Q&A for How to Treat a Broken Finger

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Question

How do I treat my injured finger?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

You want to seek the attention of a medical doctor so that you can get an x-ray. This will make ensure that the finger is not broken. The doctor will splint the finger and give you pain medications to control the pain if necessary.

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Question

How long do I have to leave the splint on a broken finger?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

The standard time for a broken bone is six weeks, but that is variable. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

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Question

I think I broke my finger. It is hard to move an I can't straighten it or bend it down all the way. It is really swollen and bruised. Should I go get an x-ray?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving your finger may suggest a broken bone or dislocation. An x-ray is done in order to confirm the cause and select the most appropriate treatment. Don’t delay, and visit to your doctor to stay ahead of pain, swelling, and misalignment.

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I broke my middle finger 6 weeks ago and I have had a splint on it since, but when I take the splint off I can hardly bend my finger and it is still a little swollen and bruised. Is this normal?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Joint stiffness and difficulty bending your finger after prolonged immobilization is common. You may want to start gentle range of motion exercises for you finger after you no longer need a splint or taping. Ask your doctor for the list of exercises to rehab your finger. Some of the most common exercises include passive bending and extending of your finger and fist, holding for 5-10 seconds and then releasing.

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