How do you tell if finger is broken or sprained?

How do you tell if your finger is broken?

1. Swelling that lasts for several days.
2. Swelling that may extend to other parts of the hand.
3. Bruising around the injured area.
4. Extremely sharp pain.
5. Limited range of motion of the finger.
6. The finger looks misshapen or deformed.
7. Stiffness.
8. Burning or tingling.

How long does it take to heal a sprained finger?

Typically, finger sprains heal well in patients who follow their rehabilitation program. Ligaments require from two to 10 weeks to heal. A small number of patients do experience complications such as re-injury, joint instability, arthritis, or inflammation where the ligament attaches to the bone.

Can you make a fist if your finger is broken?

Pain symptoms may increase as the individual makes a fist or closes the hand. However, just because a person is still capable of making a fist or using the digits with minimal discomfort does not mean he or she has not suffered a broken hand or finger.

What should I do if I think I’ve broken my finger?

Treatments for a broken finger or thumb

1. try to straighten your finger – they’ll give you an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the pain.
2. put your finger in a splint or cast, or strap it to another finger to keep it in position.
3. give you a tetanus injection or antibiotics if there’s a cut to prevent infection.

Should you go to the doctor for a sprained finger?

A person should seek medical attention anytime a sprained finger is excruciatingly painful, or if symptoms do not improve within the first 24 to 48 hours. Sprained fingers that appear misshapen, bent, or darkly colored also require medical attention.

What happens if you leave a sprained finger untreated?

If left untreated, a jammed finger can lead to complications including prolonged stiffness or difficulty fully straightening the finger. Once the joint has had time to heal, a doctor may recommend exercises to reduce stiffness in the joint.

Do you need a splint for a sprained finger?

Sprains can cause pain and swelling. It may take weeks to months before your finger can move easily and without pain. Resting the finger for a short time after the injury can help you heal. To keep the injured finger in position while it heals, your doctor may have put a splint on it.

How long will a broken finger be swollen?

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.

How do you tell if your finger is dislocated?

Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger A dislocated finger is usually obvious. The finger appears crooked, swollen, and is very painful. It may be bent upward or at strange angles. You probably won’t be able to bend or straighten the finger if it is dislocated.

How long is recovery for a sprained finger?

Prognosis of Sprained Finger. After a mild to moderate finger sprain, you can usually resume your normal activity level after 2-6 weeks if you maintain recommended treatment and management of your injury. If your sprain is more serious, it will take longer for your finger to heal.

What is the healing time for a sprained finger?

Fast facts on a sprained finger: Most symptoms caused by a sprained finger are related to inflammation. People with severe finger sprains should see a doctor. Mild sprains typically take 1 to 2 weeks to heal completely.

How do you know if your thumb is broken or sprained?

You can tell if your finger is sprained by seeing if it cramps or turns red and by examining whether or not it’s swollen. If you’re struggling to figure out if your finger is sprained or broken, make an appointment to see your doctor.

What are the signs of a sprained finger?

You may also suffer a sprained finger by overusing your finger doing repetitive tasks. Symptoms of a finger sprain include: Pain while bending your finger caused by stressing the injured ligament. Pain in the area of the joint where the injury occurred. Swelling at the finger joint. Having difficulty moving your finger.