How do you treat a broken finger and how to tell if it is broken?

How to tell if your finger is broken:

1. Pain: You may experience pain when you touch or move the affected finger.

2. Swelling: The area around the broken finger may swell up.

3. Deformity: The broken finger may look bent or out of place.

4. Bruising: The skin around the broken finger may turn blue or black.

5. Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch.

6. Difficulty moving: You may have difficulty moving your finger.

7. Crepitus: This is a grating or grinding sensation when you move your finger.

Treatment for a broken finger:

1. Immobilization:

- The goal is to keep the broken finger from moving so it can heal.

- A simple finger fracture can often be treated by taping it to an adjacent "buddy finger" for three weeks.

- In some cases, a splint or cast may be needed.

2. Ice:

- Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Pain medication:

- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain.

4. Follow-up care:

- You will need to see your doctor for follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

- It may be necessary to X-ray the finger periodically to ensure it is healing properly.

- Physical therapy may be necessary to restore movement and strength to your finger.