According to a review , dislocated fingers typically heal within 4 to 6 weeks. Factors that affect recovery time can include:. Following reduction and splinting, some people may also require physical or occupational therapy. A physical or occupational therapist will show a person how to do exercises that strengthen the finger and improve the range of motion.
Following recovery, a dislocated finger may be more prone to injury in the future. A person can reduce the risk of dislocating the finger again by:. While painful and distressing, a dislocated finger is not a life-threatening emergency. However, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. A person should not attempt to relocate the dislocated finger themselves. Manipulating the injured finger can cause additional damage to the joint or the surrounding structures.
Following medical treatment, dislocated fingers usually take a few weeks to heal. Bone fractures and damage to the surrounding tissues can significantly increase recovery time. Numbness in the fingers and hand can have a variety of different causes, including a pinched nerve, medications, and myofascial pain syndrome.
Learn about sprained fingers, an injury that causes pain in one or more of the fingers. Included are details on how to recognize a sprain from a break.
A bone fracture is another term for a broken bone. Depending on the location, type, and severity of the fracture, a doctor may recommend different…. When someone squashes their finger under something or between two objects, it is called a smashed finger. Although different to a break, a smashed…. How to treat a dislocated finger.
Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. What to do. Share on Pinterest A person should not try to relocate a dislocated finger themselves.
Image credit: Mdumont01, These measures will support the finger and limit movement during the healing process.
Surgery at times is required to relocate the joint. Postoperatively, it is common to be referred to a hand therapist to assist with a rehabilitation program to maximize function of the injured finger. While your finger heals, treatment is focused on reducing swelling and pain. Continue to elevate the area and use ice packs for the first few days every three to four hours 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs to control inflammation and discomfort. You may begin exercises to regain flexibility and strength in the finger when cleared by your doctor. What is the outlook? Finger dislocations usually mend with good results in approximately three to six weeks.
Healing at times can be prolonged with these injuries with some swelling and stiffness persisting for up to six months. Your recovery will depend on your age, overall health, and how well you follow the instructions of your doctor and therapist.
Are there any complications? Most finger dislocations heal well, but they could be complicated by injuries to the bone, tendons, and ligaments in the hand.
Damage to blood vessels and nerves may also occur. Privacy Policy Notice of Non-Discrimination. Do not apply ice directly to your skin. You should get medical help right away. Here are some things a trained medical professional may do:. You may be given a local anesthetic to numb your pain during the procedure.
Your doctor will press against the bone to free it if a piece is still wedged into the joint, and then pull the finger outward to get the bones back in place.
Once your bone has been repositioned, your doctor will splint it to keep it stable. A splint prevents you from moving and possibly reinjuring your finger. In addition to a splint, or sometimes instead of a splint, your doctor may use medical tape to bind your injured finger to an uninjured one next to it. This method adds more support to the dislocated finger and may allow early motion to prevent joint stiffness and loss of motion.
In some cases, you may need surgery to reposition the bones and repair any fractures or torn ligaments. Surgery is generally only used when reduction fails to stabilize the joint, or if you have complicated breaks and fractures. Physical therapy or occupational therapy may be prescribed once the finger has recovered enough to remove the splint.
A trained physical therapist will guide you through exercises. Your physical therapist may also offer heat and massage therapies to help reduce stiffness and increase mobility in the joint. You can usually return to your normal activities, including sports, within a few weeks following your injury.
But it can take up to six months for your finger to fully heal. In some cases, especially when the dislocation is accompanied by a serious break or medical treatment is not prompt, pain and stiffness can be long lasting or even permanent. Most people will recover from a dislocated finger with no permanent effects.
Sprains are especially common in athletes, but anyone can sprain a finger relatively easily. Learn about types and treatments.
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