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.

Causes

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 sprains may also occur in other situations such as falling on the hand.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting an injury. Risk factors for a finger sprain include:

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

• Poor coordination

• Poor balance

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness in the finger

• Pain when moving the finger joint

• Swelling of the finger joint

Diagnosis

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 – used in some situations to see if a ligament has torn completely (rarely needed)

Finger sprains are graded according to their severity:

Treatment

In consultation with your doctor, treatment may include:

Rest – Avoid using the injured finger.

Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to your finger for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day, for several days or until the pain and swelling goes away. Ice helps to reduce pain and swelling in the sprained finger. 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, place your hand 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

Your doctor may prescribe a stronger drug if the OTC drugs do not help with the pain.

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

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting a finger sprain by learning and practicing correct technique in sports and using proper equipment. However, in many cases, sprains cannot be prevented.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

References:

Association of Professional Team Physicians website. Available at: http://www.orthopaedicweblinks.com/Detailed/1399.html.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/.

Sports Injuries: Basic Principles of Prevention and Care. Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1993.