Ways to Treat a Jammed Finger Easily at Home

Suffering from an incessant pain on your finger? Can’t even move your finger properly? Then chances are your finger may be jammed.

Categorized as a form of joint sprain, a jammed finger can be a great source for discomfort, especially if the pain that comes with it is unbearable.

What causes a jammed finger?

A jammed finger is the result of the end of a finger sustaining forceful, significant impact. The issue tends to cause injury or sprain to one or more of the three joints present in the finger.

In certain cases, the joint capsule or ligaments can also be injured, causing the finger to become jammed.

The most common cause for a jammed finger happens to be sports injury, especially from sports like football, volleyball, rugby or basketball, etc.

In some cases, a finger can get jammed if it is bent awkwardly by accident. In certain very rare cases, the toes in the foot can become jammed as well.

Symptoms of a Jammed finger

The most jammed finger symptoms include pain, bruising and swelling in the affected finger.

One may also experience loss of mobility in the finger, with the latter becoming very tender to the touch as well.

Crookedness in the finger is an indication of dislocation or fracture. Other symptoms that accompany a jammed finger include weakness and numbness of the affected finger.

Risks associated with a jammed finger

It is imperative that you attend to a jammed finger as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in the injury worsening and possibly leading to chronic ailments.

Although a jammed finger can be easily treated at home, there are times when home remedies simply do not work and you will need to consult a doctor for medical treatment.

This is usually the case if the pain and swelling does not go down even after a few days or if the finger is bent in a very unnatural angle.

Ways to heal a Jammed finger at Home

If the injury to the finger happens to be minor, you can easily take care of it at home. Your first course of action on noticing a jammed finger though is to get an X-ray done in order to rule out dislocation or fracture.

That done, you can follow these remedies to fix the jammed finger as well as ease its symptoms if you are wondering how long does a jammed finger take to heal.

1. RICE Therapy

As in the case of any injury to the soft tissues, joints or ligaments in the body, it is recommended that you follow the RICE treatment method. The same applies for a jammed finger treatment.

So if you are wondering what to do for a jammed finger, follow the RICE treatment plan.

R for Rest

The RICE treatment for a jammed finger starts with resting the finger properly. Proper rest is needed to ensure quick healing of damaged tissue, ligaments and joints in the injured finger.

What you need to do:

• Avoid any sudden, jerky movements to the finger for a few days.
• Avoid all kinds of strenuous activities to keep the finger rested. This will quicken the healing process.

Note: You can continue with your daily exercise routine. However, ensure that you don’t use the injured finger at all.

I for Ice

The next part of the RICE treatment involves icing the finger. Applying some ice on the finger as soon as it is jammed can reduce the subsequent pain and swelling that occurs in the area.

In addition to that, here is what you need to do to keep the pain and swelling down for a few days until the finger heals.

What you need:

• Ice Cubes – A handful
• Thin Towel – 1

What you need to do:

• Wrap the ice cubes in the towel.
• Wrap the towel around the injured finger. Alternatively, just place the towel on the injured finger for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the pack and wait for the finger to come back to a normal temperature. Reapply the pack for another 10 minutes afterwards.
• Repeat this remedy at least thrice a day at regular intervals for a few days until the finger heals.

Note: You can choose to replace the ice cubes and towel with a bag of frozen peas or vegetables. However, ensure to not add ice directly to the skin. You will also need to talk to your doctor about the ICE treatment if you suffer from conditions like diabetes, decreased sensation or vascular disorders.

C for Compression

Following the ice treatment, you will need to immobilize the jammed finger and keep it that way for a week or so until the pain and inflammation goes down.

This can be done by wrapping the injured finger with elastic bandage or splint. A simpler way involves using an ice cream stick as a splint.

What you need:

• Elastic Bandage (or)Splint (or)Ice Cream Stick – 1
• What you need to do:
• Wrap the elastic bandage firmly around the jammed finger.
• Alternatively, you can place your finger against a splint or ice cream stick and use a bandage to wrap the same around the injured finger.
• Remove and re-apply the bandage every night to allow some air on the skin.

Note: Don’t wrap the bandage too tightly around the finger. This can inhibit blood circulation in the affected area, worsening the situation.

Signs of a bandage wrapped too tight around your finger include increased numbness, pain, swelling or tingling sensation in and around the finger, especially underneath the bandage.

If you find a splint or ice cream stick too uncomfortable, simply buddy tape the jammed finger to the adjacent finger using a medical or Velcro tape.

