How to Splint a Jammed Finger

One moment you're playing basketball with friends, the next you're doubled over from the pain of a jammed finger. A finger jam is the name given to almost any kind of sprain or stain or even dislocation of a finger joints. Jams can be caused by a fall or by sudden impact with a ball, wall, or even another person. The finger joints jam together and ligaments twist or tear, causing pain and swelling. Signs of a finger jam include swelling, pain and a crooked finger. You can purchase a lightweight finger splint at a pharmacy to help treat a jammed finger. Splinting allows the ligaments time to heal.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Finger splint
• Medical tape
• Scissors

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Instructions

• 1

  Seek medical help if the finger is crooked or appears to be dislocated. You could have a fracture or dislocation that must be set right before anything else can be done for your finger. Always seek medical help if in doubt.

• 2

  Apply ice to relieve swelling. Apply an ice pack to the affected finger for 10 to 12 minutes, then wait twenty minutes before applying ice again. You can continue to apply ice off and on for 24 hours if pain and swelling persists.

• 3

  Choose the correct size splint for your finger. Finger splints are usually made of lightweight aluminum, padded on one side to cradle the damaged finger. The splint should be large enough to extend the length of your finger, yet small enough to hold the finger snugly.

• 4

  Fit the finger splint onto the damaged finger, the padded side of the splint against your finger. Shape the aluminum finger splint around your finger, gently bending the metal to form a snug fit. Splint the finger in its most comfortable position, which may be slightly bent. Don't force the finger to straighten if doing so causes pain.

• 5

  Tape the splint to your finger with athletic or medical tape. It's easiest to have someone do the taping for you. Wrap the tape completely around the splint from top to bottom. Use multiple pieces of short tape, rather than one long continuous piece of tape. This makes it easier to tighten or loosen a specific section of the splint. The splint and tape should be snug, but not too tight. If the tip of your finger turns blue, the wrapping is too tight.

• 6

  Avoid getting the splint and its padding wet or dirty. Change to a clean, dry splint if this happens. See a doctor if swelling and pain persist for more than three days.

• 7

  If you are unable to obtain a manufactured finger splint, create a temporary splint by "buddy taping" the injured finger to the healthy finger next to it. Tape securely along the length of the finger, but avoid getting the tape too tight.

• 8

  Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.