how to tell if finger is broken or sprained

In a mild sprain, a ligament will be slightly torn. WebYou need X-Ray: If you have injured your hand or finger, you really can't tell a sprain from a fracture just by looking at it. A finger with a small break or a breaks that isn't too badly out of place may not look too bad from the outside. % of people told us that this article helped them. If a broken finger is left untreated, the bone may heal with a malunion. WebYour child has injured his/her finger, which has caused a minor fracture (break) or sprain. It can be extremely painful, but not the kind that makes you want to scream bloody murder until the end of time. Most fractures happen when a direct blow to the finger, such as slamming it into a door. This would consist of wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and more to gain back the independence of moving. Fingers let us touch objects, grasp them, interact with our environment, and communicate. The severity of a sprain can vary from mild to severe. Other indications of a finger fracture are a shortened finger, a depressed knuckle or if your finger crosses over an adjacent finger when you make a partial fist. The only way you can be sure is with an x-ray. This process is completed within a few minutes and is painless. Get answers from Emergency Medicine Specialists and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. Minor fractures may benefit from buddy taping, which consists of immobilizing the injured finger by taping it to the finger next to it. The steps below may help you determine if your finger is broken and how to manage the pain. If the finger is deformed, immobilize it with a splint in the least painful position. All rightsreserved. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Many people mistakenly believe that if you can still move your wrist, it may not be broken. Also make an appointment if you have a mallet finger, since the condition needs to be treated by a medical professional. Dont wait around hoping that itll go away on its own. If x-ray is normal and there remains a consideration for a fracture, an MRI may prove beneficial. If youre not sure whether or not the finger is swollen, compare it with the corresponding finger on your other hand. That said, there are certain particular indicators of a fracture that you should look out for if you fear your finger may be broken: Your affected finger is bent into a If left to heal on its own, your knuckle will heal in an unnatural position that will further minimize flexibility, minimize strength, leave your finger looking deformed, and leave you with pain. The skin around the injured area may be bruised or turn black and blue. Can someone tell me how to know if my finger is sprained? Your finger might not bend fully and it might hurt when you try to use it. Can you have a fracture and not know it? Someone can jam their finger which can cause their finger to break or get sprained. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Ill receive a small commission. Other ways to get help For tips on treating a broken finger so it heals faster, scroll down. A jammed finger happens when you injure one of the joints that allow you to bend your fingers. Joint stiffness may occur as a result of scar tissue forming around the fracture site. They will likely ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. Mobility Medical Supply Patient Care Broken or sprained finger: How to tell. First, try holding the injured finger above your heart. A jammed finger is an injury to the soft tissues of your finger. Some signs and symptoms of a sprained finger are: Hearing a tear or pop in your finger at the time of the injury Stiffness in the injured finger Swelling at the injured joint of the finger Tenderness of your finger joint Jammed Finger Symptoms. Your doctor may decide to use a CT to create an image of your fracture if the initial X-rays results are inconclusive or if your doctor suspects that there are also soft tissue injuries related to the fracture. If you broke it badly, it may look deformed meaning that it looks twisted or bent strangely. 9. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. When the ligaments that support your finger joints are pulled too far, it causes a sprain. This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. The information provided on this video is for general educational/informative purposes only. The most common symptom of a broken finger is pain. If you can but with. ", after reading this, I found out I could have a possible sprain. X You should avoid moving your finger if you suspect you have a fracture or sprain. Doesnt it feel like you just dropped a 20 pound weight on it? WebScore: 4.6/5 (12 votes) . It is also likely that swelling and bruising makes your finger too stiff to move comfortably following any injuries. Learn how we can help. Why cause additional damage when you dont have to? Some, and it is not fixed properly, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the joint or, If you have injured your hand or finger, you really can't tell a, just by looking at it. Doctors of Chiropractor, like other doctors, cannot diagnose or treat patients without examining them in person. This imaging test can also help your doctor to determine if other injuries are causing your symptoms. By Jennifer Huizen on December 28, 2017. This article received 18 testimonials and 87% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. As the swelling goes down, youll be able to move your finger more easily. Finally, over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen can help with the discomfort. For tips on treating a broken finger so it heals faster, scroll down. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. An X-ray will determine whether any bones are broken. Ultrasound , then it may be broken. They have you extend and flex your finger to see how well it moves. If the wrist or base of the thumb appears misshapen or there is a new bulge in the injury area there is a good chance that you sustained a fracture. This will tell you definitively if you have broken your finger, or if you have simply sprained it. 1075 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32117, Twin Lakes To learn what happens to your ligaments when you sprain your finger, and more tips from our Medical co-author, read on! Sprained finger: Everything you need to know. The most obvious symptoms of a broken finger are deformity of the finger or being unable to move it. However, as in your sons situation, the symptoms can be more subtle, and swelling may be the main complaint. This is when you tape the injured finger to a healthy one. When you jammed your finger it can look perfectly normal, or it can be deformed if you broke it. If it isnt, you may have a more serious injury and need to visit an orthopedic doctor. