Finger pain
There are several causes of finger pain, and often you can ease the pain with some self-treatments, but if the pain doesn’t improve, kindly consult a doctor.
Finger pain self-treatments
The doctor might suggest:
- Rest the finger whenever you can
- Place an ice pack on your finger with a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours
- Consider painkillers (paracetamol) to ease the finger pain
- Remove any jewelry if your painful finger
- Avoid activities that can trigger more pain
- Strap the painful finger to the next one (place a piece of cotton between fingers and use a loose strap)
- Don’t take ibuprofen in the first 48 hours after injury
- Don’t take hot baths or use heat packs for the first 3 days after injury
- Don’t lift heavy objects or anything too tightly
- Don’t stop using your finger completely; for a few days, continue to do gentle finger exercises to ease the finger stiffness and pain
Consult a doctor
- If your finger pain stops you from your daily activities
- If the pain keeps coming back or gets worse
- If there is no improvement after self-treatments for two weeks
- If you develop any tingling or loss of sensation in your finger or hand
- If you have diabetes (hand-related problems can turn more severe if you have diabetes)
- If you have a high temperature along with finger pain
- If your finger is warm, painful, still, and swollen
Urgent treatment required if:
- You have severe pain
- You feel dizzy, sick, or faint due to pain
- You heard grinding, popping, or a snap during the time of injury
- You are unable to hold objects or move your finger
- Your finger change in shape or color
- You lost sensation in part or entire hand
These often indicate a broken finger.
For personalized advice and support tailored to your health needs, consider our free doctor consultation service, where you can connect with experienced professionals ready to assist you.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022