How Long Does Knuckle Pain Take to Heal? Injuries and Recovery Times Explained

Several conditions or injuries –– such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, or a broken or dislocated finger –– can cause knuckle pain. Symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion can make it difficult to use your fingers.

Because you use your hands in so many daily tasks, knuckle pain can get in the way of everyday life. 

So, how long does it take knuckle pain to heal? Treatment and recovery time depends on the cause. Here’s what you need to know.

How long does knuckle pain take to heal? 

Knuckle pain can be caused by many different injuries or conditions. Recovery time for knuckle pain depends on the cause and level of pain. Acute conditions, like a fracture or dislocation, can take several weeks or months to fully heal. Knuckle pain due to medical conditions, like arthritis, can’t be cured. Symptoms often come and go.

What are the different types of knuckle injuries? 

Knuckle injuries include a variety of conditions that affect the ligaments, tendons, bones, or joints of the hands and fingers.

Sprain and strain

Here’s what you need to know about sprains and injuries:

• What it is: A sprain is a ligament injury. Ligaments are connective tissue bands that hold bones together. Injury to the hand and fingers can overstretch the ligaments that support the knuckles, resulting in a sprain. Symptoms include pain, difficulty with movement, and swelling.

• How it happens: Sprains typically occur from direct injury to the hands or fingers. This can occur with hitting your hand into something or jamming your finger.

• Recovery time: Recovery time will vary depending on how bad the sprain is. Generally, many mild finger sprains can improve within 2 to 4 weeks.

Dislocation

Here’s what’s important to know about dislocation:

• What it is: Dislocation occurs when the bones that form a joint move out of place. The knuckle joints can dislocate if an injury to the hand or fingers shift the fingers bones out of their normal alignment. This is likely to occur with a very bad sprain to the ligaments that support the knuckles. Tendon injuries and fractures (see below) are common with dislocations.

• How it happens: Direct trauma to the fingers or falling onto an outstretched hand can cause this injury to occur.

• Recovery time: Treatment of a dislocation involves putting the joint back in alignment and stabilizing it with a bandage, splint, or cast. Sometimes surgery is required. Full recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks.

Fracture 

Here’s what you should know about fractures:

• What it is: A fracture is a broken bone. It can happen in the hand bones or finger bones that join to form the knuckles. Fractures cause significant pain, tenderness to touch, and swelling. Decreased strength and range of motion are common.

• How it happens: Fractures result from direct impact to the hand. This can occur with falls, sports injuries, or trauma, like motor vehicle accidents. A boxer’s fracture affects the hand bone that forms the knuckle of the pinky finger, and often results from punching something.

• Recovery time: Treatment will vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture. Simple or small fractures can be stabilized with a cast or splint. They often heal within a couple months. More involved fractures may need surgery to realign the bones and repair tendons. They may take several weeks or months to fully heal and regain function.

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Tendinitis

Here’s what you need to know about tendinitis:

• What it is: Tendinitis refers to inflammation of tendons, which are connective tissue bands that connect muscles to bones. In addition to pain and swelling, it can cause popping or locking.

• How it happens: Tendinitis in the hand can occur with repeated hand movements, such as grasping, squeezing, and writing. These repetitive activities can stress and irritate the finger tendons.

• Recovery time: Recovery from tendinitis requires rest from aggravating activities. Without this, tendinitis symptoms won’t get better. With proper rest, recovery from tendinitis can occur in 4 to 6 weeks.

Arthritis 

Here’s what to know about arthritis:

• What it is: Arthritis is joint inflammation that causes pain and swelling. There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can each affect the hands and fingers. 

• How it happens: Pain from arthritis usually comes on gradually. But an injury or overuse can cause it to start suddenly.

• Recovery time: Recovery time depends on the type of arthritis and how it’s treated. There’s no cure for arthritis, but treatment options can help manage pain and reduce symptom flare-ups.

How do you treat knuckle pain?

Treatment for knuckle injuries will focus on decreasing pain and swelling. Often, you’ll have to limit how much you use your hands and fingers to reduce pain. 

Treatment options include:

• Taking a rest from aggravating activities and movements

• Stabilizing the affected knuckle joint with a splint, cast, or buddy taping 

• Applying ice or a cold pack to the irritated joint

• Taking over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain and inflammation

• Elevating the affected hand higher than your heart

When should you see a healthcare professional about knuckle pain?

Whether you should get medical attention depends on a few factors, including if you’ve had an injury or not. 

Injury

Common hand injuries include jamming a finger, slamming your hand in a door, and punching a hard surface. These and other injuries can lead to fractures, dislocations, and tendon tears. 

You’ll probably need evaluation if you have:

• Significant pain or tenderness to touch

• Bruising 

• Quick onset of swelling

• Difficulty moving your fingers

• Visible deformity of your hand or finger

Without proper treatment, your injury may not heal properly. This can result in permanent damage to the joint, higher risk of osteoarthritis, and loss of function.

Non-injury

If you didn’t injure your knuckles but have ongoing pain, talk with a medical professional. They can help determine if your knuckle pain is due to a medical condition (like arthritis) or an overuse problem (like tendinitis). Treatments are available, including medications, injections, and physical therapy. 

Less commonly, painful and swollen knuckles can result from an infection. Warning signs include:

• Sudden onset of pain

• Redness

• Swelling

• Fever 

If you have these symptoms, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. A correct diagnosis can help reduce pain and prevent any underlying condition from getting worse. 

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Written by:

Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT

Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, practices outpatient rehabilitation focusing on orthopedic injuries and post-operative recovery.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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