Howdy all- I would like to jump into this for a little advice, if that is OK.
About 12 weeks ago, I dislocated my left pinky (@ first joint from knuckle). It wasn't a severe dislocation, but definitely out and off to the side (towards the outside a bit). Due to my location at the time, I just pulled it and reset it myself. It wasn't too difficult, but hurt like a… you know what. I had to sit down for a while as the pain left me feeling nauseous. But it seemed to be OK after a while.
I ended up going to the ER the next day, just to ensure there were no breaks. X-Rays showed no fractures.
Everything seemed to be fine, and after the swelling went down, I stared testing the range of motion. After a few weeks without improvement in range of motion, I scheduled an appointment wind a Dr who moonlights in our town (she is a top doctor for the US Olympic team).
She looked at the pictures, and was not concerned. She said it can take 9-12 months to regain full pain-free range after a dislocation. She recommended continuing to stretch and work it every day.
I am asking if there are any specific PT exercises I can do to help? Right now, I am working on bending it as far as I can with my fingers extended straight, and also with them at 90 degrees. I will go as far as so can, and then use my other hand to push it a bit further. My range has not significantly increased, but I suppose is getting a little better. It still hurts when I stretch it, mostly on the outside, between the knuckle and first joint. It also hurts when it is cold outside or when I hit it- which is a problem as I live at altitude, and have to shovel snow a lot.
Any advice you guys can give me on PT, expectations for recovery, or living with these issues would be GREATLY appreciated.
Here is a picture showing the extent I can bend it after 8 weeks or so of stretching. Please ignore the sticking up index finger in the back- that is a precious injury which has left that finger unable to bend. Which is why I REALLY need to get this pinky working again- I'm running out of fingers on my left hand! Ha ha! It makes all sorts of daily tasks (like typing, and opening things) hard or painful.
Thanks!