Your Care Instructions
Broken bones usually heal in 3-4 weeks. A broken finger can cause pain and swelling that lasts for several weeks. It should improve over time, beginning a few days after the break.
Your doctor will tell you how to care for the cast or splint. This will ensure that your finger heals correctly and doesn’t become crooked. You may have to stop doing your regular activities because of the splint. If you require assistance with daily tasks, ask for it.
Your body will heal itself best if you take care of it. You should eat a variety of healthy foods and not smoke.
You need to follow up with your doctor and nurse call line for any problems. It is a good idea also to keep track of your tests and the medications you are taking.
What can you do to take care of yourself at home?
- Wear the splint as prescribed by your doctor if it was placed on your finger. You mustn’t take it off until your doctor has given you permission.
- As high as possible, raise your hand above your heart. This will reduce swelling.
- For 10-20 minutes, apply ice to your finger. For the next three days, you can do this every one to two hours (while you’re awake) until your swelling subsides. Place a thin piece of cloth between your skin and the ice. The splint should be kept dry.
- Use pain medication exactly as prescribed.
- Take the prescribed medication for pain if it was given to you by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor if an over-the-counter medicine is available if you don’t take prescription pain medication.
What should you do if you need help?
Call 911 whenever you feel you might need emergency medical attention. Call if you think you may need emergency care.
- You feel your finger becoming cool, pale, or changing colour.
Call your doctor, nurse call line or get immediate medical attention if you:
- Your pain will get worse.
- There is numbness, weakness, or tingling in your fingers.
- There are signs of infection such as:
- Redness, pain, swelling, warmth, or other symptoms.
- The area is marked by red streaks.
- Pus drainage from the area.
- Swollen lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
- Pay attention to any changes in your health and contact your doctor immediately.
- Your finger is not improving steadily.
