How to Treat a Broken Finger
✋ How to Treat a Broken Finger
Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you should always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here.
Fingers are vulnerable to injury — from workplace accidents to sports or falls.
A broken finger may not always look dramatic, but without proper care, it can heal badly and affect movement or grip.
Here’s what to do if you suspect someone has broken or seriously injured a finger.
🧠 Step 1: Recognise the Signs of a Broken Finger
Not all finger injuries are obvious, but common signs include:
Pain, swelling, or bruising around the finger or hand
Difficulty moving the finger or gripping objects
Visible deformity (finger bent at an odd angle)
Shortening or twisting of the finger
Bleeding or broken skin if the bone has pierced the surface
If there’s an obvious deformity, bleeding, or numbness, treat as a suspected fracture and get professional help.
✋ Step 2: Stop and Support
If you suspect a broken finger:
Ask the person to stop using the hand immediately.
Remove rings or tight jewellery before swelling starts.
Support the injured hand with the other hand or rest it on a soft surface like a cushion or rolled-up towel.
Do not try to straighten a deformed finger or push a bone back into place.
🩹 Step 3: Immobilise the Finger
If help is not immediately available, you can gently splint the injured finger to reduce movement and pain:
Use the neighbouring finger as a natural splint (“buddy strapping”).
Wrap the two fingers loosely together with soft padding or bandage, ensuring circulation is not restricted.
The finger should stay straight and supported — don’t apply pressure directly to the injury.
This is a temporary measure until the person can see a medical professional.
🧊 Step 4: Reduce Pain and Swelling
Apply a cold pack or wrapped ice to the injured area for up to 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours in the first 24 hours.
Never place ice directly on skin.
Encourage the person to keep their hand elevated to reduce swelling.
Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used if safe and appropriate.
🚑 Step 5: Seek Medical Help
All suspected finger fractures should be assessed by a medical professional, ideally within a few hours.
They may need:
An X-ray to confirm the fracture
Strapping, splinting, or casting to immobilise the joint
In some cases, surgery if the bone is displaced or the joint is involved
Untreated or poorly aligned fractures can lead to permanent stiffness or deformity.
⚠️ Step 6: Call 999 or 112 if…
Call for emergency help if:
The bone is visible through the skin
The person is bleeding heavily or in severe pain
The finger is pale, cold, or numb (indicating restricted blood flow)
There are multiple injuries or trauma to the hand or arm
✅ Key Takeaways
Support and immobilise the finger — don’t move or straighten it.
Apply cold compresses and elevate the hand.
Seek medical assessment for all suspected fractures.
Remove rings or jewellery early before swelling develops.
🎓 Learn More with DAC Education
Our courses include practical first aid for common workplace and sports injuries — including fractures, sprains, and crush injuries:
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
First Aid at Work (FAW)
First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3)
👉 Book a First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)
Disclaimer
This article provides general first aid guidance for suspected broken fingers and hand injuries.
Always seek prompt medical attention to ensure correct diagnosis and healing.