[1] Symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, deformity and reduced ability to move the finger.

[1] The AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification generates language-neutral numeric codes for describing broken fingers.

Crushing injuries may or may not shatter the bone into multiple pieces, which is called a comminuted fracture.

[1] Fractures in the joints are often caused by jammed finger injuries, the hand equivalent of a stubbed toe.

[2] Crushing injuries may occur when a finger gets shut in a door (most common among children under eight), or in an accident with machinery or a heavy object.

[2] Occasionally, an infection or tumour can cause a broken finger;[1] this is called a pathological fracture.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, deformity, decreased range of motion, and instability.

The hand is also checked for injuries to the soft tissues, like sprains and tendon tears, and for dislocations to the joints, because these may have been caused at the same time.

This will hinder motion and risks post-traumatic osteoarthritis, so it is usually reduced (put back in place) surgically.

Open fractures, in which the skin is broken, also increase the risk of infection and complications, especially if the wound is dirty or parts have to be removed.

If not, removal by other methods[clarification needed] can be done by a doctor; if the object is not portable, it is often done by paramedics or the fire department.

[8] As with other hand injures, any rings or bracelets are removed immediately, before the injury starts to swell.

[10] Ice isn't placed directly on the skin, but wrapped first,[6][10] in thin cloth[10] such as a teatowel.

Broken fingers and thumbs usually heal in 2–8 weeks, with 3–4 months for full strength.

[10] If it does not steadily improve, or if tingling, weakness, numbness, or signs of infection appear, it needs further treatment; see complications, above.