Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a broken bone (also called a "fracture") in your finger. There are different kinds of fractures, depending on how the bone breaks. It might crack, break all the way through, or shatter.
You probably have pain, swelling, or bruising over the area. Your finger might look abnormal, bent, or not its usual shape. If a fracture injures a nerve, this can also cause symptoms in nearby areas, like tingling or weakness.
The doctor might have done a "reduction" to put your bone back into place. They might have then put a brace, splint, or cast on your finger, or "buddy taped" it. This means taping your injured finger to the finger next to it. This keeps your bone in the correct position so it can heal.
How long it will take to heal depends on the type of fracture. Most take weeks to months to heal.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment as instructed. You might need to see a specialist called an "orthopedic surgeon."
●If the doctor put a brace, splint, or cast on your finger, wear it as instructed. If they told you to buddy tape your finger, do so as instructed. You can tape the ring and little (pinky) fingers together, or the index (pointer) and middle fingers together. It is better not to tape the middle and ring fingers together.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). If you cannot take these medicines, you can take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) for pain.
•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully.
●Prop your hand on pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over your finger. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury. If you have problems with blood flow or numbness in your finger, check with your regular doctor before using ice.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●Follow all the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe to do. You might have to limit activity or movement until your bone is healed. Increase your activity slowly.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•The cast or splint is too tight and uncomfortable, or your fingers turn pale, blue, or gray.
•Your pain suddenly gets much worse.
•A bad smell or drainage is coming from the cast or splint.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your fingers are numb or tingly.
●Your skin gets red and irritated around the splint, or redness spreads up your arm.
●The splint is too loose, or gets damaged.
●The splint gets wet, and it is not supposed to get wet.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Finger fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Common finger injuries (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
