You have sustained a soft tissue injury to your finger                   

                               Fingers.jpg

This means there is no bony Injury but you may have hurt the structures around them.

Healing

This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal. If you have been given a splint this is for comfort and doesn’t affect the rate of healing. Some swelling and stiffness persists for 6 months.

Pain and swelling:

Take painkillers as prescribed. 

Using your hand  

You may use the hand as pain allows.

Follow up

This type of injury heals well and you will not need a follow up. If your child’s finger is bent or extremely painful after 6 weeks, please contact us.

Contact us

If you are worried that your child is unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or if your child is experiencing pain or symptoms, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, or if you have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.

Please follow the plan:

Weeks since injury

Plan

0 - 3
  • Use the strapping for comfort
  • Keep your fingers moving to prevent stiffness

3- 6
  • Try not to use the strapping
  • Move your injured finger-see exercises stage 2

6 -12
  • The injury has healed. 
  • Return to normal activities

12

If you are still experiencing significant pain and swelling then please contact the Fracture Care Team for advice.

For a more visual guide to managing your injury you can view the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJb-x4atC4

Advice for a new injury

Cold packs:

A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short-term pain relief.

Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. The ice must never be in direct contact with the skin. 

Stage 1 exercises

 

                           Fingers

Do these exercises several times a day.  Touch each finger to your thumb. Repeat x 5.                                                      

Bend and straighten all the joints in your fingers as shown. Do not force the movement, work within your limits. Repeat x 5

 

                              Hand exercises

 

 

Stage 2 exercises

                           Hand exercises

Use your other hand to keep your finger steady and bend and straighten the finger joint nearest your palm. Repeat x 5

Use your other hand to keep your finger steady and bend and straighten the finger joint nearest the end of your finger. Repeat x 5

Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you are struggling to recover your movement or return to activity. 

Frequently asked questions

I am concerned about my symptoms. What do I do?

Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. If you cannot feel or move your fingers or thumb, go straight to A&E.  

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic?

Call 01228 814898 between the hours of 8am – 5pm Mon-Fri.

 

Content used with permission from Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302