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How can you care for yourself when you have a finger fracture?
- If your doctor put a splint on your finger, wear the splint exactly as directed. Do not remove it until your doctor says that you can.
- Keep your hand raised above the level of your heart as much as you can. This will help reduce swelling.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Keep the splint dry.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Finger fracture: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your finger is cool or pale or changes color.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your pain gets much worse.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your finger.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your finger is not steadily improving.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.