Jammed Finger: 5 Natural Ways To Magically Heal A Jammed Finger
Jammed Finger
Did you slam the cupboard door against your finger? Or did you hurt the tip of your finger while playing volleyball? These instances are the perfect examples of injuries that can lead to a jammed finger. A jammed finger is a common sports injury that is not of much concern. However, leaving it untreated can increase the risk of prolonged swelling and stiffness that may last for months. Keep reading to know more about a jammed finger and how its symptoms can be treated right at home.
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What Is A Jammed Finger?
A jammed finger is a common occurrence that causes the tip of your finger to be pushed back toward your hand. The force of the impact can cause your ligaments (bands of connective tissues that hold your bones together) to stretch or tear, thereby resulting in a sprain. This may damage your tendon or even cause a fracture. If your finger isn’t fractured by this impact, it can become swollen and painful. It can be difficult to tell if your finger is broken or jammed. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can differentiate between the two.
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Signs And Symptoms – Jammed Finger Vs. Broken Finger
Jammed Finger
The signs and symptoms of a jammed finger include:
- Pain in the affected finger
- Difficulty in using the jammed finger to hold anything
- Inflammatory symptoms like redness and swelling in the injured finger
Broken Finger
The symptoms exhibited by a broken finger are:
- Severe throbbing pain in the affected finger
- Inability to move or even straighten your finger
- Swelling in the finger that may last for days or even weeks
While the symptoms of both jammed and fractured fingers may be similar in certain ways, they are much worse and severe in the case of the latter. We have already understood what triggers a jammed finger. Let’s look a little more into this right below.
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What Causes A Jammed Finger?
A jammed finger is caused by any sudden force that causes your fingertip to be pushed down. It is most commonly triggered by an injury to the joint of your middle finger. This joint, where your finger bends in half, is referred to as the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP).
When small ligaments (collateral ligaments) that support the PIP joint are strained or overstretched, your finger may get jammed. Such strains tend to happen when your finger ends up absorbing a lot of force from an injury – like the one from catching a ball or other similar injuries.
A jammed finger needs to be fixed. Most cases of jammed fingers are minor and can be treated right at home unless it is a fracture that you are unaware of. Listed below are some home remedies that can help in treating a jammed finger.
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Natural Treatment To Fix Jammed Fingers
1. Ice Pack
An ice pack can help alleviate the pain of the jammed finger by numbing the area. It can also help in alleviating swelling and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Apply an ice pack to the jammed finger immediately after the injury.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and remove.
- Repeat as and when required.
- You can do this multiple times daily.
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2. Epsom Salt
The anti-inflammatory activities of magnesium in Epsom salt can help in soothing inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with a jammed finger.
- Fill a large bowl or basin with warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to it and mix well.
- Soak the jammed finger in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
- You may do this once daily.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera exhibits excellent healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it can be a great option for alleviating the pain and inflammation in the affected finger.
- Apply freshly extracted 2 tbsp aloe vera gel to the affected finger.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
- You can do this multiple times daily.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
While there is no scientific evidence to back this claim, anecdotal evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory nature of apple cider vinegar can be quite effective in treating inflammatory symptoms like swelling and pain.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and apply it to the affected finger.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and remove.
- You may do this 2-3 times daily.
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5. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It may help in treating the pain, swelling, and redness in the jammed finger. While these remedies do their job in speeding up the healing, here are some tips to protect your finger from further damage.
- Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Mix well to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected finger and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- You can do this 1-2 times daily.
Prevention Tips
- Avoid using the jammed finger until it has recovered completely.
- Take a break from sports and other physical activities that may worsen the injury.
- Keep the finger strapped or splinted until it has healed completely.
- Once the jammed finger heals, do small exercises like making a fist or holding a tension ball or other objects to regain the lost strength of your finger.
If left untreated or unattended, a jammed finger can lead to other complications, such as difficulty in straightening the affected finger or prolonged stiffness. Hence, it is best if you seek medical attention while following these tips and remedies to prevent further damage to the jammed finger.