How long does a finger stay swollen after injury?
Most of the time a jammed finger will get better on its own within a week or two. But even with treatment, your finger may stay swollen or sensitive for many months. During recovery, try to use the finger as little as possible while it heals. Take a break from sports or other activities that could worsen your injury.
How long does an injured finger joint take to heal?
Moderate sprains may take three to six weeks to heal, while the most basic of sprains can begin to heal in as little as 36 to 48 hours. Repairs that involve surgery will naturally take longer, anywhere from six to 14 weeks before full use of the affected finger is regained.
How do I know if my finger is broken or just swollen?
However, there are a few particularly telltale signs that point to a fracture:
- The fracture site is very swollen.
- The affected finger appears unnatural or deformed.
- The fracture site is tender and bruised.
- You have difficulty moving the affected finger completely.
Should I wrap a swollen finger?
Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don’t wrap it too tightly or you may hinder circulation.
How do you treat a swollen finger from injury?
Apply an ice pack to decrease swelling. Be sure to wrap the pack in a clean cloth first to prevent cold injury to the skin. Over-the-counter pain medicines may help relieve discomfort. If pain becomes severe, with blood under the fingernail, call your provider.
Should I wrap my swollen finger?
To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don’t wrap it too tightly or you may hinder circulation.
Should I go to the ER for a swollen finger?
You may need antibiotics or even surgery to remove the infection. If you develop numbness or tingling with any kind of swelling, especially after a traumatic injury, please go to an emergency room immediately.
Is swelling good for healing?
Swelling isn’t good for us all the time. It initially helps by recruiting healing factors that accelerate how quickly cells migrate to the site of injury – but swelling is also bad because it destructs and distends the tissues, and distorts the anatomy.
Can your finger be broken and still bend?
You may not always be sure the finger is broken and try to bend it. If it’s broken, doing so will usually be painful. Don’t be fooled if you can still move the finger. In some cases, there may still be some range of motion and only dull pain.