While a broken finger involves injury to the actual bones or joints of the finger that requires medical treatment, sprained fingers do not necessarily require medical attention. However, because a broken finger and a sprained finger share many of the same symptoms (pain, redness, swelling, an inability to straighten the finger, among others), it is important to get a proper diagnosis. A finger sprain can be treated according to the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). In addition, mild to moderate finger sprains respond well to “buddy taping,” which involves binding the injured finger to the finger next to it. Sprained fingers should not be taped until the swelling has subsided. Severely sprained fingers require medical treatment.