What is the treatment for a finger sprain in a 9-year-old?

Treatment of Finger Sprain in a 9-Year-Old Child

For a finger sprain in a 9-year-old child, the recommended treatment includes rest, ice application for 20-30 minutes, pain management with appropriate medications, and functional support with consideration for early mobilization.

Initial Management

• A person with a painful extremity injury that limits use should avoid activities that cause pain and seek medical attention 1
• Apply cold therapy (ice wrapped in a damp cloth) to the injured finger for 20-30 minutes per application to reduce pain and swelling 1
• Limit cold application to 20-30 minutes at a time, 3-4 times daily, and avoid direct contact with the skin to prevent cold injury 1
• A compression wrap may be applied to promote comfort, but should not compromise circulation 1

Pain Management

• NSAIDs can be used for pain control in children with finger sprains, as they help reduce swelling and pain after injuries 1
• Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is an alternative option for pain management and appears to be equally effective as NSAIDs for pain control 1
• Dosing should be appropriate for the child's age and weight

Functional Support Options

• Functional support is preferred over immobilization for most sprains 1
• For finger sprains in children, options include:
  • Buddy taping (taping the injured finger to an adjacent uninjured finger)
  • Kinesio taping, which has shown better outcomes in terms of edema reduction, joint range of motion, and nighttime pain compared to splinting 2
  • If splinting is used, it should be for a limited time to avoid stiffness

Rehabilitation

• Early mobilization and functional rehabilitation are preferred over prolonged immobilization 1
• Gentle range of motion exercises should be started as soon as pain allows
• Exercise therapy programs initiated early following an acute sprain can reduce the prevalence of recurrent injuries 1

Special Considerations for Children

• Finger injuries are common in children under 5 years (38%), with most occurring at home 3
• Children's injuries often heal more quickly than adults, but proper treatment is essential to prevent long-term complications
• Undertreated joint injuries can result in long-term disability, so appropriate follow-up is important 4

When to Seek Further Medical Attention

• If there is significant deformity, inability to move the finger, or suspected fracture
• If pain and swelling do not improve within a few days of home treatment
• If there are signs of nerve damage (numbness, tingling)
• If the child is unable to use the finger normally after initial treatment

Prevention of Future Injuries

• Support devices provide some protection against future sprains, particularly in children with a history of recurrent sprains 1
• Proper supervision and safety measures should be considered, especially for younger children, as many finger injuries occur from jamming between closeable opposing surfaces like doors 3