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 127,505 times. Pain Scale Mild: your child feels pain and tells you about it. (386) 255-4596 The skin around the injured area may be bruised or turn black and blue. WebAn MRI can help to show if a tendon or ligament has torn partially or completely. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. in the hand require a detailed understanding of what to do to optimize healing and return of function. An MRI may be needed if your doctor suspects that you have a hairline or stress fracture, the kind of fracture that is produced after repeated injuries over time. Ice the finger. While a broken hand involves the bone, a sprained hand involves a ligament. Learn about sprained fingers, an injury that causes pain in one or more of the fingers. Severe: the pain is very bad. Common over-the-counter NSAID medications used for managing fracture pain include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). After sustaining an injury to your finger, treat it carefully and keep an eye on your pain levels. Research source Symptoms may include: full or partial dislocation of the finger severe pain and swelling instability of the full finger If your fracture is not treated by a medical professional, then it is possible that your finger and hand will remain painfully stiff when you try to move your finger. and was OK afterwards we just left it, but on checking here, I will get him checked out. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Dislocations can occur after a fall, sports injury, or car accident. The best way to tell if you have a broken or sprained finger is to get a simple hand x-rays of at least three views. WebBroken knuckle symptoms. The main symptoms of a broken finger are pain immediately after the trauma, and sometimes a deformed finger.A true fracture usually will be painful, but a broken finger may still have some range of motion and dull WebWhen you break a bone in your body, one of the first symptoms youll notice is immediate pain around the injury. How do I tell if my left pinky finger is sprained, dislocated, or broken. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 911,145 times. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. A bone that re-knits out of proper alignment can further hinder your successful use of your hand. "I was playing basketball when a girl ran into me and that is when I hurt my finger. If you're experiencing these symptoms, visit a doctor or go to the emergency room so you can get a proper diagnosis. That being said, there are some tendon injuries that can happen without a break. If this is the case, you likely have a. . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. If you have a dislocated finger, you will need to see a doctor so they can put the bone back into place in most cases. A sprain or ligament tear will be quite painful, but they do not require trips to the emergency room. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. It may be hard to know if your finger is fractured at first, as you still may be able to move it. You'll also usually experience significant pain and tenderness if your finger is broken. You are likely to notice swelling and bruising 5-10 minutes after your first sensations of pain in your finger. They will need to check your finger further to see if its broken or just a sprain. The finger could also appear misshapen or deformed. If it's a broken or fractured finger: If the finger is fractured, the swelling will last for days. 17 Old Kings Road N., Suite K Palm Coast, FL 32137, East Coast Surgery Center This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your finger. WebMuscles become tired if they are overused, placing more pressure on the bones. "I currently have a very sprained finger, and I can barely type this. Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. The swelling may also spread to other fingers or down the palm of the hand. Symptoms; Sprain or break; Treatment; The tendons will swell on the side opposite the way in which the finger was bent. Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell the difference, especially if youre not familiar with the symptoms. The proximal phalanges are the longest part of the finger located closest to the palm of the hand. At Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs, we frequently see and treat the many varieties of finger fractures and sprained fingers. Very simple and easy to. What is a finger dislocation? For example, if you find yourself unable to pick up a gallon of milk using your hand with an injured finger, youre probably experiencing a sprain. Injuries may range from simple bruises or contusions to broken bones and dislocations of the joints. Check for pain and tenderness. You should see a doctor for a finger injury if youre still in pain after trying home remedies, if the swelling doesnt go down, or if you cant move your finger. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). A finger can also be buddy-taped-that is, taped to the finger next to it. Pain with finger movement. If you jammed it hard enough to break your finger, then it will be swollen and could be twisted or shortened. How will my childs finger injury be treated? If you need help treating a broken finger, contact us today. You may need to wear a splint or wrap to support the joint and relieve pain. Bruising Symptoms of bruising are common with all wrist injuries. WebSprained fingers occur when there is trauma to the fingers ligaments (soft connective tissues). This Double Finger Immobilizer Stops Finger Joint from Bending, and Keeps Contracture Fingers Straight Swelling is another way to tell the difference. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. The pain is more likely to be worse at the beginning of the healing process, and your doctor will reduce your prescription strength as the bone heals. Hope you feel better soon! A jammed finger is generally another way of saying a sprained finger. The two pieces of the bone may not fuse together properly, resulting in permanent instability within the fracture site. But before you head to the hospital, it may be a good idea to try to determine if your finger may indeed be broken. Can you tell me what it's like to sprain your ankle or dislocate your finger? Our doctors will examine your hand to determine the extent of the pain. