Physical examination: to assess deformity, swelling, and finger movement
Palpation: to feel for alignment and tenderness
X-rays: to confirm the dislocation and check for associated fractures
How long does a dislocated finger take to heal?
Everything You Need to Know About a Dislocated Finger
What is a Dislocated Finger?
A dislocated finger happens when the bones in one of the finger joints are forced out of alignment. This usually affects the middle joint (PIP joint) or the joint closest to the fingertip (DIP joint), but it can also occur at the knuckle (MCP joint). It’s a painful injury that often causes swelling, deformity, and an inability to move the finger.
An analogy…
Think of a finger joint like a hinge in a door. If the hinge is forced the wrong way or jammed open too far, it pops out of place. That’s what happens in a finger dislocation, the joint comes out of position and needs to be realigned.
What are other names that a dislocated finger can be called?
Finger Dislocation
What causes a dislocated finger?
Finger dislocations are usually caused by a sudden force or trauma that overextends, twists, or jams the finger. This force pushes the joint surfaces apart and often stretches or tears the ligaments that hold the bones in place. It can also damage nearby structures like tendons, cartilage, or even nerves.
What are the signs and symptoms of a dislocated finger?
- Sudden pain and visible deformity of the finger
- Swelling and bruising around the joint
- Inability to move the finger normally
- The finger may look bent, twisted, or shortened
- In some cases, numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
- A “popping” sensation at the moment of injury
What tests are used to diagnose a dislocated finger?
In simple dislocations without fractures or major ligament tears, healing usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks with rest and splinting. More complex dislocations that involve ligament damage or broken bones may take 6 to 10 weeks or longer to recover, particularly if surgery or a more involved rehabilitation program is required.
How does a dislocated finger happen?
- Falls or landing on an outstretched hand
- Sports injuries
- Workplace accidents involving crush or twist forces
- Poor hand-eye coordination or protective reflexes
- Hypermobile joints or weakened ligaments from previous injuries
What treatment can help a dislocated finger?
- Reduction (the joint is carefully moved back into place by a medical professional)
- Splinting or taping for 2–4 weeks to allow healing
- Ice and elevation to reduce swelling
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatories as needed
- Gradual return to motion exercises to restore flexibility and strength
- Buddy taping to a neighbouring finger may be used during rehab
What exercises or stretches can I do for a dislocated finger?
- Gentle finger range of motion exercises
- Tendon gliding and joint mobility drills
- Grip strengthening using putty or a soft ball
- Pinch and dexterity drills for hand coordination
What products can help with a dislocated finger?
Gripping ball
Sit upright in front of a table.
Place your weaker arm onto the table with your elbow bent, and hold a tennis ball in your palm.
Squeeze the tennis ball in your hand and hold this position before relaxing your grip.
Aim to keep your elbow, shoulder and body still during the exercise.
AROM isolated finger extension – palm down
Sit upright in a chair.
Place your forearm and hand on a table with your palm facing down.
One by one, lift each finger off the table while keeping the finger straight and the other fingers flat on the table.
Lift each finger as far as you can without lifting your other fingers, before resting it on the table again.
