“Finger sprain?”
I was diagnosed with a finger sprain. I’m just wondering if it’s normal for it to be so swollen that I can not move it?
Male | 19 years old
5 Answers
HandSurgeonHandSurgeon
First you should have an X-ray to make sure it is not fractured or dislocated. If normal small joints in the finger can be stiff for many months. However, your physician should also check to make sure your flexor tendons are intact.
If you can’t move it a fracture may be present.Get an X-ray.
Swelling and stiffness after a finger sprain is quite common. You can help this with a compressive wrap around the swollen portion of the finger (such as coban wrap), ice and / or heat and mobility exercises. You should not wear a splint if it is just a sprain because the finger will become stiffer.
Finger sprains, particularly at the level of the joint, can stay swollen depending upon the severity of the injury for months after the date of the injury. It is not uncommon to need occupational therapy to reduce the swelling and improve the motion. There’s also not uncommon to need anti-inflammatories and activity modifications to accomplish the same goal. X-rays sometimes our team to ensure there is no fracture.
Yes, soft tissue injuries around the fingers can be challenging. Make sure you buddy tape the finger and use ice and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO
