Jammed Finger: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A jammed finger, also known as a mallet finger, is a type of injury where the extensor tendon of the finger is stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in bending the finger.

This condition often occurs when an object lands on the fingertip, causing the finger to be jammed. The causes of jammed fingers include sports injuries, accidents, and improper lifting techniques.

If left untreated, a jammed finger can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even permanent damage to the tendon. To alleviate the pain and promote healing, herbal remedies such as arnica oil, aloe vera gel, and turmeric paste can be applied topically.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of jammed finger, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of jammed finger?

The main causes of jammed finger are direct impact or sudden force applied to the finger, often resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents, with the most common causes being finger bending (45-55 degrees) and subsequent stretching of the ligaments, tendons, and joint capsule, which can lead to partial or complete disruption of the joint and surrounding tissues.

A jammed finger can also occur when the finger is forced into an abnormal position, such as hyperextension or hyperflexion, causing the joint to be stretched beyond its normal range of motion. Additionally, repetitive strain or overuse injuries can also lead to jammed fingers, particularly in athletes participating in activities that involve quick changes of direction or repetitive finger movements. The most common injury to the finger is the volar plate injury, which occurs when the ligaments that support the finger joint are stretched or torn.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, jammed fingers are most common in sports such as basketball, football, and soccer.

• Sports: Sports injuries, particularly those involving contact sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, are a leading cause of jammed fingers due to the high-speed impact and sudden bending of the finger.
• Falls: Falling objects or falling from a height can cause a jammed finger as the finger gets caught between the object and the ground, resulting in sudden and forceful bending.
• Accidents: Accidents involving machinery, tools, and other equipment can cause jammed fingers due to the finger getting caught or compressed between moving parts.
• Overexertion: Overexertion during activities such as lifting heavy objects or bending can cause a jammed finger due to the excessive force applied to the finger joint.
• Bicycle Crashes: Bicycle crashes, particularly those involving handlebars and the ground, can cause a jammed finger due to the sudden bending and twisting of the finger.
• Workplace Injuries: Workplace injuries, such as those involving machinery, tools, and other equipment, can cause jammed fingers due to the finger getting caught or compressed between moving parts.
• Home Accidents: Home accidents, such as those involving furniture, toys, and other objects, can cause jammed fingers due to the finger getting caught or compressed between objects.
• Playground Injuries: Playground injuries, particularly those involving climbing structures and slides, can cause jammed fingers due to the sudden bending and twisting of the finger.
• Slip and Falls: Slip and fall accidents can cause jammed fingers due to the finger getting caught between the ground and an object.
• Animal-Related Injuries: Animal-related injuries, such as those involving pets and wild animals, can cause jammed fingers due to the sudden biting or pouncing of the animal.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for jammed finger?

The main medicinal herbs used for jammed finger are Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Aloe barbadensis, Plantago lanceolata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Hamamelis virginiana, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale.

Arnica montana is used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties to reduce swelling and pain. Calendula officinalis and Hypericum perforatum have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in wound healing and prevent infection. Plantago lanceolata and Vaccinium myrtillus have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce swelling and promote tissue repair.

Hamamelis virginiana, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, and Symphytum officinale are used for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties to reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote wound healing.

• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain in the affected area.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with jammed finger due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent infection and promote healing in the affected area.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which reduce pain and prevent infection in the affected area.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce pain and swelling in the affected area, as well as its soothing effect that promotes healing.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce pain and promote healing in the affected area.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce pain and promote healing in the affected area.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which reduce pain and prevent infection in the affected area.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce pain and swelling in the affected area, as well as its soothing effect that promotes healing.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea does not have a direct effect on jammed fingers, however its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce systemic inflammation that can exacerbate the condition.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and mucilaginous properties, which reduce pain and swelling in the affected area, and promote healing.

What are the main herbal preparations used for jammed finger?

The main herbal preparations used for jammed finger are Salve, Tincture, Ointment, Cream, Decoction, Poultice, Gel, Capsule, Balm, Liniment.

Salve typically contains anti-inflammatory herbs like arnica, calendula and aloe vera, which help reduce pain and swelling. Tinctures of herbs like willow bark and meadowsweet can be applied topically to relieve pain and inflammation due to their salicylic acid content. Ointments and creams made from herbs like St. John's Wort and comfrey can help promote healing and reduce inflammation due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Decoctions of herbs like turmeric and ginger can be applied as a poultice or gel to reduce pain and inflammation due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

• Salve: A topical salve made from Arnica montana reduces inflammation and pain in a jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to soothe and calm the affected area.
• Tincture: An internal tincture of Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) helps to reduce pain and inflammation in a jammed finger by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are associated with pain and inflammation.
• Ointment: A topical ointment made from Calendula officinalis accelerates the healing process and reduces inflammation in a jammed finger, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which promote tissue repair and prevent infection.
• Cream: A topical cream containing Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) reduces pain and inflammation in a jammed finger, as well as promotes wound healing, due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and soothing properties.
• Decoction: An internal decoction of Willow bark (Salix alba) helps to reduce pain in a jammed finger by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are associated with pain, and also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling.
• Poultice: A topical poultice made from Epsom salt (MgSO4) reduces pain and inflammation in a jammed finger by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which promotes healing and reduces swelling.
• Gel: A topical gel made from Peppermint (Mentha piperita) reduces pain and inflammation in a jammed finger, thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the affected area.
• Capsule: An internal capsule of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) reduces pain and inflammation in a jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce prostaglandin production and promote healing.
• Balm: A topical balm made from Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) reduces pain in a jammed finger by releasing capsaicin, which blocks the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body and reduces inflammation.
• Liniment: A topical liniment made from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces pain and inflammation in a jammed finger due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce prostaglandin production and promote healing.