Elbow, Wrist & Hand

What It Is

Finger sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the joints of the finger. They are often called jammed fingers (Leggit and Meko, 2006). They usually happen when the finger is forced backwards or sideways past its normal limits (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026), for example by jamming the finger into another player or being hit on the tip of the finger by a ball. Many athletes overlook the injury because they think it is "only a finger", but finger sprains can be quite painful, and severe sprains can take months to get back to normal (NHS, 2024).

Most finger sprains get better without significant problems (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026), but it is valuable to have me check it so I can make sure you are doing everything possible to exercise it correctly. Sometimes it is hard to tell a sprain from a broken bone, and you may need an X-ray (NHS, 2024).

Finger Sprain Anatomy

Finger sprains are tearing or stretching of the ligaments supporting the small joints within the finger. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that support the joints and hold two bones together (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). Sprains most often affect the middle joint of the finger (Leggit and Meko, 2006).

Finger sprains and tendon damage in the finger are most common during contact sports. Typically, blunt trauma or a collision with a player, or a moving ball caught at the wrong angle, is enough to sprain the finger.

Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.

Treatment

Self-Care & Treatment

How to Treat a Finger Sprain

1. Rest

The best thing you can do for the injured finger is to allow it to rest. For the first 2 to 3 days, stop any activities that strain it (NHS, 2024). Don't go back to contact sports too quickly. Give your finger time to rest, even though you feel physically fit to go back. Take advice from your sports coach or from me if you are unsure.

2. Ice

Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a tea towel to the injured finger for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours during the first 2 to 3 days (NHS, 2024). Ice helps to reduce the swelling and pain. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.

3. Buddy Taping

Most finger sprains are treated by taping the injured finger to the finger next to it (buddy taping) or with a small splint. This protects the joint while still letting the finger move a little, and is usually kept on for around 3 to 4 weeks. The tape can be changed every day so you can check your skin is OK (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). The tape goes above and below the injured joint, and if the ring finger is injured it should be taped to the little finger (Leggit and Meko, 2006). I can show you how to do this so you can tape it yourself. Don't wrap a bandage tightly around a single finger, as this could cut off the circulation.

4. Medication

A pharmacist can advise on the best treatment for you. At first, the NHS (2024) suggests trying painkillers such as paracetamol to ease the pain, and ibuprofen gel, mousse or spray to bring down swelling; if needed, ibuprofen can also be taken by mouth. (This medicine information comes from the NHS, not from me. Always check with a pharmacist or your family doctor or nurse practitioner before taking any medicine.)

5. Gentle Movement

When you can move the finger without pain stopping you, keep moving it gently so the joint does not become stiff (NHS, 2024; East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). I can give you exercises and guide you through them. See the My Approach tab for how I work.

Tips

To help reduce the risk of getting a sprain in the first place, make sure you learn and practise proper techniques when playing sports.
Playing sports that involve the hands can cause sprains when proper precautions aren't taken during the activity.
Most sprains feel better after about 2 weeks (NHS, 2024), but finger joint swelling can take up to 6 months to settle (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).
If you play contact or ball sports while your sprain is healing, ask me whether buddy taping the injured finger would help protect it; I can show you how to tape it yourself.
A sprained finger in a child should be checked by a doctor, because the growing part of the bone (the growth plate) is often involved (Leggit and Meko, 2006).
See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if your sprain is getting worse or not feeling better after treating it yourself (NHS, 2024).

Treatment

My Approach

A finger sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, usually at the middle joint of the finger. My aim is to protect it, settle the swelling, stop the finger stiffening, then rebuild grip so you can get back to sport or work.

If it's a mild or moderate sprain: the finger is sore and swollen but keeps its shape, still moves and feels stable. I treat this directly, following the plan below.

If it's a severe sprain: the finger looks out of shape, feels unstable or gives way, you can't bend or straighten it, it's numb or tingling, or you heard a crack. See a doctor first, as you may need an X-ray or a splint (see When to get emergency help). Once you've been checked and have a plan, I work alongside it. A child's sprained finger should also be checked by a doctor first, because the growth plate is often involved.

I start by assessing how far each finger joint moves, how stable it feels, and the grip, sensation and strength in your hand.

Early On

Protecting the joint with buddy taping or the splint you've been given; I'll show you how to buddy tape it yourself
Hands-on work for the hand, forearm and shoulder, leaving the sore joint itself alone
Gentle lymphatic drainage to help swelling move, and I'll show you how to use ice safely at home
Gentle, pain-free movement of the finger

As It Heals

Warm or cool applications in the clinic, and contrast bathing at home for lingering swelling
Gentle work around the joint, then cross-fibre work across the ligament once it's past the early sore stage
Gentle joint mobilisation within comfort, but never on a joint that feels unstable, and no forced stretching of the ligament
A home programme building from gentle movement to grip, pinch and strengthening work
A gradual return to sport, with buddy taping for protection while it finishes healing

What to Expect

Typical Course

Typical course: Early on, visits are usually short and once or twice a week, then weekly, spacing out as you manage more on your own, with a reassessment at about 4 to 6 weeks. With a mild sprain, most people feel better after about 2 weeks and buddy tape for around 3 to 4 weeks; a severe sprain follows your doctor's plan and can take months, and with either, swelling of the finger joint can take up to 6 months to settle.

What I Focus On

Assessment

Protection & Buddy Taping

Swelling Control

Finger Mobility

Grip Strength & Safe Return

Please read

When to See a Doctor First

When to get emergency help

If you heard a crack when you were injured, your finger has changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle, it is numb, tingling or has pins and needles, or the skin around it looks blue or grey or feels cold, you may have broken a bone: call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital (NHS, 2024). Do not drive yourself.

Sources

References

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (2026) Finger PIP joint injuries. Available at: https://leaflets.ekhuft.nhs.uk/finger-pip-joint-injuries/html (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
Leggit, J.C. and Meko, C.J. (2006) 'Acute finger injuries: part I. Tendons and ligaments', American Family Physician, 73(5), pp. 810–816. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0301/p810.html (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
NHS (2024) Sprains and strains. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooFinger Sprain

What It Is

Finger Sprain Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How to Treat a Finger Sprain

1. Rest

2. Ice

3. Buddy Taping

4. Medication

5. Gentle Movement

Tips

My Approach

Early On

As It Heals

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

When to get emergency help

References

Related Conditions

Book a session

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooFinger Sprain

What It Is

Finger Sprain Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How to Treat a Finger Sprain

1. Rest

2. Ice

3. Buddy Taping

4. Medication

5. Gentle Movement

Tips

My Approach

Early On

As It Heals

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

When to get emergency help

References

Related Conditions

Bowler's Thumb

Cyclist's Palsy

Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis

Elbow Sprain

Book a session