What Is A Sprained Finger? A sprain is an injury to a joint that causes a stretch or tear in a ligament, a strong band of tissue connecting one bone to another.
How Does It Occur? A sprain usually occurs when there is an accident such as a ball striking the tip of your finger or you fall forcefully onto your finger.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Sprained Finger? There will be pain, swelling, and tenderness in your finger.
How Is A Sprained Finger Diagnosed? Your doctor will examine your finger and will order an x-ray to be sure you have not broken any bones in your finger.
How Is It Treated? Treatment for a sprained finger may include:
- 1. Applying ice packs to your finger for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 or 3 days or until the pain goes away.
- 2. Elevating your hand on a pillow while you are lying down or on the back of a chair or couch while you are sitting.
- 3. Taking an anti-inflammatory or other pain medication prescribed by your doctor
- doing exercises to strengthen your finger during the healing process.
When Can I Return To My Sport Or Activity? The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Return to your activity will be determined by how soon your sprained finger recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.
Your doctor will recommend that your sprained finger be splinted or "buddy taped" (taped to the finger next to it) for 1 to 4 weeks after your injury. In many cases, you will be able to return to your activities as long as you are wearing your splint or have your finger taped.
Your finger may remain swollen with decreased range of motion and strength for many weeks. It is important to continue your rehabilitation exercises during this time and even after you return to your sport.
How Can I Prevent A Finger Sprain? Finger sprains are usually the result of injuries that are not preventable.
Finger Sprain Rehabilitation Exercises: You may do all of these exercises right away.
- Passive range of motion: Gently assist the injured joint by helping to bend it with your other hand. Gently try to straighten out the injured joint with your other hand. Repeat slowly, holding for 5 seconds at the end of each motion. Do this 10 times. Do these exercises 3 to 5 times per day.
- Finger lift: With your palm flat on a table and your fingers straight, lift each finger up individually and hold 5 seconds. Then put it down and lift the one next to it until you have done all 5 fingers individually. Hold each one 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
- Fist making: Make your hand into a fist. If the injured finger will not bend into the fist, assist it with your uninjured hand and try to help it bend into the fist. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
- Object pick-up: Practice picking up small objects such as coins, marbles, pins, or buttons with the injured finger and the thumb.
Your doctor will recommend that your splinted or "buddy taped" (taped to the finger next to it) for 1 to 4 weeks after your injury. In many cases, you will be able to return to your activities as long as you are wearing your splint or have your finger taped.Your finger may remain swollen with decreased range of motion and strength for many weeks. It is important to continue your rehabilitation exercises during this time and even after you return to your sport.
How Can I Prevent A Finger Sprain? Finger sprains are usually the result of injuries that are not preventable.
All material provided is designed for information purposes only and should not be used to replace the care of a health care professional. Do not rely on any of the information for diagnosis or treatment. It is recommended that you visit a qualified health care professional for individual and personal attention.
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