If you've experienced fingertip injuries from a volleyball match or accidentally slamming a door on your finger, such incidents can lead to a jammed finger. The primary approach for naturally treating jammed fingers involves topical soothing techniques. While the condition often resolves on its own without intervention, there are instances where it may cause finger pain, stiffness, and swelling.
This article provides insights into jammed fingers, their symptoms, and offers guidance on managing them through home remedies. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of this common finger injury. A jammed finger occurs when the tip of your finger is pushed backward toward your hand, typically caused by the impact force. This impact can stretch or tear the ligaments (connective tissues holding bones together), resulting in a finger sprain.
Such an injury may also harm tendons or lead to a fracture in the finger joint, causing swelling and pain if not fractured outright. A study investigating 3,838 prevalent finger injuries in the military revealed 1,878 cases among Army personnel, 769 in the Air Force, 623 in the Navy, and 568 among Marines. The study noted that emergency departments handled 35% of initial injuries, followed by orthopedic surgery clinics (32.3%), family medicine clinics (22.2%), and urgent care centers (10.8%).
Differentiating between a broken and jammed finger can be challenging. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Here's how you can distinguish between the two.
# Ice Pack
Materials RequiredIce pack or cold compress
Procedure- Apply an ice pack to the jammed finger promptly after the injury.
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes and then remove.
- Repeat as necessary.
FrequencyYou can perform this multiple times throughout the day.
The application of an ice pack can effectively reduce the pain associated with a jammed finger by numbing the affected area. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate swelling and inflammation.
# Epsom Salt
Materials Needed
1 tablespoon of Epsom salt
Water
A large bowl or basin
Procedure- Fill a large bowl or basin with warm water.
- Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to the water and mix thoroughly.
- Soak the jammed finger in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
FrequencyYou can perform this once daily.
The anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium found in Epsom salt contribute to soothing inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with a jammed finger.
# Aloe Vera Gel
Materials Required1-2 teaspoons of aloe gel
Procedure- Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel to the affected finger.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
FrequencyYou can perform this multiple times throughout the day.
Aloe vera possesses exceptional healing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent option for relieving pain and inflammation in the affected finger.
# Apple Cider Vinegar
Materials Needed1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of water
Cotton ball
Procedure- Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a 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 then remove.
FrequencyYou can perform this 2-3 times daily.
While there is no scientific evidence supporting this assertion, anecdotal evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be potentially effective in addressing inflammatory symptoms such as swelling and pain.
# TurmericMaterials Needed1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
4 tablespoons of coconut oil
Procedure- Combine 4 tablespoons of coconut oil with turmeric powder.
- Mix thoroughly to create a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected finger and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
FrequencyYou can perform this 1-2 times daily.
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This combination may aid in addressing pain, swelling, and redness associated with a jammed finger.
# Lavender Oil
Materials Needed3 drops of lavender oil
2 teaspoons of coconut oil
Procedure- Thoroughly mix the lavender oil with coconut oil.
- Massage the mixture onto the affected finger.
FrequencyYou can perform this 1-2 times daily.
Lavender oil is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in reducing swelling and alleviating pain in a jammed finger.
In addition to the remedies mentioned above, you can also use tape to temporarily relieve a jammed finger. Explore the next section to learn more about this method.