A sprain happens when a ligament in the finger stretches or tears. Ligaments are stretchy bands that connect bones to each other. Finger sprains happen when the finger twists or bends back too far, usually from falling on an outstretched hand or catching a ball. 

A sprain can be mild or severe. It can take a few days, weeks, or longer to feel better. To help a finger sprain heal, a health care provider usually puts a splint on the injured finger or tapes it to a neighboring finger ("buddy taping").

Follow these instructions to help your child as the sprain heals.

• For 2–3 days, to help with pain and swelling:
  • Have your child rest the finger and avoid any activities that cause pain.
  • Place ice wrapped in a towel on the sprain for about 20 minutes several times a day. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
  • Keep the finger above heart level by resting it on a pillow.
• Follow your health care provider's advice for:
  • Giving your child acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) as needed for pain. Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.
  • Using a splint or buddy taping to protect the finger.
  • Changing the buddy taping, if used, each day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Most of the time, your child can use hand sanitizer to clean their hands. But if their hands have dirt you can see, your child should remove the tape, wash their hands in soap and water, dry them, and then replace the tape.
  • Any movement exercises or stretches your child should do and any activities to avoid.
  • When it's OK to try a heating pad and massage (usually after the swelling goes down).
  • Whether your child should go to a bone doctor (orthopedist), sports medicine doctor, or physical therapist to help them build strength and flexibility and create a plan for returning to full activities and sports.
  • When your child should follow up.
• Adding activities:
  • If your health care provider says it's OK, your child can gradually increase activities after about 2–3 days of rest. At first, they can try stretching and activities like swimming or gentle throwing/catching. If they have no pain, they can continue to add more activities and training.
  • If your child has increased pain or swelling, they have probably tried to do too much. They should stop the activity they're doing and take a rest or switch to a less intense activity.
  • Talk to your health care provider if you're not sure which activities your child should do.

• The pain or swelling gets worse.
• After a week of following your health care provider's instructions, your child:
  • has pain or swelling that isn't getting better
  • can't bend or straighten the finger fully

How are finger sprains diagnosed? Health care providers ask questions and examine the injured area. A sprained finger might be swollen, painful, stiff, or sore. The skin around the finger might look red or bruised. Sometimes they order X-rays to make sure there is no broken bone.

What can help prevent finger sprains? To prevent injuries to the fingers, encourage your child to:

• Wear the right protective gear during practice and competition (such as hand pads for a goalie).
• Warm up before sports activities.
• Do regular strengthening and flexibility exercises.
• Be active year-round, which will help their fingers and the rest of their body stay in good shape.