in the skin.

What is the fastest way to heal a jammed finger?

How do you tell if a jammed finger is broken?

What is a jammed finger called?

A jammed finger can be split into three categories; a sprain, a dislocation, or a fracture.

Will a sprained finger heal on its own?

Most of the time a jammed finger will get better on its own within a week or two. But even with treatment, your finger may stay swollen or sensitive for many months. During recovery, try to use the finger as little as possible while it heals. Take a break from sports or other activities that could worsen your injury.

How do you know if a finger injury is serious?

What should you do if 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.

How long does a swollen finger last?

Breaks in the bones of the finger usually heal well in about 3 to 4 weeks. The pain and swelling from a broken finger can last for weeks. But it should steadily improve, starting a few days after you break it.