Finger Sprain

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.

A Finger Sprain usually results from a blow to the finger. This often occurs during athletic activity when an athlete jams a finger into another person, the ball, or piece of equipment.Finger Sprain may also occur from falling on the hand.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition or injury.

• Playing sports, especially those involving the hands, such as basketball or volleyball
• Poor coordination
• Poor balance

Symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness in the finger
• Pain when moving the finger joint
• Swelling of the finger joint

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your finger. The doctor will examine your finger to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.
Tests may include:

• X-rays – to make sure that no bones are broken
• MRI scan – to see if a ligament has torn completely (rarely needed)

Finger sprains are graded according to their severity: Grade1

• Stretching and microtearing of ligament tissue

Grade 2

• Partial tearing of ligament tissue
• Mild instability of the joint

Grade 3

• Severe or complete tearing of ligament tissue
• Significant instability of the joint

Treatment includes:
Rest – Avoid using the injured finger.
Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to your finger for 15-30 minutes, 4 times a day for several days or until the pain goes away. This helps reduce pain and swelling. 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.
Elevation – Try to hold the injured hand above the level of your heart as much as possible for the first 24 hours. (For example, up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Medication – Take one of the following 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.
Surgery – Surgery is only 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.

Finger Sprains generally cannot be prevented.