This is a soft tissue injury to your finger
Healing
It can take up to 6 weeks for this injury to heal. Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while you heal. Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.
Pain and Swelling
Your finger and hand may be swollen and you may have some pain. Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your wrist for 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.
Try to rest your finger, especially in the first 24-72 hours, and avoid any aggravating movements.
Exercise and activity
It is important to start exercising as soon as possible. You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises on the next page. You should avoid lifting anything more than the weight of a cup of tea for the first 2 weeks. You can do light activities when your pain has settled.
Follow up
A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you are still experiencing pain and swelling after 6 weeks.
Any questions
If you are concerned about your symptoms or are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
Splint/strapping:
If you have been given a splint or strapping applied this is for comfort and doesn’t affect the rate of healing. If you have had strapping applied, the following will advise you how to change it.
Padding should be placed between the two fingers to prevent rubbing and any breakdown of the skin. Ideally, the padding should extend almost the full length of the neighbouring finger.
Including the knuckle, each finger has 3 joints (the places where your finger bends). Place 1 piece of tape around both fingers, between the first and second joints and another between the second and third. This allows the injured finger to flex or extend and can still be used to grip.
If your finger starts changing colour, or you get pins and needles sensation that wasn’t there before, then the strapping is too tight. Change the strapping daily to allow skin care.
Strapping
Bedford Splint
Contact us
If you notice that your finger cannot fully bend or straighten after 2 weeks or if you are concerned about your symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
Caring for your injury: Week by Week
0 – 2 weeks since injury
- √ – Use the strapping and splint for comfort (if you were provided with one). Remove the strapping and splint as soon as you can when pain settles.
- √ – Move your fingers gently to prevent stiffness – see initial exercises
- X – Do not drive if you are still using the strapping/splint or you cannot grip the steering wheel fully
2-4 weeks since injury
- √ – Start doing your normal activities within the limitations of your pain
- √ – Progress to additional exercises
- X – Avoid heavy lifting tasks and contact sports
4-6 weeks since injury
- √ – The injury has healed. Swelling however can last for several months
- √ – Heavy lifting could be painful for up to 8 weeks. Increase gradually using pain as a guide.
- √ – Return to normal activities
6+ weeks since injury
- X – If you are still experiencing significant pain and swelling then please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic for advice
Caring for your injury: Initial Exercises
It is important to start gentle exercises straight away to prevent stiffness. You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises below. Use your hand as normally as possible within the limitations of pain. This will not cause further damage but failure to do so may lead to ongoing stiffness.
The following exercises should be performed slowly and regularly every day, keeping the strapping on. The purpose of these exercises is to help you regain full movement.
Little and often (a few of each movement every hour) is better that doing lots of repetitions.
Starting with straight fingers, flex them into a loose fist. Initially pain, swelling and bruising will restrict movement. This is perfectly normal and to be expected. Work your way through the movements as shown in the picture above, ending with straight fingers again.
Touch each finger to the thumb. Do not force movement.
Caring for your injury: Additional Exercises
From 2 weeks (or as pain allows)
As with the initial exercises, the following exercises should be performed slowly and regularly every day. Based on your pain, you can now use your other hand to add gentle pressure at the end of movement. Little and often (a few of each movement every hour) is better that doing lots of repetitions.
Starting with straight fingers, flex them into a loose fist. As the swelling reduces your range of movement will increase. Work your way through the movements as shown in the picture above, ending with straight fingers again.
Strength
Use the elastic band around your fingers to strengthen the muscles in the hand.
The following pictures show different ball grip exercises. Start with 5 squeezes for each exercise, holding for a couple of seconds. Rest for 2 minutes before completing a further set. Increase the amount of repetitions for each exercise as able.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned about my symptoms and/or I am struggling to return to exercise.
Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
I am struggling with my strapping/splint. What do I do?
Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. We can give advice or make changes if needed.
When can I start driving?
You can return to driving when:
- You are not using the splint/strapping
- You can move comfortably
- You can control the vehicle safely
Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first
How can I get a certificate for work?
You can self-certify for the first 7 days following your injury. For any longer periods, please discuss the provision of a fitness to work statement with the Virtual Fracture Clinic Team or your GP.
How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic?
Call 01582 718121. Messages will be checked every morning Monday-Friday.
Email VFC@ldh.nhs.uk