ry to use the finger normally after the injury. If you’re concerned that your finger may be sprained, try to use it as you typically would for the next day or 2. If you notice that the finger doesn’t function normally, doesn’t bend, can’t hold weight, or is too painful to use, it’s most likely sprained.
For example, if you find yourself unable to pick up a gallon of milk using your hand with an injured finger, you’re probably experiencing a sprain.
Pay attention to cramping or spasms in your finger muscles. When a finger is sprained, its muscles are often affected. Watch your finger as you go about your daily routine, and take note of any painful or uncomfortable cramps. Cramps may cause your finger to bend itself into a twisted position. Sprains are also commonly accompanied by muscle spasms.
So, if you notice that your finger is twitching or bending on its own, it’s probably sprained.
Note how much pain you feel in the sprained finger. Any finger injury will be painful, but the degree of pain you feel will indicate how seriously the finger is sprained.Mild, or Grade 1, finger sprains are associated with minimal to mild pain, while moderate and severe sprains (Grade 2 and 3) typically cause prolonged pain that’s more intense.
If the pain is sharp and severe, you’ve either seriously sprained or broken your finger. A broken finger often looks misshapen or deformed and can feel numb or tingly.
Straighten your finger and see if the tip stays bent. If your sprained finger was impacted head-on, it may be compressed and have potential joint damage in addition to a potential sprain. This condition is known as “mallet finger.” If you try to straighten your finger and the tip stays bent at an angle, it needs to be professionally splinted by a doctor or nurse.
Like sprains, mallet fingers often feel painful or tender and look swollen.