Finger Dislocation Treatment in Chesterfield, MO

With all of their constant use, it is no surprise at how often the fingers experience an injury. Individuals who harm their fingers will typically experience a cut, fracture, or dislocation.

If you have experienced an injury resulting in the dislocation of your finger, contact the orthopedists at Woods Mill Orthopedics to confirm your injury and receive treatment. If you are experiencing hand pain and believe that it may be related to a dislocated finger, contact our orthopedic clinic in Chesterfield and O’Fallon, MO for care. To schedule a consultation for finger pain and dislocation treatment, please call (314) 576-7013 today.

What Is a Finger Dislocation?

This particular injury pertains to a finger that has been displaced from its proper position. It is especially common for the middle knuckle to become dislocated after the finger has been jammed into an object or overextended beyond its normal range of motion. Most finger dislocations are quite mild in nature, though more severe injuries will of course require more complex treatment from a physician to repair the joint.

A Common Condition in Children

Many individuals will experience a finger dislocation during their younger years, especially those involved in athletics. Poor catching technique or an awkward grab for the ball are usually to blame for this kind of injury. Parents who are trying to care for a child with a finger dislocation should address this condition just as any adult would, which includes seeking professional medical attention right away to have the finger realigned.

Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger

Individuals with a dislocated finger will often experience pain in the affected area right away. Swelling and stiffness will be soon to follow, and bruising is likely to occur in the few days after the injury was sustained. The finger may also appear to be crooked, though this type of visual symptom is not present in every single patient. Numbness or tingling of the finger(s) are an indication of a particularly serious injury, and should be treated immediately.

Diagnostic Testing at Woods Mill Orthopedics, Ltd

Our experienced specialists can often tell right away if the patient experienced a dislocated finger based on their reported symptoms and the appearance of the finger. However, additional imaging tests may be ordered to officially diagnose the injury since this can help to rule out similar problems with the fingers such as a break.

X-ray imaging is the most common type of test performed on a patient with a dislocated finger. A CT scan or MRI may also be ordered if additional details are needed about the soft tissues within the hand that may also have been damaged at the time of the finger dislocation.

Finger Dislocation Treatment in Chesterfield & Creve Coeur, MO

In most instances, you specialist from our office will quickly reposition the finger using a manual technique called reduction. Patients will still experience swelling and bruising to the area, though their pain should subside rather quickly once the joint has been restored to its proper place. Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatories are often the only other treatments needed during this recovery process.

Cases including much more significant damage to the finger may need surgery to correct. This method is also recommended for those that have experienced a fracture in addition to dislocation of their finger.