Overview

Breaks in the bones of the finger usually heal well in about 3 to 4 weeks. The pain and swelling from a broken finger can last for weeks. But it should steadily improve, starting a few days after your child breaks it.

It is very important that your child wear and take care of the cast or splint exactly as the doctor says, so that the finger heals properly and does not end up crooked. Wearing a splint may interfere with your child's normal activities. Your child may need help with daily tasks.

Healthy habits can help your child heal. Give your child a variety of healthy foods. And don't smoke around your child.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If the doctor put a splint on the finger, make sure your child wears the splint exactly as directed. Do not remove it until the doctor says that you can.
• If your child has a splint that needs to stay dry:
  • Cover the splint with a plastic bag for bathing. Secure the bag with tape or a rubber band to keep it dry.
  • Keep the splint outside of the tub or shower (out of the water) when bathing.
  • If the splint or skin under the splint gets wet and you cannot remove the splint, use a hair dryer to blow cool air inside the splint.
• Keep your child's hand raised above the level of the heart as much as you can. This will help reduce swelling.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin. Keep the splint dry.
• Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.