Some people let a broken knuckle heal on its own, but we urge you not to do that.
Getting treatment as soon as possible for a knuckle injury is essential to proper recovery. If you don’t get a broken knuckle treated professionally, your finger may never look or function the same as it did prior to the injury.
For that reason, knowing how to wrap a broken knuckle until you can get in to see a doctor can help the bone set properly, reduce the possibility of further injury, and minimize pain.
How to Wrap a Broken Knuckle
Before wrapping a broken knuckle, examine the injured area to make sure the finger is likely broken, yet not bleeding, burned, or extremely swollen. All of these would require additional or other forms of first aid treatment, including possibly a visit to the emergency room.
Signs of a broken knuckle include:
- Pain that is typically instant and severe, although you still may be able to bend the knuckle
- Increased pain when you try to move the finger
- Swelling, which typically begins about 10 minutes after the initial injury, of the affected finger as well as possibly other fingers, the palm, or the back of the hand
- Inability to move your hand or affected fingers
- Bruising that may be visible right away
- Numbness as swelling increases
- Finger compression
- Difficulty making a fist
- A sunken knuckle, which is the clearest sign of a broken knuckle
A common do-it-yourself first aid treatment in this case is to “buddy wrap” the affected finger with the one beside it.
Cut enough tape to wrap around both fingers, and place a piece of tape between the first and second joints and another piece between the second and third joints. Do not place the tape on the knuckles, but try to use pieces of medical tape that are wide enough to cover significant areas between the joints.
The tape should be firmly secured but not so tight that it causes the fingers to swell or become numb.
Alternatively, you can purchase a finger splint from a local pharmacy or other general retailer.
Make an Appointment with a Hand Doctor Afterward
The above recommendations regarding how to wrap a broken knuckle are intended for general first aid. Our blogs are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
After first aid treatment, it’s important to see Dr. Arora in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb Township for proper treatment of the broken knuckle. Make an appointment to see the hand specialist through our website or by calling our office.
