Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooInterphalangeal Joint Dislocation
Elbow, Wrist & Hand
What It Is
An interphalangeal joint dislocation happens when an injury to the hand forces the bones of a finger joint out of position. It most often affects the middle joint of the finger (the proximal interphalangeal, or PIP, joint), which is the most commonly dislocated finger joint, but it can also affect the joint nearest the fingertip (the distal interphalangeal, or DIP, joint) (Borchers and Best, 2012). It usually results in a very painful, bruised and swollen joint that does not move properly, if it moves at all. A sprain is different: it is an injury to the ligaments (the tough bands that hold the two bones together) without the joint coming out of place (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).
A suspected dislocation needs to be checked and treated as quickly as possible (Borchers and Best, 2012). Some people try to pull the finger back into place themselves, but this should only be done by a medical professional, because the finger needs an X-ray to check for a broken bone (Borchers and Best, 2012). Finger joint injuries usually happen when the finger is forced backwards or sideways past its normal limits (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026), for example during a twisting injury, a fall or sport. Common sports are contact or combat sports, or snow sports.
Interphalangeal Joint Dislocation Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How to Treat an Interphalangeal Joint Dislocation
Treatments from your doctor or hospital team
- Putting the joint back in place (reduction): a dislocated joint needs to be put back into position as quickly as possible by a qualified medical professional, for example in an emergency room or urgent care centre, with X-rays to check for broken bones (Borchers and Best, 2012).
- Buddy strapping or a splint: the finger is usually protected by taping it to the neighbouring finger, or with a small splint, which still lets it move a little (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). Short-term protection with early movement is preferred over keeping the finger still for a long time (Borchers and Best, 2012). Follow the instructions of the team who fitted it. I can also show you how to buddy strap your finger yourself.
- Specialist referral: if the dislocation cannot be put back, is unstable afterwards, or involves significant damage to ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues, you will need to see a hand specialist (Borchers and Best, 2012).
Tips
- People who play contact sports are more at risk of this type of dislocation.
- If you are prone to falling, you may be more likely to injure your fingers.
- If you naturally have loose ligaments, a joint may dislocate more easily.
- If you notice a loss of function in the joint, you need to be examined by a medical professional.
Treatment
My Approach
A dislocated finger joint must be put back in place and X-rayed by a medical professional first. It then needs a short spell of protection, but a finger kept still too long gets stiff, so gentle early movement matters. Your hospital team decides how the finger is protected and for how long, and I work within their instructions. If you've had surgery, have a break that stops your daily activities, or are under a hand specialist, I need your medical team's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
While It's Protected
- Easing the forearm, shoulder and neck, which tense up when you guard a sore hand
- Gentle lymphatic drainage and keeping your hand raised to help with swelling
- Showing you how to buddy strap the finger yourself and check the skin underneath
- Pain-free bending and straightening, as your team allows
As It Heals
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to get emergency help
If your finger looks out of shape or is pointing at an odd angle, or it is numb, tingling, or the skin has turned blue or grey or feels cold, call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital (NHS, 2024). While you wait, you can hold an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel against it.
Once the finger has been put back in place, recovery takes time. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for the pain to start to settle, and the swelling can take up to 6 months to go down. After a few months, most people can use their finger normally again. More severe injuries can leave some permanent stiffness, and the joint may stay a little larger than before, so rings may no longer fit (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).
Part of your rehab will be gentle exercises to keep the joint moving and stop it becoming stiff. These should not be painful, though they may feel slightly uncomfortable; your hospital team will show you what to do (East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, 2026), and I can coach you through them too.
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).
- Borchers, J.R. and Best, T.M. (2012) 'Common finger fractures and dislocations', American Family Physician, 85(8), pp. 805–810. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0415/p805.html (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2024) Sprains and strains. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/ (Accessed: 8 October 2026).