A finger sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support your finger. Stretching or tearing the soft tissues that connect your finger muscles to the bone can produce pain, swelling and joint instability. You have a higher than normal risk of spraining your finger if you play volleyball, basketball or other sports that require that you use your hands extensively. Skiers may be at risk for thumb sprains. Fixing a finger sprain can take patience, as well as medical know-how.
Step 1
Ice your finger several times throughout the first day or two after you sustain the sprain. Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a small towel to avoid developing frostbite. Apply the ice for 15 minutes at a time.
Step 2
Wrap your finger in a compression bandage -- firmly, yet allowing blood to flow to your extremities -- to help reduce the swelling. Even a grade 1 sprain -- over-stretching and possible tiny tears of the ligaments in your finger-- will swell in response to the injury.
Step 3
Keep your hand elevated on a pillow or cushion for the first two to three days after you have sprained your finger. Elevation reduces the swelling and helps excess fluids drain from the area.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help you feel more comfortable. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are anti-inflammatory drugs appropriate for most people.
Step 5
Immobilize your finger with a splint once the initial period of swelling has receded. Your doctor may prescribe a splint or tell you to tape your hurt finger to its healthy neighbor. You can fashion your own splint from a wooden stick or tongue depressor and medical tape, if necessary. The key is to keep your finger still as the soft tissues heal.
Step 6
Return to sports under the supervision of your doctor, depending on the severity of your sprain. Grade 1 finger sprains that involve primarily over-stretching of the ligaments may heal in a week or so; more severe injuries or thumb sprains could put you out of commission for up to two months.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Towel
- Compression bandage
- Pillows
- Wooden stick
- Medical tape
- Splint
- Pain relievers