As in the previous case, ensure to not wrap the bandage too tightly as it can disturb blood circulation in both fingers and compression is the best way to treat if you are wondering how to tape a jammed thumb

E for Elevation

The final part of the RICE treatment is elevation wherein you need to keep the jammed finger elevated for most part of the day.

Doing so will increase the blood circulation in the area and quicken the healing process while reducing the symptoms of the jammed finger, including pain, inflammation and bruising.

What you need to do:

• Always keep the injured finger elevated above the chest level when sitting down or walking.
• While sleeping, keep a pillow by your side and rest your finger on the same in order to keep it elevated properly for the duration of your nap.

Watch How to Tape Your Sprained Finger

2. Epsom Salt Treatment

Epsom salt has many health benefits and it is a standard remedy using for many injuries to the tissues, ligaments or joints.

It contains plenty of sulfate and magnesium that help bring down the pain and inflammation caused by the jammed finger.

So if you are wondering how to unjam a finger, here are two remedies using Epsom salt for the same.

Method I: Epsom Salt Soak for Jammed finger treatment 

It is considered best to use Epsom salt at least 48 hours after the injury for best benefits.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 2 tbsp.
• Hot Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the Epsom salt with the hot water nicely until the salt dissolves completely.
• Dip the jammed finger inside the Epsom salt solution for about 20 minutes.
• Follow this remedy twice a day to get relief from the injured finger.

Method II: Epsom Salt Massage

Here’s another jammed finger treatment involving Epsom salt which you can use to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the injury.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 1 tbsp.
• Olive (or) Coconut Oil –2 tbsp.
• Warm Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Heat the oil until it becomes warm.
• Mix the Epsom salt with the oil until it dissolves completely.
• Apply this mixture all over the jammed finger and massage the same nicely for about 10 minutes.
• Following this, soak the injured finger inside the warm water for 15 minutes.
• Repeat this remedy twice a day to reduce the discomfort caused by the finger in addition to promoting a quick recovery.

Note: If massaging the finger increases the pain, stop it immediately and consult a doctor.

3. How to Unjam a Finger Using Olive Oil Treatment

Olive oil is loaded with what one can call pro-inflammatory enzymes. When applied on the jammed thumb or finger, it helps reduce the inflammation and pain in the area.

Olive oil also helps to moisturize the skin on the injured finger, thus keeping the same healthy and nourished until the injury heals.

Here are two ways in which you can use olive oil to treat a jammed finger.

Method I: Raw Olive Oil Massage

If you are worried what to do when you jam your finger then Massaging the jammed finger with some olive oil every day will increase the blood circulation to the area.

In addition to quickening the healing process, this will help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the injury.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Heat the olive oil until it becomes warm.
• Apply the warm oil on the jammed finger. Massage the finger nicely with gentle strokes for about 10 minutes.
• Do this at regular intervals throughout the day for a jammed finger treatment
  .

Method II: Olive Oil Mix Massage

In addition to olive oil, you can choose to add some more essential oils to the mix. Lavender and camphor oil contain potent anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling caused by the jammed finger/toe.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.
• Lavender (or) Camphor Oil – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Heat the olive oil. Add the lavender or camphor oil to the warm olive oil and mix nicely.
• Use this mix to massage the injured finger twice every day for quick results.
• Note: As in the previous case, if you notice the pain increasing while massaging the finger, stop immediately and consult a doctor.

4. Tea Tree Oil Treatment

Another oil you can use to treat a jammed finger is tea tree oil which is also an anti-inflammatory agent. Tea tree oil also contains antiseptic properties that will promote quick healing of the injury while preventing infection from setting in.

What you need:

• Tea Tree Oil – 5 drops
• Carrier Oil (of your choice) – 1 tbsp.
• Warm Towel – 1

What you need to do:

• Mix the tea tree oil and the carrier oil together.
• Apply this mixture on the injured finger. Massage the area nicely for 10 minutes or so.
• Wrap the warm towel around the finger after this to reduce the swelling and improve blood circulation in the area.
• Follow this remedy thrice a day for a few days until the pain and inflammation subside completely and heal a sprained finger fast

[Also Read: Excellent Home Remedies to Get Rid of Hang Nails] 

5. Turmeric Treatment

Turmeric is a well-known home remedy for a number of ailments, including external and internal wounds. If you are wondering how to fix a jammed finger using turmeric, here are some tips.

Method I: Turmeric Paste

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties (1) that reduce the swelling in and around the jammed finger.

