How to Cope with a Jammed Finger or Toe

A jammed finger or toe happens when there's an impact injury, resulting in tremendous pain and swelling. A simple jam can be easily treated at home and the pain will subside in a week or two.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Epsom salts
• Finger or toe splint

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Instructions

• 1

  Asses the severity of the injury. An obvious fracture, immediate bruising or mobility loss could be signs of a dislocated or broken finger or toe.

• 2

  Soak, ice and elevate the finger or toe for 20 minutes a day until the pain goes away. Use epsom salts for further pain relief.

• 3

  Immobilize extremely painful jams by using a finger or toe splint. Use a specific finger splint found at drugstores or wrap a popsicle stick or tongue depressor with medical tape against the finger or toe.

• 4

  Tape the jammed finger or toe to a healthy one next to it. This is usually done for shorter fingers or toes that are too small to use a splint. This will also help with mobility and pain relief.

• 5

  Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. This will also help the swelling go down. Once the swelling is under control, the pain is usually reduced.

• 6

  Make certain you can bend and straighten each finger. If not, you may not just have a jammed finger or toe. Call your doctor to make an appointment.