Finger Sprain

A finger sprain typically consists of an injury to one of the ligaments that maintains the stability of the joints, which typically happens when the finger mobility is pushed too far. These types of injuries generally happen when the finger impacts with an external object and the force applied to the finger leads to a twist or overstretching of the joint. This type of injury is more common in the athletic population, especially in sports that involve external objects such as a ball and that are upper limb dominant (e.g.: basketball, volleyball, etc.). Patients affected by this injury typically present with localised pain to the twisted area that can radiate to other structures, swelling, bruising, stiffness, sensation of instability, weakness, and impacted hand functioning. Aside from collecting data from the injury mechanisms and performing a physical assessment of the patient, an imaging examination (e.g.: x-ray, computed tomography, MRI) is typically performed to optimally visualise the specifics of the injury.

Management

The management of patients affected by finger sprain depends on the specifics of the injury, such as the sprained ligament and the presence of associated injuries. The first line of treatment after a finger sprain is typically conservative, with good results generally achieved. Non-surgical treatment consists of rest, protection of the injured area (with or without the use of a splint) and rehabilitation. In case surgical treatment is deemed necessary (e.g.: cases with associated injuries, complete ligament injury, severe instability, etc.), many different procedures are available and always discussed between the patient and the medical-surgical staff. After surgery, a period of immobilisation/protection with the use of a splint or brace is typically recommended, and rehabilitation should start as soon as indicated by the medical team. In Isokinetic, after being thoughtfully visited by one of our specialised doctors, you will receive your accurate diagnosis, and your recovery process will be structured in different stages. Based on your rehabilitation needs, your recovery process will take place in four different environments, the pool, the gym, the movement analysis and retraining room and the pitch. In the early stages, the main goals are to restore homeostasis by reducing pain and swelling, recovering mobility, and gradually restoring finger/hand and upper limb functioning. In the mid-stage of rehabilitation, finger/hand strength recovery becomes the priority, together with the optimisation of the general movement quality to learn how to integrate the finger/hand and upper limb back into activities of daily living and sports. Finally, to complete the recovery process, on-field rehabilitation plays a fundamental role in allowing our patients to safely and effectively return to participate in their favourite activities and sports that require the utilisation of the upper limb (e.g.: throwing-, rackets-, falling-, related sports, etc), maximising the recovery outcomes and reducing the likelihood of complications.

Finger Sprain

Management

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