Alrighty Dopers…riddle me this: What actually happens when one Jams a finger?
generally one of the finger joints is jammed. This fraction of a second wrenching of the joint causes microtrauma to the ligaments holding it together, to the joint surface, to the surrounding soft tissues, and ruptures capillaries thruout, causing a general inflammatory response, and localized swelling and tenderness. As usually nothing is permanantly deranged, time generally takes care of the problem. Protect the joint, ice it off and on for the 1st 48 hours, then use ice or heat, whichever you please, and most importantly, elevate that puppy as much as possible for the 1st 24 hours, holding it higher than your heart, to minimize as much of the swelling as possible. A finger splint can be helpful to protect the joint and remind you not to use it (especially while you’re sleeping). Acetaminophen or ibuprofen/other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce pain.
Qadgop, MD