Have you dislocated your finger? This is a pretty common injury that many people don’t even realize they’ve sustained until symptoms become severe. Your finger might seem a little bent or crooked, and it may hurt to move it. Often, people believe they have simply “jammed” their finger, letting these injuries go untreated with the thought it will get better on it’s own. Sometimes neglecting treatment can result in a permanent deformity later on. A thorough evaluation by a Certified Hand Therapist specializing in hands can let you know if you’ve torn a ligament or have sustained an injury that may require treatment or splinting for a full recovery. We are the areas only clinic with Board Specialty Certification in Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Conditions. This makes Ozark PT Specialists your proven choice for addressing your Jammed Finger or Finger Dislocation and getting you back to living the life you want to live without pain!
The good news is that a Certified Hand Therapist and our expert team of hand therapists at Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists in Mountain Home, AR may be able to help you find relief and prevent permanent loss of motion or function! Schedule an appointment at our clinic today and get back to using your hands without experiencing painful symptoms.
How does a finger become dislocated?
Finger dislocation is a common injury. It occurs when the bones of the finger are moved (dislocated) from their normal position. A dislocated finger can occur in any of the joints of any finger, but it occurs most often in the middle knuckle (PIP joint) of a finger.
The most common causes of finger dislocations are sports or falls when the finger is twisted, bent or pushed backward forcefully. An object such as a ball hitting the finger can also cause the finger to dislocate.
Types of finger dislocations
Types of dislocations are called dorsal, volar or lateral depending on the direction of the dislocated bone. There can be a fracture associated with a dislocation and also the ligaments surrounding the joint can be sprained or torn. When ligaments surrounding the joint are torn, the best treatment is a custom splint to hold the finger in the best position for healing of that ligament. Hands on testing is required to identify which ligament is torn, and thus the correct position for splinting. A Certified Hand Therapist has the training and expertise to ensure proper positioning and the correct exercises to safely gain back mobility while allowing the ligament to heal.
What are the symptoms of a finger dislocation?
A dislocated finger is usually obvious, but not always. The finger may appear crooked or bent and can be painful, swollen, bruised and difficult to move. There may be numbness or tingling and the finger may have a pale color. Some dislocations may cause the skin to tear.
What is the treatment for a finger dislocation?
The majority of finger dislocations are treatable without surgery. X-rays and a physical examination may be required. “Putting the finger back in place” is usually the treatment (reduction). Once the joint is back in alignment, a splint holding the joint in the best position for healing of the surrounding ligament(s) that are injured is imperative. Seeing a Certified Hand Therapist ensures you are in the hands of an expert and that your journey to recovery will result in improved functional use of your hand again.
Early exercise to bend the finger is generally begun once the finger is safe to be moved. If the dislocation is combined with a fracture and is not stable, surgery might be required. Our team of expert hand therapists work closely with local surgeons, as well as the hand specialists in Fayetteville, Little Rock at UAMS, Springfield and even St Louis to bring you the highest level of care, right here in Mountain Home, AR.
If you are having trouble recovering from a jammed finger or struggling with a finger dislocation, contact Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists for a visit with a hand specialist, and let’s get you on the road to recovery.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!