What to do when a finger is jammed?

[Pilgrim]

Ice for at least the first 24 hours to reduce swelling, moderate heat later to promote circulation. Given the way that looks, I'd probably ice it with NO heat until I saw the swelling go down a bit. And don't get too impatient about bending it - go easy on it.

 

[electracoyote]

So, yesterday, playing my beloved dodgeball, I took one of those rubber playground suckers at a bad angle. Whist trying to defend myself I moved my ball in for a block, and got WHAM! I get hit ont he tip of my left index finger. My most used fretting finger.

It hurt like an S.O.B. and then I go to look at it and CRIMINIY! I think the ****er is broke. From my middle knuckle to the tip its bent at about a 45 degree angle! While in shock I said eff it and went for it. Crack! Popped that sucker right back into place.

But now, my pointer is swollen up like a sausage ready to burst from its casing! There's no pain when I put pressure on it, so I know its not broken. I can bend it at the knuckle slighty, until its stops because of all this swollen tissue.

So, is there anything I can do besides alternate hot & cold on it to help the swelling go down? Ive already put rehearsals with both of my bands on hold til further notice, but Im supposed to play with them both comes thir Friday. If the swelling goes down enough I should be good to go.

I just sustained a very similar injury to my right index finger (plucking hand), middle phalanx (knuckle). Mine swelled up just like yours. I went to the emergency room for an X-ray. Avulsion fracture (the ligament around the knuckle was pull away so violently it took a tiny chunk of bone from the knuckle with it).

I went to a hand specialist, they basically treat it like a really bad sprain. Soft tissue injuries are the worst and take the longest to heal. Over a month later, I still have pain and soreness. I can bend it, but only about 60% of my motion has returned. I'm working it daily, using warm water and Ibuprofen, but it's a bitch. It's probably going to take a few more weeks to get most of the motion back.

Take it easy, give it time. In a week or so, start working your motion back as much as you can without passing out.

Good luck.

 

[R. Laevinus]

I dont have medical insurance right now so I can't get in to the hospital or the doctors at the moment.

...I fully do not judge you, my southern brethren; nor your country or your government: but the concept of not being able to get healthcare for free quite literally frightens me.

I'm all the more sorry to hear about your situation now that you've reminded me of that fun fact.

 

[MatticusMania]

I think we have a winner!


Still, doesn't hurt to soak it in cider.....

I will RICE the finger and soak my tastebuds in cider. All will be well.

...I fully do not judge you, my southern brethren; nor your country or your government: but the concept of not being able to get healthcare for free quite literally frightens me.

I'm all the more sorry to hear about your situation now that you've reminded me of that fun fact.

Thanks. Apparently some people [DEL]CAN'T[/DEL] DON'T READ . I'll just say that I agree with you on the healthcare issue, but won't go into it as to avoid political discussion.

Swelling has gone down slightly. Pain is practically non-existant at this point. Its still swollen, and I figure it'll take its time as the had to have been some strain on the ligament just due to the way the knuckle popped out of place. I could probably play my bass now, but I figure I'll give it a few more days rest before my gig.

 

[jp58]

I wouldn't bend it or mess with it for a bit. Ibuprofen may help some with the swelling, as will ice.

Unfortunately there really isn't a "magic" fix for soft tissue damage, only time will heal it.

 

[kjpollo]

Hate to say it, but you might want to start looking for subs for the gigs, at least for this week.

You dont want to risk permanent damage- that would be bad!

 

[MatticusMania]

I did think about using a sub for my Improv band, and I'd handle only vocal duties, but that would require a bassist who could fit in and mesh well with my bandmates as well as pull off some awesome improvisation, and doesnt too likely. The other band I just joined as a fill in bassist because theirs quit. I dont think they have time to teach someone new all the songs. At least its only 2 sets and Ive still got 3 days of healing to go.

 

[MikeyFingers]

That sucks man! I was gonna say, "Just suck it up and use a pick" (I've had to do it) but if it's a fretting finger you might be kinda screwed. Everything else that can be offered has been already. Either take a break, find a temporary substitute, or just fight your way through the pain and play anyway.

 

[MatticusMania]

Coming from a guy named Fingers I thought you'd have the magic fix!

Im just gonna play on through. Thats always been my line of thinking, carry on as if nothing has happened, dont treat it like an injury and it won't be one. Its certainly on the fast track to healing, I might have some of that Wolverine blood in me. Or that Hayden Panetierre. Anyways, its healing up well, and I think I'll be able to play on Friday.

 

[Schlyder]

That definitely looks like broken. Get it xrayed, and take care of it, I'd say you are on the DL for a few weeks. Good luck, and when it's better, no more dodge ball.

 

[MatticusMania]

That definitely looks like broken. Get it xrayed, and take care of it, I'd say you are on the DL for a few weeks. Good luck, and when it's better, no more dodge ball.

It much better today. Rather than looking like a sausage about to burst out of its casing it only looks like a sausage. I imagine there would be at least some pain if it were broken.

No more dodgeball? But thats a passion of mine topped only by bass playing and nasty sex with my soon to be wife.

 

[Relic]

...I fully do not judge you, my southern brethren; nor your country or your government: but the concept of not being able to get healthcare for free quite literally frightens me.

I'm all the more sorry to hear about your situation now that you've reminded me of that fun fact.

Just a side note - you can potentially get it free here in Jersey, you just have to jump a few hoops, fill out a 10' tall stack of paperwork and make sure that you qualify. It's tons of fun. It may vary from state to start though, I'm not sure

 

[jonathan_matos5]

if you absolutely have to play the bass or use the fingers for other "recreational" activities. id tape it to the middle finger or put a splint on the thing. trust me even a jammed finger hurts when you over use it. if you put a splint on the thing it makes it easier to play without using the finger. it is awkward but manageable.

just to be safe stay buzzed during your gig.

 

[MatticusMania]

if you absolutely have to play the bass or use the fingers for other "recreational" activities. id tape it to the middle finger or put a splint on the thing. trust me even a jammed finger hurts when you over use it. if you put a splint on the thing it makes it easier to play without using the finger. it is awkward but manageable.

just to be safe stay buzzed during your gig.

I had it buddy taped to my middle finger yesterday. Ive already put him back to regular use today and it doesnt hurt a bit. But I'll take your suggestion and stay mightly buzzed for the gig. Thats the best advice Ive gotten so far, thanks!