Finger sprains are very common in people who play ball games like volleyball or baseball. A fall onto hands also result in a sprained finger. Most accident cases also involve injury to fingers followed by pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and discomfort while moving the joints in the finger.

Treating A Finger Sprain

‘Buddy taping’ or using splints for short periods are the most commonly used treatments of a Finger sprain. Most sprained fingers should be allowed to make movements after a week of the injury unless any dislocation or fracture is involved. In people who play sports, the affected finger is taped with the finger next to it while playing. Medical advise should be taken before using any splints or taping.

Sprained thumbs require longer immobilization duration. It may demand occasional surgery in cases where the ligament is torn.

Surgery may be needed in cases where the bone is De-aligned or broken or dislocated due to the injury to the ligament. In cases where the ligament is completely torn off, surgery may also be recommended.

Medications

Acetaminophen

• Decreases pain and fever
• Does not help in reducing inflammation.
• Avoid using this drug if you have alcoholism or liver disease and allergy to drug.
• Common names include Tylenol, Panadol etc.

Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication (NSAID)

• Aspirin

  Decreases pain and fever, Reduces inflammation.

• Ibuprofen

  Decreases pain and fever, decreases inflammation. Common names include Advil, Nuprin and Motrin.

• Naproxen

  Acts in reducing the pain and fever and an Anti-inflammatory drug. Common name is Aleve.

• Ketoprofen

  Reduces fever, pain and inflammation. Common name is Orudis KT.

Narcotic Pain medications

This is mostly used in cases where the pain is from moderate to severe.

Precautions To Be Taken Before Using Medications

Do not forget to consult your doctor in any of the below cases-

• Using alcohol while on medication.
• Consuming prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS.
• Already under medication prior to this medicine.
• Inform if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Give complete information and history of any disease in you like Allergy to any drug, Asthma, Peptic, Stomach or Esophageal ulcers, Bleeding problems, Liver or kidney disease.