Description
A finger sprain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the small joints of the finger. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. When stretched too far, the ligaments may become stiff, painful and swollen. Finger sprains are often referred to as “jammed fingers”. Sprains can be divided into three different severities:
- Grade 3: The ligament is either severely or completely torn, leaving the joint significantly unstable.
- Grade 1: The ligaments are stretched but the joint is stable. There may be some microtearing of the ligament.
- Grade 2: Partial tearing of the ligament has caused mild instability of the affected joint.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Discoloration
- Tenderness
- Painful range of motion
- Swelling
Causes
- Breaking a fall
- Direct trauma
- Finger catching on equipment or uniform
Risk Factors
- Physically demanding job
- Playing sports or ball games (football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, basketball etc.)
Prevention
- Use caution and appropriate form when performing tasks that involve the hands
- Wear protective equipment when applicable.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a physical exam.
- X-ray- rule out any potential fractures
Treatment
- Most finger sprains are treated non-operatively, however, if the ligament is severely damaged or a piece of bone broke off with the ligament, surgery may be required.
- The first step in managing finger sprains is utilizing the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compress and elevate. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and splinting will also be helpful in the management of finger sprains. If diagnosed and treated appropriately, finger sprains will heal in 3-6 weeks with no complications.
- Rest - Avoid using the injured finger.
- Ice - Apply ice or a cold pack to your finger for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days or until the pain and swelling goes away. The purpose of ice is to reduce pain and swelling in the sprained finger. Always wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel, do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
- Compression - Wrap an elastic compression bandage around your finger. This will limit swelling and support your finger. Be careful not to wrap too tightly or it can cut off the circulation to your finger.
- Elevation - Try to hold the injured hand above the level of your heart as much as possible for the first several days or until the swelling goes down. (For example, up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
- Medication - In consultation with your doctor, consider taking one of the following over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Aspirin
- Splinting and Taping - You may need to wear a splint to immobilize your finger. If you play sports, you may need to tape your finger to the finger next to it when you return to play. Your doctor can show you how to splint or tape your finger.
- Surgery - Surgery may be needed to repair a finger sprain if
- A small piece of bone has been broken off by the injury to the ligament.
- A ligament is torn completely.
Goal
Reduce pain and inflammation.
Recovery
On average, mild to moderate sprains take 3-6 weeks to heal.
Complications
If diagnosed and treated properly, finger sprains will heal with no complications.
Outcomes
Highly treatable.
