Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Jammed Finger?

Shelby Miller
Shelby Miller

A jammed finger is a type of sprain injury that occurs at the interphalangeal joints of the fingers, also known as the knuckles. It is a consequence of an abrupt and forceful impact occurring at the ends of the fingers that is often incurred while playing sports. Common in sports like basketball and football during actions like catching a ball or making contact with another player, a jammed finger is a joint injury in which the impact slams the adjoining bones in the joint against each other, damaging the joint capsule and the surrounding ligaments. The result is pain, swelling, and bruising at the knuckle as well as difficulty in bending the joint, though these symptoms usually diminish within weeks with the application of the RICE method — rest, icing, compression, and elevation.

Each finger is made up of two interphalangeal joints, or joints between the three phalanx bones of the fingers, while the thumb has only one. A jammed finger can also be sustained at the metacarpophalangeal joint, which is the large knuckle where the phalanx bone meets the metacarpal bone of the hand. All are synovial or movable joints, which feature a membrane-enclosed joint capsule between the two bones. Within this capsule are cartilaginous disks that cushion the bones against one another, as well as synovial fluid to lubricate the joint against bone-on-bone friction. When a finger is jammed, the joint capsule is severely compressed, which damages and inflames the tissues within.

Basketball players commonly experience jammed fingers.
Basketball players commonly experience jammed fingers.

To either side and on the palm side of each joint are ligaments holding the bones together. Those running between the bones on either side are known as collateral ligaments, while the thick ligament linking the bones on the palm side of the hand is known as the volar ligament. When one sustains a jammed finger, these ligaments are sprained, which occurs much like a whiplash injury in which a rear-ended driver’s head is thrown forward and then back. Quickly compressed and then hyperextended, the ligaments become painfully inflamed. Swelling and bruising may occur as fluid and blood rush to the joint to protect and heal the injury.

Football players may experience jammed fingers.
Football players may experience jammed fingers.

After sustaining a jammed finger, immediate treatment is recommended. Ice should be applied to the injury site, and NSAID pain relievers may be taken, both of which will address the inflammatory pain and swelling. The joint should be rested and in more severe cases immobilized with a splint. If the injury is minor, it is recommended to try gently moving the joint within a few days. If it appears severe, however, it may be advisable to obtain an X-ray to determine whether a fracture has occurred.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

@turquoise-- You need to see your doctor. I'm not a doctor so all I can tell you is my opinion.

The symptoms of a broken and a jammed finger may be similar, but the broken finger will be more serious. You will have a lot of pain and swelling if it's broken. You won't be able to move your finger. With a jammed finger, it will still hurt a little bit but you can move your finger and it won't be as swollen as a broken finger.

But if it's not getting better, and if you still have finger pain, you need to see your doctor. They will take an x-ray and tell you what you need to do.

turquoise

What's the difference between a jammed finger and a broken finger? Can the symptoms be the same?

Is it okay to continue playing basketball if I take a pain reliever? My jammed finger still hurts after two weeks but I want to go back to basketball practice.

fBoyle

I had a mild case of a jammed finger two weeks ago. It was painful and slightly inflamed but I didn't think it was serious enough to see a doctor. I just applied some ice on it at home and then put a finger splint on. I had a finger splint from a previous injury. For the pain, I applied a topical analgesic cream.

I kept the splint on for about a week and that was enough for it to heal. Like I said, it was a minor case.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Basketball players commonly experience jammed fingers.
      By: Mariano Pozo Ruiz
      Basketball players commonly experience jammed fingers.
    • Football players may experience jammed fingers.
      By: Rick Sargeant
      Football players may experience jammed fingers.
    • Anti-inflammatory medications may be helpful in relieving swelling associated with jammed fingers.
      By: nikesidoroff
      Anti-inflammatory medications may be helpful in relieving swelling associated with jammed fingers.
    • Ice therapy may be helpful in relieving discomfort associated with a jammed finger.
      By: Vinicius Tupinamba
      Ice therapy may be helpful in relieving discomfort associated with a jammed finger.
    • A splint may be used to treat a jammed finger.
      By: Rob Byron
      A splint may be used to treat a jammed finger.
    • Jammed fingers may be wrapped.
      By: LockStockBob
      Jammed fingers may be wrapped.
    • A jammed finger is an injury of the interphalangeal joints.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      A jammed finger is an injury of the interphalangeal joints.
    • A finger might be jammed while trying to type too fast.
      By: pressmaster
      A finger might be jammed while trying to type too fast.