Finger jam is one of the most common sports injuries to the hand. It can happen when slamming into a ball, trying to protect your head from a fall or a collision with a wall. Finger jam also happens for a variety of non-sporting reasons, but the pain is the same. Easy first aid can help relieve the severity and duration of the pain and swelling.
Remember RICE
Remember the word RICE to help remember what needs to be done to ease a jammed finger. RICE is short for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The first thing to do is STOP all activities and tend to your finger immediately. Do not put it off. Trying to act as if a jammed finger is no big deal is a good way to wind up in the hospital.
Cold Therapy
Ice or a cold pack helps relieve both pain and swelling. Do not put ice directly on your skin or you will suffer from cold burns. Use ice or cold packs for fifteen minutes at a time. Frozen bags of vegetables make a good substitute ice pack. Even with cold therapy, expect your finger to swell up.
Compression With a Bandage
You may need to get help for this. Tape a bandage of your injured finger to a non-injured finger. This helps keep the finger still and cuts down on pain. If it hurts too much, get help. If you cannot move your finger at all, it could be broken and not jammed. Contact a doctor or Sports Injury in Murray Utah professional immediately. If you cannot get a hold of them, go to an emergency room. Broken bones need care beyond RICE.
What About Drugs?
Over the counter painkillers such as NSAIDs help to reduce both pain and swelling. Do not use anything stronger unless you are instructed to by your doctor. Pain gradually diminishes after a few days. If it does not or if the pain gets worse, contact a doctor immediately.
What About Discoloration?
In 24 hours or less, your finger will sprout many colors that look like bruising. These colors should begin to fade after a few days. If not, contact a doctor right away. If you have more questions, Click Here to contact Sports Injury in Murray Utah medical professionals.
