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 dislocated finger. This is when 1 of the bones in a finger joint is pushed or pulled out of position. The bone can be forced to the front, back, or side of the joint. When this happens, the finger bones don't line up correctly.
A finger dislocation usually happens from a sudden injury. You probably have pain and swelling around the joint. Sometimes, the injury causing the dislocation also causes a broken finger bone. This is called a "finger fracture."
The doctor might have done a "reduction" to put your finger bone back into place. In more severe cases, a dislocation needs to be treated with surgery.
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 if you were told to. If your dislocation was severe, you might need to see a specialist called an "orthopedic" or "plastic surgeon."
●Take all your medicines as instructed. Take non-prescription medicines if you have pain over the next few days. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●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 your injury.
●Prop your hand on pillows, keeping it raised above the level of your heart. This helps with pain and swelling.
●Wear your finger splint as instructed. This is important to lower the risk of dislocating the joint again. If you don't use the splint correctly, your finger might develop an abnormal bend at the knuckle. Make sure you know how long to wear the splint.
●After the doctor says you can remove the splint, do your finger exercises as instructed. This usually involves "range-of-motion" exercises to help prevent finger stiffness. Even with these exercises, your finger joint might feel stiff or sore for the next few months.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•Your finger turns blue or gray.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your pain or swelling gets worse.
●You cannot bend your finger.
●Your finger movement or appearance is not improving.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Finger dislocation (The Basics)
Patient education: Finger fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Common finger injuries (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
