Have you ever been involved in a sport like basketball or football where you mistakenly hit your fingers on the ball, and instantly feel a sharp pain? Or you are walking and suddenly hit your fingers on an object and also feel pain? A dislocated finger is a medical emergency and should be treated as one due to the complications that could result from it.
If your answer to any of the questions asked is yes, then you already have an idea of what it feels like to at least have a jammed finger. A jammed finger is mild compared to the pain of actual finger dislocation.
In this article, we will be telling you all you need to know about a dislocated finger and what to do if you have a dislocated finger or happen to be around anyone with a dislocated finger.
Dislocated Finger – How To Know When You Have One
Every finger has three joints except the thumb which has two bones. Each of these joints has a very strong connective tissue to provide support. This cushion reduces the impact of force encountered during physical activity on the joints of the fingers.
Your finger is dislocated if it goes out of its normal position within the joint. Excessive force can cause this. Any of the fingers of the hand can be dislocated, but the condition is commonly seen in the middle finger.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Seen In A Dislocated Finger?
The following signs and symptoms may be seen in a dislocated finger:
- You feel a sudden onset of intense finger pain.
- A bump or a deformity is seen in the finger due to a dislocation of the finger from its joint.
- A tearing sound may be heard in the finger during the time of injury.
- Pain at the back, front or sides of the affected finger.
- Numbness in the affected finger.
Causes
Any of the following could be the cause of a dislocated finger:
- Sports Injuries: Finger dislocation is very common in sports that require constant contact between the fingers of a player and the ball such as basketball or volleyball.
- Fall: A finger could become dislocated as a result of a fall. When you fall, you tend to break your fall with your hands hence, any of your fingers could become dislocated in the process.
- Accident: A direct force to the finger during an accident could result in finger dislocation or worse situations, it could result in a fracture of the finger bones.
Is Finger Dislocation A Medical Emergency?
Yes, having a dislocated finger can be described as a medical emergency. If you have a dislocated finger or have someone around you with a dislocated finger, ensure that you get them to a hospital in the shortest time possible to avoid the complications that could result from the dislocation.
Treatment
- Immediately after dislocation, avoid forcing the dislocated finger back into its joint as you may damage some surrounding structures. You can wrap the finger in ice before going to the hospital. You can also apply a buddy splint.
- At the hospital, the doctor will take your history and request for an X-ray.
- The finger will be immobilized and reduced by the doctor.
- Depending on the severity, the doctor may have to refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
Get Healthy Using 9INE POINT Health
9INE POINT Health will help you to find the best local healthcare options for your broken thumb. You can search for sports medicine providers by type and skill set. If you need a physical therapist that specializes in hands, 9INE POINT Health will help you to find the best. 9INE POINT Health gives every provider a 9INE POINT Number to make it easy for you to compare providers.
Getting the finger put back in place is only step one if you are active. The second step is going through a proper rehab to make sure that it does not happen again. You want to make sure that you are working with the best options you can. Health care is too serious to just leave it to random Google Searches.
9INE POINT Health was created by 9INE POINT in '19 as a means to provide athlete-driven resources to "Protect Athletes' Minds, Body and Belly". As well as be a platform for healthcare providers and other specialists to display their knowledge.
