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Finger Sprain
An injury associated with stretching, straining, tearing or twisting of the ligaments that support the small joints of the finger is called finger sprain. The ligaments are the flexible tissues that attach bones to each other.
How does Finger Sprain occur?
A finger sprain occurs with unusual bending of finger that causes damage to the ligaments which hold the bones together. Finger sprain usually occurs with a blow to the finger. Players of American football, basketball, cricket, throw ball, volleyball and handball are mostly affected by finger sprain because their performance involves bending of finger. The other situation like falling on the hand also causes finger sprain.
The severity of finger sprains determines their grade. There are three grades of finger sprains. Grade 1 finger sprain occurs with stretching and micro tearing of the ligament tissue whereas joint remains intact and stable.
The Grade 2 finger sprain occurs with partial tearing of the ligament tissue. The joint becomes instable to some extent as a result.
The Grade 3 finger sprain refers to severe or complete tearing of the ligament tissue causing the finger joint become significantly instable.
Symptoms of Finger Sprain:
- A pain or tenderness is felt over the joint in the finger where injury has occurred.
- A pain is felt while bending the finger and stressing the injured ligament.
- Swelling over the joint.
- Movement in the finger becomes restrained.
- The severe injury causes finger instability or complete rupture of the ligament.
First aid for Finger Sprain:
- The first and foremost step to treat finger sprain is to use R.I.C.E. method that includes Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling.
- Keep exercising to strengthen your finger simultaneously with the healing.
- Protect the finger with tape at the time of healing.
- See a sports injury expert who can guide you for some rehabilitation exercises to ensure fast recovery.
Rest- Give rest to your injured finger.
Ice- Apply ice on the injured finger with the help of ice or cold pack for about 20 minutes 4 times a day and repeat this course for several days till you get relief from the pain and swelling. Ice is very effective in reducing pain and swelling in the sprained finger.
Compression-Protect your finger from swelling by covering it with an elastic bandage. The compression of the elastic bandage helps reduce the swelling and support your finger. However, don't wrap too tightly as it may discontinue the circulation to your finger.
Elevation- Raise the injured hand and hold it above the level of your heart for the next few days after injury. This will help minimize the swelling. You can also raise your hand on a pillow when you are lying down.
Prevention of Finger Sprain:
Finger sprains are usually caused by the injuries that can not be prevented. At the most you can do to avoid injury to some extent is to use tape or supports before going in for sports.
When to see a doctor?
- See a doctor when there is significant swelling or deformity in your finger.
- See a doctor if you feel pain while resting your finger after an hour of injury.
- See a doctor if you are unable to move the joint completely.
- See a doctor if you feel severe pain in with motion of the finger.
- See a doctor if there's numbness or weakness.