Least Effective Exercises Slideshow

Medical Author:

Kevin P Collins, MD

Coauthor:

Robert McCormack, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Finger Dislocation Follow-up

• Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days, or until the pain and swelling have subsided. This should lessen the pain and swelling that results from the finger dislocation.
• Elevate the injured finger on several pillows while lying down or on the back of a couch or chair while sitting. This will help reduce swelling and the pain that results.
• The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help control the pain of the injury. Take all medications only as prescribed by the doctor.
• The doctor may refer the patient to a bone specialist in the week or so following the injury. The specialist will be able to monitor the healing process of the finger.
• The injured finger will be splinted for 3-6 weeks if the healing process goes well.
• The doctor may give the patient exercises to perform during the healing process, which will help strengthen the finger and reduce the chance of decreased function of the finger.