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Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you've broken a finger or thumb. It may need treatment to heal properly.
A broken bone is also known as a fracture.
If you’ve broken a finger or thumb it's likely to be:
It may also change colour or feel numb.
It can be hard to tell if a finger is broken, dislocated or badly sprained. You'll probably need an X-ray.
You've injured your finger or thumb and it's:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You have had an injury and the finger or thumb:
If you cannot get to A&E by yourself, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
If you think you’ve broken your finger or thumb, there are some things you can do while you’re waiting to see a doctor.
You should:
A doctor or nurse might:
You may need surgery for complicated breaks – for example, if it's broken in lots of places or the nerves are damaged.
You may be invited back for a follow-up appointment to check how your finger or thumb is healing.
A broken finger or thumb usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer.
It may be 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand.
Once it's healed, use your finger or thumb as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff.
Your doctor may be able to give you some gentle hand exercises.
Ask your doctor when you can return to contact sports or other activities that put a lot of strain on your fingers.
There are some things you can do to ease pain and speed up healing of a broken finger or thumb.
take paracetamol to relieve pain – your doctor may recommend different or stronger painkillers if needed
keep your hand up to reduce swelling – rest it on a cushion or a pillow
gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the finger or thumb for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
try not to use the affected hand so it can heal properly
