Finger sprain
A finger sprain is usually an injury to one of the ligaments that keep the joints stable. This typically occurs when the finger's mobility is pushed beyond its normal limits. This type of injury usually occurs when the finger comes into contact with an external object, and the force applied causes the joint to twist or overstretch. This type of injury is more common among sportsmen and women, particularly in disciplines involving external objects such as a ball, and which mainly load the upper limbs (e.g. basketball, volleyball, etc.). Patients suffering from this injury generally present with pain localized to the twisted area, which may radiate to other structures, swelling, bruising, stiffness, a feeling of instability, weakness and impaired hand function. In addition to gathering information on the mechanisms of injury and physically examining the patient, an imaging examination (e.g. X-ray, CT scan, MRI) is usually performed to optimally visualize the specifics of the injury.
Management of patients suffering from finger sprains depends on the specifics of the injury, such as the ligament involved and the presence of associated lesions. Treatment is generally conservative, including rest, protection of the injured area (with or without splinting) and rehabilitation, with good results in most cases. In cases where surgery is required (e.g. associated injuries, complete ligament rupture, severe instability), various procedures are available and discussed with the medical-surgical team. After surgery, a period of immobilization with a splint or support is recommended, followed by rehabilitation starting as soon as the medical team authorizes it. At Foxphysio, following a precise diagnosis by a specialist doctor, the recovery process is structured in stages tailored to the patient's needs, and takes place in four environments: pool, gym, movement analysis room and field. The first stages aim to reduce pain and swelling, restore mobility and gradually restore function to the finger, hand and upper limb. Next, priority is given to regaining strength and optimizing movements, so that the patient can return to daily activities and sports. Finally, on-the-job rehabilitation enables the safe resumption of activities and sports requiring the use of the upper limbs, such as skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing.