Health

I was playing football and jammed my finger really bad. I was interested in knowing what happened inside my finger when I jammed it. Why did it swell up? And why is it so painful to bend? Be as specific as possible. Thanks.

according to the orthopedic surgeon my kids have seen for their fingers more times then not a jammed finger is actually a small fracture. so, i hope you have had this evaluated especially if you haven't finished growing. if there is a fracture and your growth plate is involved it could make that finger stop growing before it should.

that being said when you jam a finger you shove everything together and over extend the tendons and ligament in that joint along with hitting the bones together and putting more pressure on the cartilage between the bones. this causes blood to rush in to the injured area to promote healing(the bruising you may see) and the inflammation from the tissues becoming engorged. it is so painful because of the tissue damage and inflammation puts extra pressure on the tissue. kind of like when you overfill a balloon with water. use plenty of ice 20 min. on and 20 min. off for the next couple of days, advil for pain and swelling, rest it and try to keep it above heart level. also for support try buddy taping it to the next finger.

hope you feel better soon.