Finger dislocations are a common injury—but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. Even if the pain seems manageable or the finger “pops” back into place, there may still be damage to the joint, ligaments, or surrounding structures. If left untreated, a finger dislocation can lead to long-term stiffness, weakness, or instability in the hand.
So what should you do if you think you’ve dislocated your finger? Is it okay to just let it heal on its own?
What You Can Do Immediately
If you believe you’ve dislocated a finger, it’s essential that you avoid forcing it back into place. Attempting to “pop” a dislocated joint back yourself can cause further damage to tendons, ligaments, or nerves—especially if a fracture is also present.
Instead, you should:
- Apply ice to minimize swelling.
- Elevate your hand above heart level.
- Immobilize the finger using a temporary splint (if you have one).
- Avoid using the injured hand until you receive medical evaluation.
While you may be tempted to allow your finger to heal on its own, it’s best to get it evaluated by a medical professional. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, a dislocated finger can heal incorrectly and lead to long-term stiffness, instability, chronic pain, or arthritis.
Get Medical Attention
If you suspect a finger dislocation, evaluation by a medical professional is an important step. Visiting an urgent care or emergency room would be appropriate immediately after a severe injury involving a finger dislocation, and when the finger is still dislocated. Once any immediate medical needs have been addressed, a follow-up with an orthopedic hand specialist is often recommended.
Talking with an orthopedic hand specialist is important because even when a finger appears to return to its normal position, underlying damage may still be present. A specialist can assess not only the alignment of the joint, but also the ligaments, tendons, and nerves that stabilize the finger.
You should seek evaluation by an orthopedic hand specialist if any of the following apply:
- The finger looks crooked, unstable, or remains visibly out of alignment
- Pain, swelling, or bruising is significant or worsening
- You experience numbness, tingling, or a cold sensation in the finger
- You have difficulty bending or fully straightening the finger
- The joint feels loose or unstable after the injury
- Symptoms do not improve after a few days of rest and immobilization
- You’ve had a prior dislocation, fracture, or other hand injury
Prompt evaluation helps ensure the joint is properly aligned and supported during healing—and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
How Dr. Fort Can Help
At Fort Orthopedic Hand Center, Dr. Nicholas Fort offers expert evaluation and treatment of finger dislocations. Treatment may involve realigning the joint, splinting or buddy taping, and sometimes physical therapy to restore motion and strength. If there is joint instability or associated fracture, surgery may be recommended to repair the damage and prevent future problems.
When left to heal on their own, finger dislocations may lead to long-term damage. With proper treatment, most finger dislocations heal well and patients regain full use of their hand. If you’ve experienced a finger injury, don’t leave it to chance. Prompt, expert care makes all the difference.
If you think you’ve dislocated your finger, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fort at Fort Orthopedic Hand Center. Call (305) 209-5522 or contact us online today.