Applying some turmeric paste on the injured area therefore, will help provide immense relief from the pain and discomfort you feel.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – 1 tbsp.
• Coconut Oil – 1 tsp.
• Bandage – 1

What you need to do:

• Mix the turmeric powder and coconut oil to form a paste.
• Apply this paste evenly over the injured finger. Wrap the finger with a bandage and allow it to site for 3 hours or so.
• Remove the bandage afterwards and wash off the paste with lukewarm water.
• Follow this remedy twice a day until the injured finger feels better.

Method II: Turmeric Drink

Turmeric also contains a substance called curcumin that will help improve blood circulation to the injured finger, thereby promoting a quick recovery to heal a sprained finger fast. A turmeric drink can help you achieve this from inside the body as well.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp.
• Milk – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Heat the milk and add the turmeric powder to it. Keep heating the milk for another 10 minutes afterwards.
• Let the milk cool down to room temperature. Drink the concoction before going to bed every night for a couple of days.
• This will provide you with relief from the pain and swelling caused by the injured finger while healing it as you sleep.

6. Ginger Treatment

Ginger is a natural painkiller and come to your rescue when you are pondering on how to treat a jammed finger with minimum hassles.

The substance called gingerol contains pain relieving properties that can help reduce the pain caused by the injury. Follow this remedy using ginger to treat a jammed finger.

What you need:

• Raw Ginger – 1 slice
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Grate the ginger nicely. Add 2 tbsp. of these slices to the water.
• Boil the water for 10 minutes and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes afterwards.
• Strain the mixture and allow it to cool down. Drink this homemade ginger tea at least twice every day for a few weeks. This will allow the injured finger to heal properly while reducing its symptoms considerably during the recovery period.

7. Aloe Vera Treatment

Another potent anti-inflammatory agent, Aloe Vera is known to reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by injuries in no time at all.

Aloe Vera also contains amino acids and vitamins that help repair the damaged skin in and around the injured finger while reducing the soreness and stiffness you experience because of the same.

Here’s a great remedy that teaches you how to cure a jammed finger fast using this miracle plant.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel Extract – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• You can obtain Aloe Vera gel by cutting open a leaf of the Aloe Vera plant and collecting the gel that oozes out of it.
• Collect 2 tbsp. of this gel and apply it over the jammed finger.
• Massage the gel nicely into the skin to increase blood circulation.
• Wait for the gel to dry (it would take about 20 minutes or so) and then wipe it off using a wet cloth or tissue.
• Repeat this remedy at regular intervals throughout the day to treat the jammed finger and reduce its symptoms

[Also Read: Aloe Vera Gel for Face and Skin Care] 

General Tips to follow while treating a jammed finger

In addition to treating a jammed finger or toe with these natural cures, take a note of these pointers which are also considered essential when dealing with the injury.

Refrain from strenuous activity for a week: You may be tempted to try and flex the injured finger a bit. This temptation may also force you to try some strenuous activities once you notice the pain subsiding.

Be forewarned though that any form of strenuous activity will only worsen the injury instead of treat it.

So avoid all kinds of such activity for at least a week even if you don’t feel any pain or swelling in the area if you are worried about how to heal a jammed finger fast.

Start with slow mobility exercises: Wait for a week before you start to move your finger again. Start with slow mobility exercises like bending and stretching the finger slowly at first.

Be very careful not to strain your finger in the process. Following, try twirling the finger in circles. This will help improve mobility without worsening the injury.

Use OTC medications for pain: If you find the pain to be unbearable even after using these home remedies, consider taking an OTC painkiller like capsaicin cream or arnica. However, make sure you consult with a doctor beforehand.

Take Dietary Supplements: Fish oil supplements as well as bromelain supplements can help ease the pain and swelling caused by a jammed finger.

They can also help improve lubrication in the joints and repair damaged nerve tissue in the area. Consult with a doctor before opting for these supplements with regards to daily dosage requirements.

Call a Doctor: This may be your last resort if you notice the pain, swelling and bruising still persisting after a week or so.

Consult with an orthopedic physician to get the right information about the next course of treatment for the jammed finger.

Watch the Ways to Treat a Jammed Finger Easily at Home

A jammed finger can be real hard to deal with, especially if the pain that accompanies it is too hard to bear.

While consulting a doctor is considered wise to find out the extent of the injury, if possible, the condition can be treated at home easily with these natural cures and pointers.

[Also Read: Home Remedies for Peeling Skin on Hands]