Jammed Finger: How to Care for Your Child

A jammed finger happens when the tip of the finger gets pushed toward the hand. It can happen when a ball or other object hits the end of a straightened finger. Ligaments (bands of tissue that connect bones) may stretch, tear, or break. Sometimes the bones are injured too.

Usually, a jammed finger can be treated with rest and by keeping it still with a splint or by taping it to the finger next to it (called buddy taping). If the injury is severe, surgery might be needed.

Follow your health care provider's advice for:

• Having your child wear a splint and/or use buddy taping. 

• If your child has a buddy taping, change it each day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Your child can use hand sanitizer to clean hands, but when the hands are visibly dirty, your child should remove the tape, wash hands in soap and water, and replace the tape.

• Any movement exercises or stretches your child should do and any activities to avoid.

• Whether your child should go to a bone doctor (orthopedist), hand specialist, sports medicine doctor, or physical therapist to help them build strength and flexibility and create a plan for returning to full activities and sports.

• When your child can return to sports. This is usually when the sports activity does not cause pain during or after the activity.

• When your child should follow up.

Activity

• Your child needs to cut down on or avoid all activities that cause pain. They can stay active by running, walking, or doing other things that don't use the injured hand.

• When your health care provider says it's OK, your child can gradually increase activities. If they have no pain, they can continue to add more activities and training.

• If an activity causes pain or swelling, your child should stop doing it and put ice wrapped in a towel on the finger for about 20 minutes. They should continue icing several times a day for a few days. They can try the activity again when the finger stops hurting or switch to a less intense activity.

To help with pain and swelling:

• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) as needed for pain. Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.

• Place ice wrapped in a towel on the finger for about 20 minutes several times a day. Do not put ice directly on the skin.

• Raise the hand above the level of the heart.

• Your child still has pain after following the health care provider's advice.

• The pain or swelling gets worse.

• The finger looks red or feels warm.

• Your child can't move the finger normally after the swelling goes down.

The finger is pale, cold, numb, or tingly.

What are the signs of a jammed finger? A jammed finger is usually very painful. It may also be swollen and stiff. The swelling can take a long time to go away. Sometimes, even though the jammed finger doesn't hurt anymore, the finger joint can still be swollen. This isn't usually a cause for concern unless the joint is also painful or stiff. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions.