Jammed Finger

A jammed finger is known to be a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty while moving the finger.

A jammed finger occurs as a result of an injury to the joint in the middle of the finger, where it bends in half. This joint is referred to as the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). There is a small ligament which is referred to as the collateral ligaments that support the PIP joint. Overstretching or straining of these ligaments results in a jammed finger. These damages can occur when the hands absorb too much force, for example when someone catches the ball while playing sports.

Sometimes, a jammed finger may be uncomfortable, but usually not a serious injury.

What are the Causes of Jammed Finger?

A jammed finger commonly occurs when the finger is pulled as a result of backward force by a ball while attempting to take a catch for example in baseball.

A jammed finger injury commonly occurs in ball sports such as netball or basketball due to hyperextension force, which makes the finger to bend in the backward direction or as a result of a force applied from sideways.

A jammed finger injury can also occur as a result of hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger which often leads to ligamentous injury.

A jammed finger can affect either the ligament or maybe an avulsion fracture, characterized by ligament removal of small bits of bone at its attachment damaging the collateral ligament resulting in sprained finger.

Symptoms of a Jammed Finger

Pains, swelling and difficulty moving the finger are the prevalent symptoms of a jammed finger. The duration of swelling varies as it depends on the severity of the injury.

Below are some other symptoms of a jammed finger:

• Unexpected pain in the finger at the time of injury.
• There will be a pain in the joint of the middle finger.
• Instant swelling development after injury.
• The appearance of the deformation of the injured finger.
• Pain is also felt during the movement of the injured joint.

Jammed Finger Treatment

Treatment for a Jammed Finger requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your finger. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your finger to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Tendon and Ligament Poultice

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil