Orthopedist (Pediatric) Questions Orthopedist

Jammed finger?

I was play fighting with my brother and I accidentally punched a couch handle and jammed my finger. It hurt a lot but later on throughout the day I started having a little bit of hand pain. Can the finger be jammed?

Male | 14 years old
Complaint duration: today
Medications: the asthma pump
Conditions: asthma

7 Answers

No
Yes. Very common. Take it easy. It may take at times 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Just make sure you do not have a fracture, by seeing your doctor.
Yes. As long as you can move it in all directions and it looks straight, give it time. Otherwise, get an X-ray and have it examined.
Likely you sprained your finger. If it is very swollen and you have difficulty moving it, you should have it evaluated by a professional. You will need X-rays to make sure that there was no fracture.
Yes, the joints in the finger can be compressed (jammed). If the finger is not deformed, but just painful, tender, stiff, and swollen, then ice the finger, buddy tape to adjacent finger for protection until finger is close to or back to normal. If deformed or painful without much improvement after 7-10 days, I would recommend an X-ray. Your age could have growth plate involvement or small fracture requiring different care.
Good luck!
A "jammed finger" is a sprain of the finger joint, the same as a sprained ankle. The ligaments are injured and inflamed. Keep your finger moving and take advil for pain. It may take 3-4 weeks for the sprained finger to resolve.

Hope it helps!!

Dr. Bose
Could be broken, probably need to get an X-ray