Very few things hurt worse than ramming your hand so hard into something that your finger actually jams. The PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint absorbs the blow, stretching the ligament in the finger. This is incredibly painful.
Surprisingly it is quite common and easy to do – be it sports related or just an everyday activity, jamming your finger can happen anywhere at any time.
A non-treated jammed finger can lead to complications which may include:
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Loss of complete range of movement
- Joint deformity
- Pain
- Swelling
- Traumatic arthritis
As soon as you jam your finger, apply ice immediately to try and get the swelling down while keeping it elevated above your heart. Taking turmeric with black pepper (to help absorption) is great as an anti inflammatory. Over the counter pain relievers such as Aleve or Advil will help as well but NSAIDs actually slow healing vs. natural remedies which can help to speed recovery.
You may also need to splint the finger to prevent further injury if it is visibly very out of place. You can do this easily by simply taping the injured finger to the one next to it (buddy strapping).
It is important to go visit your Chiropractor as soon as you can. They can take X-rays to make sure nothing is broken, and upon that they may be able to adjust the finger back into place. The reason it is important to go soon after the injury happens is that the body naturally tries its best to heal itself. In place or still, out of place adhesions will begin to form in order to help hold the finger in place.
These adhesions, in order to re-adjust the bone and ligament to their correct natural position, will need to be broken/ripped free. While it is just a quick pull/snap adjustment, it can be a painful shock to the body which rings through it like a bell for a good 20-30 seconds. Welcomingly, right after the adjustment, the finger and area will feel greatly better, but it is still less traumatic to make that readjustment straight away post injury.
If you are suffering from hand pain due to a jammed finger you do not have to live with pain or limited range of motion. Give the office of Dr. Jason Kaster a call. 239-332-2555 or visit www.drkaster.com. Now serving both Fort Myers, Florida and Naples, Florida.
Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL, and Naples, FL
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers and Naples, can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.