A jammed finger is a common injury that can occur during sports or daily activities. It happens when the tip of the finger is compressed towards the hand, causing the ligaments supporting the joints to stretch or tear. Symptoms of a jammed finger include pain, swelling, and the inability to bend, straighten, or grip with the finger. Here are some steps to take if you have a jammed finger:

• Rest: Avoid using the injured finger as much as possible to allow it to heal.

• Ice: Apply ice to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, especially within the first 24 hours. Put ice in a towel or plastic bag rather than applying it directly to the skin.

• Compression: Wrap the injured finger with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.

• Elevation: Keep the injured finger elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.

• Buddy taping: Tape the injured finger to an adjacent finger using a self-adhesive wrap to tape above and below the joint. This helps protect the jammed finger while also improving its range of motion by allowing it to be a “buddy” to an uninjured finger.

Most jammed fingers heal within one to two weeks with proper care. Seek medical care if your finger appears deformed, you cannot straighten your finger, the area becomes hot and inflamed and you develop a fever, swelling and pain becomes significant or persistent, or the finger becomes numb and turns white or less pink. Children require medical care because damage to the growth plate of a finger bone can lead to permanent problems if left untreated.