Charles V. Toman, MD - 4/16/2009

Question
I jammed my finger over two weeks ago playing basketball. At first the finger was swollen, bruised throughout the finger and down the side of the hand, and I couldn't bind the finger all the way or straighten it competely. As of now, there is no longer bruising, but the finger is still swollen around the joints and I still can't bend it competely. How long does it take for a jammed finger to heal? Do you think I need to have it x-rayed to make sure its not dislocated or fractured?

Answer
Sandra,

First of all i am sorry that you are having to deal with this injury.

As far as fingers go, they are often just jammed or sprained but unfortunately they can take a long time to recover.  The tissues around the finger joints tend to retain there swelling as well.  I help to take care of a professional hockey team and some of those players get into fights and their knuckles remain swollen for months.  

If you are continuing to have significant pain in the fingers and are unable to bend them completely it would probably be the smartest thing to visit your primary physician to have it evaluated.  They will probably order a series of X-rays and these will be able to determine if you have a fracture or dislocation.

As long as you rule out these problems, there are only a few other problems that would require a visit to the Orthopaedic surgeon on an urgent basis.  

Ice,anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle Range of Motion should get you through this if the major injuries are ruled out.

Hopefully, this has been helpful.  Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any thing else.  Good Luck.