A broken finger - or finger fracture - is an injury that occurs when one or more of the bones in a finger breaks. Four fingers contain three small bones, and the thumb has two. A break of one or more of these small bones is the most common sports-related injury diagnosed in the United States.

Common causes of a broken finger include:

• A sudden impact to the area (like a car accident)
  
• Slamming the finger in a door or drawer
  
• Breaking a fall with the hand
  
• Sports injuries (such as a fall, collision, or impact from a ball)
  

Severe pain is generally the most common and immediate symptom of a broken finger. After a few minutes, the pain of the impact and fracture will be followed by redness, bruising, and swelling. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the finger may appear to be out of alignment (dislocation). Eventually, it will be difficult to move or bend the finger at all. If you are able to move the finger, it will likely cause pain.

Athletes may be the most at-risk individuals for broken fingers. However, several health conditions can make you more susceptible to bone breaks. These include:

• Osteoporosis (weakened bones)
  
• Malnutrition
  
• Calcium deficiency
  

Even if the symptoms of a broken finger are mild, you should seek medical attention. Bones need to be placed into alignment to heal correctly. Whether or not the pain of a broken finger is manageable, you should seek care to properly treat the injury.