Learn the symptoms and how to treat a broken pencil finger

Pencil fracture (also known as jammed finger) is a common injury that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the finger.

A pencil fracture is caused by injury to the middle joint of the finger, where it can bend. This joint is called the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.

Small ligaments called the PIP ligaments support the PIP joint. A pencil knuckle fracture occurs when these ligaments are overstretched.

This injury can occur when the hand is subjected to a forceful impact, such as when catching a ball during a sport. A pencil fracture may be uncomfortable but is not a serious injury. Home treatment can heal the finger without complications.

Symptom

A pencil fracture will make it difficult to move the finger and cause pain. The amount of swelling will depend on the severity of the injury.

Other signs of a broken pencil include:

Painful but usually not severe.

Hard.

Weak, or difficult to hold an object.

Red and swollen.

Reason

Pencil fractures are a common sports injury , especially in sports that involve strong contact between the hand and the ball, such as basketball, baseball, and volleyball.

A pencil fracture occurs when the tip of the finger is forced into the hand. This action can cause the ligaments in the finger to become overstretched.

This is a common sports injury.

Other causes include:

Finger caught in door or drawer.

Finger injured on steering wheel in a car accident.

Hands up when falling.

Or any action that puts stress on the PIP joint can cause a pencil break.

Broken pencil and broken finger

A broken finger will cause pain and swelling that lasts for hours or even days. A broken pencil finger can be painful, but is usually not serious.

A doctor can tell the difference between a jammed finger and a broken finger by sight.

With a broken finger, the bone may be dislocated or may even stick out, and you may even hear a cracking sound when moving the finger.

The doctor will also ask the person to try to move their finger. Broken fingers usually have some range of motion, but a pencil fracture will make it difficult to move the finger.

If the naked eye still cannot tell whether the finger is broken or the pencil is broken, the doctor may take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Doctors often treat a pencil fracture with a splint: a splint that keeps the finger straight and stable until the damaged ligament heals.

Another option is a splint or wrap that is firmly taped over the injured finger with the uninjured finger for support. This wrap helps stabilize the injured finger.

One useful home remedy for broken pencils is called PRICE.

P is for protection . Wearing a splint or wrap can help make the finger less likely to be injured.

R is for Rest . Resting and avoiding using your hands as much as possible will protect your fingers.

I is for ice . Applying ice to the injured finger for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and redness.

C is for Compression . Placing a splint or wrap on the finger can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, the finger should be bound tightly enough without cutting off blood circulation.

E is for Elevation . Resting your hand on a pillow, where your elbow is lower than your hand, can help reduce swelling and pain.

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

When to see a doctor

If you accidentally injure your finger and find it is crooked, do not attempt to straighten it yourself. Instead, see a doctor for proper examination and treatment. If your finger begins to feel numb and turns white or very pale, these are signs that there is not enough blood flowing to the injured area and should be examined by a doctor.

You should see a doctor immediately when:

Deformed or crooked fingers.

Fever when injured.

The finger is swollen.

Over time the finger swelled more.

Can't straighten arm.

If symptoms continue to worsen, you should see an orthopedic specialist.

Prospects

If left untreated, a pencil fracture can lead to complications including prolonged stiffness or difficulty straightening the finger. After the joint has had time to heal, your doctor may recommend exercises to reduce stiffness, which may include ball exercises or stretching the finger in a warm bath.

With proper care, a broken pencil finger will return to its pre-injury strength and flexibility.