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Sometimes a sprained hand can appear to be more greatly injured than it is. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. If you would like us to evaluate your finger and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment. Stiffness in your finger or having a hard time straightening or bending it. WebScore: 4.6/5 (12 votes) . In addition, you may feel like you cant move your finger normally. There are a few different ways to tell if you have broken or sprained your finger. If you have significant pain, swelling, bruising, or any deformity or decreased movement of your finger, seek medical attention. So I went to the doctor. A jammed finger is Moderate: the pain keeps your child from doing some normal activities. This means you need to take a break from your sport of choice). Below are the symptoms of a broken finger; you might experience some of these symptoms: For those who fall, work hard with there hands, or play sports could all be a common causes of a broken finger. Can You Walk On A Broken Foot With A Walking Boot? At The Orthopedic Clinic, we want you to live your life in full motion. If you broke it badly, it may look deformed meaning that it looks twisted or bent strangely. A sprained finger may also feel stiff and be difficult to move. As often as we use our hands, it may come as no surprise that fingers are the most commonly injured part of the hand. If you broke your finger, it will be very swollen and painful. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. Hope this helps and best of luck! MRIs produce finer details and can also help your doctor differentiate between soft tissue injuries and hairline fractures in your finger. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. If you recently sustained trauma to your finger and there is any cause for concern that it might be broken, have a, examine the finger and obtain plain film radiographs. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the doctors orders during recovery to prevent further injury. A sprained finger can be swollen and hurt. Before applying the ice make sure to wrap the ice in a thin cloth, so you dont cause further injury. Because he could bend them. Understanding the basic anatomy of the hand and fingers is useful in understanding different types of X-rays are often the first imaging tests used to diagnose a fracture. WebMany times when a finger is broken, a patient will notice that, besides having pain and difficulty moving it, the alignment of the finger is a little bit off. If youre concerned that your finger may be sprained, try to use it 2. Depending on the severity of the injury, the bone may pierce the skin, making it obvious what kind of injury the person has suffered. ", it's reassuring to get answers. Signs and symptoms: Pain, deformity, swelling, bruising, tenderness around the affected area, numbness and tingling, difficulty moving the limb. She will also look for visual signs, such as swelling, bruising, and bone deformities. When possible, keep your finger elevated above your heart. Fortunately, although a sprained finger can be uncomfortable and get in the way of day-to-day activities, its not a serious injury. Your doctor will take a note of your fingers range of motion by asking you to make a fist. If so, chances are you broke a bone in your hand. Here are some of the symptoms that you need to look out for if you suspect that you have a broken finger: Instant swelling that can go up to several days even 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. Very clear information, thanks. To learn more, please visit our, You can't really tell for sure without an x-ray. Neither the X-ray procedure nor the MRI procedure should cause any pain or discomfort. In addition, a person would experience the following symptoms of a broken finger: Its also possible to hear ones own bones cracking when theres severe trauma. ", http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00257, http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/swelling-bodys-reaction-to-injury, http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-finger/Pages/Introduction.aspx, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-wrist/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20031382, http://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/computed_tomography_ct_or_cat_scan_of_the_bones_92,P07649/, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/fractures/overview-of-fractures, http://www.medicinenet.com/broken_finger/page4.htm, http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-wrist/basics/treatment/con-20031382, http://www.medicinenet.com/broken_finger/page5.htm, http://www.medicinenet.com/broken_finger/page2.htm, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-wrist/basics/causes/con-20031382, http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/fingertip-injury, http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00139, Parman Krlp Krlmad Nasl Anlalr. Elevate the hand. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. However, fractures can also occur without displacement too. Any advice here is not to be considered a patient-doctor relationship. This article answered, "This is going to be short because I'm typing with my left hand; my right one is sprained. A section of the finger bone may rotate during the healing process, resulting in a bony deformity that may need to be addressed by surgery to help you grasp things properly. The finger should be back to normal within a week or two. This will help reduce swelling. This causes an audible crunching sound. I thought I just jammed it, but, "It helped me find out that my finger is really sprained. Always seek the advice of your own personal doctor regarding any matters that you see on the internet. Professionals such as chiropractors, surgeons, artists, and mechanics require full use of their fine motor skills in order to accurately perform their jobs. This often happens to athletes or when you shut a door or drawer on your hand. Tenderness. In many cases, a broken arm will heal well without treatment. If your finger is sprained, you might If you believe you have a sprained finger, there are some treatments you can try after you have a proper medically reviewed diagnosis; these may include: For finger sprains, recovery time is generally two to three weeks. You may be surprised at how difficult it is to execute everyday tasks without full use of all of your fingers. 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