Broken fingers can be one of the most annoying and painful injuries to deal with. Many people are not aware of how frequently the fingers are moved for even the smallest of tasks until one or more fingers are no longer functional due to a break. While very annoying, the good news is that a broken finger can heal in a relatively short period of time, if actions are taken to immobilize the finger and seek medical attention immediately. Here are a few tips to help you deal with a broken finger immediately after the break occurs and during the overall period of recuperation.

The first task in dealing with a broken finger injury is to remove any type of jewelry from the finger before the swelling commences. This may require applying ice or some other cold material to the finger in order to inhibit the swelling enough to remove the jewelry. While this will no doubt cause some degree of pain, keep in mind that allowing the jewelry to remain in place could cause severe complications later on. Unless there is additional damage, such as burned flesh, accompanying the break, removing rings and other jewelry at this stage will be in the best interests of the sufferer.

As with any type of broken bones, a broken finger should be protected from any range of motion. This means that your first act should be to immobilize the finger as soon as possible. With finger injuries of this type, applying a finger splint is often the safest and most practical way to accomplish the task. After using the ice to numb the pain and begin the process of keeping the swelling in check, create a simple splint using whatever is handy. Finger splints can be made using two popsicle sticks and masking tape if necessary.

If the broken finger takes place on a camping trip, cut two small sections of straight branches and secure them around the finger with string or twine. The idea is to not bind the finger so tightly that it aggravates the swelling, but just enough to prevent any bending of the finger until professional medical attention can be obtained.

Along with the splint, a finger sling may be helpful. Just as an arm sling for a broken arm helps to take pressure off the broken bone, a finger sling serves the same purpose. There is less effort required to keep the finger still when a combination of a splint and sling are used. With less movement comes less irritation of the broken bone and thus less chance of causing more damage while transporting the individual to a doctor.

Using over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can also be helpful. Aspirin or acetaminophen can help minimize the inflammation, especially when used in conjunction with ice applied to the broken finger. Keep in mind that limiting the degree of inflammation and swelling with make it easier for a doctor to make any adjustments to the set of the broken bone and thus minimize the chances of the bone healing in a slightly crooked manner.

Once a physician has examined and set the broken finger, chances are that a splint and possibly a sling will be used during the recuperation period. The doctor will be able to prescribe pain medication if needed, as well as instruct on how to properly clean the finger and change out any dressing during this time. Generally, the finger will heal in a matter of weeks. However, if the broken finger does not seem to be healing or there is more pain or inflammation than expected, notify the doctor immediately.