Medical professionals use finger splints to treat injured fingers.It's important to seek medical attention for a finger injury, but you may need to apply a temporary splint.If the injury requires immediate medical attention, assess it.If you can't see someone, apply a splint and first aid.Follow your doctor's instructions for how to care for your injured finger after that.
Step 1: Stop using the finger if you have an injury.
After you hurt the finger, it is important to stop using it.If you have an injured finger, stop what you are doing and assess it.If your finger feels numb or hurts, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Step 2: The finger should be placed against a popsicle stick.
If you have a minor injury, you can keep it covered until you see a doctor.You can buy a splint in the first aid section of a drug store.Pick something that is roughly the same length as the finger.A popsicle stick works well as a tongue depressor.If you have a splint, press it against the injured finger and hold it there.Don't apply pressure to the injured area.Make sure to place the splint under the injured joint.
Step 3: Wrap medical tape around the injury.
Wrap the finger with medical tape at 2 different points to secure it.Medical tape should be wrapped around the base of the finger and above the knuckle.Make sure the tape is loose and snug to ensure good circulation.You can use regular clear tape if you don't have medical tape.
Step 4: Ice can be applied to the injured finger.
Press the ice pack against the injured finger by wrapping it in a towel or paper towel.Remove the finger from the ice pack after 10 to 20 minutes.Wait for the skin to return to its normal temperature before icing it again.It will take about 1 to 2 hours.A bag of frozen corn or peas works well if you don't have an ice pack.It should be wrapped in a clean cloth or paper towel.
Step 5: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for pain.
Take an over-the-counter pain relief if the finger hurts.This will give you some relief.Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how much to take and how often.The pain should stop after the first 24 to 48 hours.If the pain isn't getting better, call your doctor.
Step 6: Keep your hand above your heart.
Holding your hand above your heart will help to reduce swelling.You can prop your hand up on a pillow or hold it up near your shoulder.
Step 7: If you have an injured finger, see a doctor.
If you have a broken finger, you can go to an urgent care center.Your healthcare provider will determine the location and type of injury to your finger.They will give you a local anesthetic to numb the finger before placing it in a splint.The sooner you get treatment, the better.It may take up to 4 months for the injury to heal.Delaying treatment can lead to other problems, such as a skin infection.
Step 8: X-rays can be used to determine what type of injury you have.
X-rays will be ordered by your doctor to see if the finger is broken.They can use this information to determine if they need to realign the bones before applying a splint.
Step 9: The healthcare professional can apply a splint to your finger.
After your doctor reviews the X-rays, they can determine what type of splint will work best.Depending on the location and type of injury, your doctor will choose the best option for you.There are a number of common types, such as a mallet finger splint for correcting a finger that you can't straighten, and a Dorsal extension block for a joint dislocation.
Step 10: If the finger is cut, get a tetanus shot and antibiotics.
A tetanus shot is likely to be recommended by your doctor if you cut your finger.They may recommend an antibiotic to treat a skin problem.
Step 11: If the injury is serious, talk to your doctor about surgical options.
Without surgery, your finger may not heal properly.Discuss surgical repair options with your doctor.This is uncommon.It takes about 4 to 8 weeks for most finger injuries to heal.
Step 12: When you bathe, put the splint in a plastic bag.
The splint needs to be kept clean and dry.If you take a shower or bath, cover your hand with a plastic bag.Put a plastic bag over your hand and secure it with a rubber band.Water can get into the bag if you wash yourself and angle your hand.After you finish your shower, remove the plastic bag and pat your hand dry.
Step 13: Your doctor tells you to wear the splint as long as you please.
Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take up to 8 weeks for your finger to heal.If your doctor tells you not to wear the splint, keep it on during the day and at night.Delayed healing or re-injury of the finger can be caused by not wearing the splint as instructed.
Step 14: You should check your finger daily to make sure you have good circulation.
The splint may be too tight if you notice that your finger is weird, numb, or painful.Pull or cut off the tape and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Step 15: If it feels uncomfortable, see your doctor.
Don't attempt to trim a splint on your own.If the splint makes you uncomfortable, call your doctor and make an appointment.They can adjust the splint to make it more comfortable.