I jammed my finger, what do I do?

Question

I had football practice today, and felt it jam during a tackling drill. It is the second digit, second phalangie. It is not too big, but it is most definitely jammed. It is almost 9:00 PM here, and I have school in the morning. What can I do so that I am able to do the normal school things without the pain of a jammed digit?

Answer 1

You can use the RICE procedure..which is rest, ice on finger for 20 mins once every hour (or if you're too busy..at least two or three times a day for the first two or three days), Compression, which means using a splint or bandage to put some pressure to stop the finger from swelling up so much...in your case you can buy a finger splint from your local pharmacy such as Walgreens, Jewel, or CVS.  Try that.  It might help keep the finger straight and from moving too much and lessen the pain.  Lastly, try to keep your hand elevated or near/above heart level for the first one or two days.  I know it may be hard to do..but it may help for a while since it decreases blood flow to the finger which can lessen the swelling.  

                If the finger still does not feel better in a couple days (three or four days or so), you should see the doctor and possibly get an x-ray to rule out a fracture.  Or if you have excessive swelling or a lot of bruising near/around the finger..then see the dr sooner as it could be a more serious injury.  

                As for doing normal things..it may be a bit hard for the first few days to type or do things you normally would use the fingers for.  Just try your best and explain to the teachers the situation.  Maybe have someone help you with some things you aren't able to do.  

                  Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

Answer 2

first off all don't try to pull it unjammed a jammed finger isn't really jammed its sprained

ice it to stop the swelling and it should be fine in a couple of days

Answer 3

Take some motrin to help with any tissue swelling and you can try icing it for a while if it is swelling up. Other than that you will just have to avoid using it to much, taking the pain reliever/anti-inflammatory, and just rest it while waiting it out. If it starts bruising or the pain just does not let up consider getting it checked out for a fracture. Good Luck!!