Finger dislocations may look easy or assumed to be easy because of the size of the joint. There is nothing easy about a dislocated finger. The middle knuckle tends to be the most problematic – this is where most people can get stuck.
Most simple dislocations require a Hand Therapist to reduce pain and swelling and hopefully get better motion back in the finger.
Keep reading if you have been trying to take care of it yourself or have gone somewhere else and not gotten the results you hoped for!
What is dislocated finger?
A finger dislocation is a very common injury where the joints are jammed or somehow knocked out of its place. For example, you might fall, jam your finger into a door or hard surface, or dislocate it during a sporting event.
This injures the ligaments that hold bone to bone.
It’s very common to the middle knuckle (PIP) but can happen to the small and big knuckle.
How serious is finger dislocation?
Finger dislocations have a range of severity. It can be mild where you just need to protect it for a week or two. Then start to move the finger.
But what can happen 3-4 weeks later is a boutonniere deformity or a swan neck deformity.
Or it can be so severe that you fractured the finger AND dislocated the finger requiring surgery.
Finger dislocations alone are bad, but paired with a fracture can compound the severity of the injury. Those that are severe require surgery and a specific hand therapy program, preferably with a Certified Hand Therapist.
The most difficult aspects of finger dislocations are how long they might take. And how painful they can be. And the most complex part of a finger dislocation is the deformities that can occur after the fact.
3 tips on what to do after a finger dislocation:
- Reduce your pain and swelling with ice
- Keep your hand a little higher than your elbow when you’re sitting or laying down
- Get an early start with Hand Therapy so you can recover fast AND suffer less
I have a video on our clinic YouTube channel that is the most-watched AND the most hated video! Watch here 3 tips after finger dislocation. In the video, I give tips on what to do with a dislocated finger.
The reason for all the negative comments is that most people want quick – easy to do exercises for a quick fix.
Finger dislocations may “look” easy or be assumed to be easy because of the size of the joint. There is nothing easy about a dislocated finger. Because the middle knuckle tends to be the most problematic – this is where most people can get stuck.
If you are still in pain months and years later – something is wrong!
You might be doing the right movements but need to learn one or two things that make the exercise more effective. Or you might be doing all the wrong exercises that make your finger dislocation worse.
Regardless, if you are still suffering from a finger dislocation or hand pain – get the right help and get rid of hand pain for good.
Request to speak with our therapist so we can help you get clear on what’s possible no matter how long it’s been.
Written by Hoang Tran
About the author – Hoang Tran
Hoang Tran is a certified hand therapist , the owner of Hands-on Therapy Services and author of the book “The Hands-On Approach”. She loves helping people with hand, neck and shoulder problems, because she knows how bad and debilitating they can get if not addressed and treated properly (once and for all!).
The aim of her Miami occupational therapy is to bring patients back to full functionality, without pills, injections or surgery.
Occupational and Physical Therapy are both offered at Hands-On Therapy by our experienced therapists who provide a comprehensive approach to your care.
If you are struggling with hand and wrist pain, including
or any other hand, elbow or neck injuries, speak with one of our specialists for FREE by signing up for a 30-minute Discovery Visit here! Talk to our specialist first before booking any paid session. We like to ensure that we can help you before taking you on as a client.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
