From the Research
Treatment for recurrent finger subluxation (dislocation) typically involves a combination of immediate care and long-term management strategies, with the most recent and highest quality study 1 suggesting that prompt reduction and immobilization with a splint for 3-6 weeks is crucial to allow ligaments to heal. For acute dislocations, the finger should be promptly reduced (put back in place) by a healthcare professional. Some key points to consider in the treatment of finger dislocations include:
- Immobilization with a splint for 3-6 weeks to allow ligaments to heal
- Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) to manage pain and reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy for rehabilitation, focusing on strengthening exercises and improving range of motion once the initial healing period is complete
- Custom-made splints or buddy taping (securing the injured finger to an adjacent healthy finger) for chronic or recurrent dislocations during activities
- Surgical intervention, including ligament repair, joint fusion, or joint replacement, in severe cases where conservative treatments fail, as noted in 1 and 2. Prevention strategies are also essential, including:
- Avoiding activities that trigger dislocations
- Using protective equipment during sports
- Continuing strengthening exercises to prevent repeated injuries and weaken the supporting ligaments around the joint, making them more susceptible to future dislocations without proper treatment and rehabilitation, as discussed in 3, 4, and 5.