What is Finger Fracture
Finger fracture is a break in any of the bones in your fingers. Your doctor may put a splint on your finger so it will not move while it heals (immobilization).
Follow these instructions at home:
If you have a splint:
- Wear the splint as told by your doctor. Remove it only as told by your doctor.
- Do not put pressure on any part of the splint until it is fully hardened. This may take several hours.
- Loosen the splint if your fingers tingle, lose feeling (get numb), or turn cold and blue.
- Keep the splint clean.
- If
the splint is not waterproof:
- Do notlet it get wet.
- Cover it with a watertight covering when you take a bath or a shower.
Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to drive.
Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling
- If
directed, put ice on the injured area:
- If you have a removable splint, remove it as told by your doctor.
- Put ice in a plastic bag.
- Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
- Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
- Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
- Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
Activity
- Do notdrive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
- Do exercises (physical therapy) as told by your doctor.
- Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
General instructions
- Do not use any products that have nicotine or tobacco in them, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay bone healing. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your pain or swelling gets worse, even with treatment.
- You have trouble moving your finger.
Get help right away if:
- Your finger gets numb or turns blue.
Summary
- A finger fracture is a break in any of the bones in your fingers.
- You may need to wear a splint on your finger so it will not move while it heals (immobilization).
- If directed, put ice on the injured area for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
