Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
Font Size
A
A
A

Broken Finger Treatment

1. Immobilize the Finger

  • Tape the broken finger to an adjacent non-broken finger.

 

2. Control Swelling

  • Cool the finger by applying ice that is wrapped in a towel -- don't apply ice directly to the skin since that may burn the skin.

 

3. Get Help

  • Call a health care provider or go to a hospital emergency room immediately so the broken finger can be x-rayed and properly set. Without treatment, it may not heal properly and could lead to a permanent deformity.

 

4. Treat Symptoms

  • Use an over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

 

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by Andrew Chang, MD on November 01, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FIRST AID A-Z

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD the app

Get first aid information. Whenever. Wherever... with your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Find Out More