How to Care for a Broken Knuckle

Nearly every task you perform during the day involves your hands and your fingers. So, it's no wonder that finger injuries are some of the most common traumas seen in emergency rooms around the world, according to John P. Cunha, a doctor of osteopathic medicine. If you've seriously injured, sprained, broken or dislocated a knuckle, the pain and discomfort, as well as the limitation of movement, can set you back for quite some time. Proper care of the injury is the only way to return you to your full capabilities.

Things You'll Need

• Antiseptic soap
• Bandages
• Elastic bandage or wrap
• Ice pack
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash any open wounds, such as cuts and scrapes, with hot water and dish soap or hand soap, or a similar antiseptic product. You must do this immediately after the injury to reduce the chance of the skin, blood or bone getting infected.

• 2

  Cover any open wounds with a clean bandage to stop the bleeding and prevent any infection from entering the area.

• 3

  Immobilize the hand as much as possible by holding it in the other hand, or by wrapping it in an elastic bandage. The goal is to avoid moving the hand. Any movement can worsen the break and increase the chance of infection.

• 4

  Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel, or a towel soaked in cold water to the broken knuckle. The ice and cold will reduce swelling to the area, and can also help to alleviate some of the pain from the injury.

• 5

  Elevate the injured knuckle so that the injured area rests above your heart. This will help blood drain from the area, thus reducing any bleeding from open wounds and limiting swelling.