Finger sprains are joint injury caused by overstretching or tearing of the ligaments which hold the finger joints. Such injuries are prevalent in sport, particularly activities involving handling, catching and rapid hand manipulation. Reported symptoms of disease include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced functional ROM, which are likely to impact activities of daily living and sport performance.
Prevention Guide
Strengthening Finger Muscles Strengthening
the strength and coordination of the finger muscle and tendon could improve the stability of the joint and reduce the possibility of sprain.
Rubber Band Finger Extensions
Adhere a rubber band onto the tips of each of the five fingers at the base of the nail plates.
Slowly spread your fingers apart, stretching the rubber band.
Return to the starting position.
Perform 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per hand.
Ball Squeezes Holding a soft rubber ball/foam ball.
1. Pinch the ball as much as you can without hurting yourself.
2. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then release.
3. Repeat 10-15 times, 2-3 times daily.
Flexibility Training
Contractile ability at the finger joint and tendons can contribute to less strain and speed up the repair of minor injury.
Finger Pull Stretch
1. Reach out with one arm in front of you with the palm up.
2. Very gently push each finger in turn away with the opposite hand.
3. Hold for 15-30 seconds per finger. Repeat 2-3 times per hand.
Fist Stretch
1. Start with your fingers fully extended.
2. Gently close a fist, with thumb wrapping the fingers.
3.Close hand into a fist for 5 seconds, then open hand and spread fingertips apart as much as possible.
4. Repeat 10-15 times per hand.
Treatment Guide
Acute Stage:
PEACE Protocol
Protect: Do not, in the first few days, engage in any activity that may injure the injured finger.
Elevate: Elevation of the hand to the level of the heart to reduce the edema. Avoid Anti-inflammatories: Let the body’s natural inflammation process do the healing.
Compress: Offer relief and reduce edema with an elastic bandage or tape. Educate: Identify the nature and how to rehabilitate it adequately with the purpose of providing the necessary medical attention.
Medical Evaluation
Seek medical attention if pain is severe, joint is bent, and finger cannot operate since may be a sign of a more serious injury.
Understanding Severity of Finger Sprains
Grade I (Mild Sprain): Ligaments are stretched but not torn. Symptoms include mild pain and swelling. Recovery is typically in 1-2 weeks, which is associated with rest and simple rehabilitation.
Grade II (Moderate Sprain): Partial tearing of the ligament. Symptoms include moderate pain, swelling, and joint instability. Recovery can take 3-6 weeks with splinting and exercise.
Grade III (Severe Sprain): Complete ligament rupture. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and significant joint instability. Surgical interventions may be required and recovery time can take weeks to months.
Subacute Stage:
Rehabilitation Exercises
regaining ROM, strength, and joint stability.
Passive Range of Motion
1. Carefully flex and extend the injured digit using the unaffected hand.
2.Perform 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times daily.
Towel Scrunch
1. Place a small towel flat on a table.
2. Curl the towel with your fingers towards your palm.
3. Repeat 10-12 times, 2-3 sets daily.
Finger Tapping
1. Place your hand flat on a table.
2. Lift and tap each finger one at a time, and then let it drop.
3.Perform 10 repetitions per finger, 2-3 times daily.
Isometric Finger Press
1. Place the injured finger against the edge of a strong surface
2. Gently apply pressure to the finger against the object without actually pushing the object in any direction.
3. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
4. Repeat 10 times, 2-3 times daily.
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