Broken finger or thumb

If you have broken a finger or thumb it's likely to be: painful swollen bruised difficult to move It may also change colour or feel numb. It can be hard to tell if a finger is broken, dislocated or badly sprained. You'll probably need an X-ray.

If you think you have broken your finger or thumb, there are some things you can do while you're waiting to see a doctor. You should: try not to move your finger or thumb – it may help to tape it to the finger next to it lift your hand up to reduce swelling apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce swelling – this is not suitable if you have chilblains or Reynaud's if there's a cut, cover it with a clean dressing take paracetamol to help ease the pain – when you see the doctor they may suggest different or stronger painkillers if you need them remove any rings from the affected hand

A doctor or nurse might: try to straighten your finger – they'll give you an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the pain put your finger in a splint or cast, or strap it to another finger to keep it in position give you a tetanus injection or antibiotics if there's a cut, to prevent infection You may need surgery for complicated breaks – for example, if it's broken in lots of places or the nerves are damaged. You may be invited back for a follow-up appointment to check how your finger or thumb is healing.

A broken finger or thumb usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer. It may be 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand. Once it's healed, use your finger or thumb as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff. Your doctor may be able to give you some gentle hand exercises. Ask your doctor when you can return to contact sports or other activities that put a lot of strain on your fingers. Things you can do to help your recovery There are some things you can do to ease pain and speed up healing of a broken finger or thumb. Do take paracetamo l to relieve pain – your doctor may recommend different or stronger painkillers if needed keep your hand up to reduce swelling – rest it on a cushion or a pillow Don’t do not use the affected hand so it can heal properly Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: you're worried the break is not healing properly the pain and swelling have not started to ease after a few days it hurts to use the finger or thumb once the cast or strapping is off