A broken finger means there is a crack (fracture) in one of the finger bones. The healthcare provider used tape to hold the injured finger to a neighboring finger (called buddy taping) to keep the broken bone from moving while it heals. Most broken fingers heal well within about 3–6 weeks of buddy taping.

Replace the buddy tape and treat pain as instructed to keep your child comfortable while the bone heals.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for:

• When to follow up
• Any stretching or exercises your child should do
• How long your child needs to buddy tape the broken finger
• When it’s OK to go back to all activities and sports
• Whether your child needs to see a bone specialist (orthopedist)

To decrease swelling:

• Prop up the hand on pillows when your child is sitting down or sleeping.
• If your child was given a sling, use it as directed. Don't use the sling during sleep.
• Remind your child to wiggle the uninjured fingers to keep blood circulating normally.

If your child has pain, it may help to:

• Put ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel on fingers for about 20 minutes every three hours. Don't put ice directly on the skin.
• If your healthcare provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.
• Help your child get their mind off the pain by:
  • Doing something they enjoy, such as reading a book or watching a show together
  • Playing relaxing music

Changing the buddy tape:

• Gather the materials: medical tape (cloth athletic tape works best), cotton balls, gauze or foam pad, and scissors.
• Put the cotton ball, gauze pad, or foam pad between the two buddy fingers.
• Keep the injured finger straight, don't bend it when taping.
• Tape the injured finger to the one next to it. Usually it’s best to tape to the finger on the side closest to the thumb (the more stable side). Do not tape the injured finger to the thumb.
• Put two strips of tape around the fingers, one closer to the tip and one closer to the palm of the hand. Try to avoid putting the tape on the break in the bone if possible.
• Don't tape too tightly: The tape should be snug but not cutting off circulation. You should be able to slip a finger under the tape.

Notes about buddy taping:

• Change the tape every day or when it gets wet unless your healthcare provider told you differently.
• If you don't see dirt on the skin, your child should use hand sanitizer instead of washing hands with soap and water.
• Ask your healthcare provider if it’s OK for your child to remove the buddy tape for bathing.

• Pain doesn't get better with medicine.
• Blisters, rashes, or raw spots appear on the skin around the tape.
• A foul smell or drainage comes from under the tape.
• Your child gets a fever while the finger is healing.

• The injured finger is very swollen, pale, cold, numb, or tingly.
• Your child is in severe pain.

How long will it take a broken finger to heal? Most broken fingers heal within 3–6 weeks.

When can my child return to sports? Most kids can return to sports within about six weeks. Your child may need to wear protective hand gear or taping during sports for a few weeks or possibly longer. Check with your healthcare provider when it’s OK for your child to play sports again.

Will my child’s finger be crooked when it is healed? With proper buddy taping, your child’s finger should heal straight. However, sometimes even with the right care, the finger heals with a slight curve or bend.