What are the common causes of a torn ligament in the middle finger. How can you recognize the symptoms of a ligament injury. What treatment options are available for a torn finger ligament. How long does recovery typically take for a finger ligament injury. What are the potential long-term effects of an untreated torn ligament in the middle finger.

Understanding Ligament Injuries in the Fingers

Ligament injuries in the fingers are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and individuals involved in manual labor. These injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears, affecting the stability and functionality of the finger joints. But what exactly is a ligament injury, and how does it happen?

A ligament injury occurs when one or more of the ligaments supporting a finger joint is overstretched and damaged. Ligaments are tough, elastic bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones, providing stability and allowing for controlled movement. When these ligaments are subjected to excessive force or stretched beyond their normal range, they can become injured.

Common Causes of Finger Ligament Injuries

Finger ligament injuries often result from:

• Sports-related incidents (e.g., a ball hitting the finger)
• Catching a finger on clothing, nets, or the ground during athletic activities
• Falls or accidents that cause the finger to bend back forcefully
• Repetitive stress or overuse of the fingers
• Direct blows to the hand or fingers

Understanding the mechanisms behind these injuries can help in prevention and prompt recognition of symptoms when they occur.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Middle Finger

Identifying a ligament injury in the middle finger is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. What are the telltale signs of a torn ligament?

The most common symptoms include:

• Pain, especially when moving the affected joint or touching the injured area
• Swelling that develops shortly after the injury
• Bruising that may appear hours or days after the initial injury
• Reduced range of motion in the finger
• Stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the finger
• Weakness when attempting to grip or pinch
• Possible deformity or misalignment of the finger
• Biomechanical problems affecting finger function

If you experience these symptoms following a finger injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further damage and ensure proper healing.

Immediate First Aid for a Suspected Ligament Injury

When you suspect a ligament injury in your middle finger, taking immediate action can help minimize damage and promote healing. What steps should you take right after the injury occurs?

The RICE protocol is the recommended first-aid approach:

1. Rest: Avoid using the injured finger to prevent further damage.
2. Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. Use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a moist cloth or submerge the finger in a cup of ice water.
3. Compression: Wrap the finger with a firm elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
4. Elevation: Keep the injured hand elevated above heart level when sitting or lying down.

Continue this regimen until you can be assessed by a healthcare professional, preferably within the first couple of days following the injury.

Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Proper diagnosis and treatment of a torn ligament in the middle finger are crucial for optimal recovery. What can you expect during a professional evaluation?

A healthcare provider, typically a physiotherapist or orthopedic specialist, will:

• Assess the extent of the damage through physical examination
• May refer you for an X-ray to rule out bone injuries or fractures
• Determine the grade of the ligament tear (Grade I, II, or III)
• Develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of the injury

Treatment options may include:

• Wearing a splint to immobilize the finger and protect the healing ligament
• Electrotherapy to reduce pain and swelling while promoting healing
• Gradual implementation of stretching and strengthening exercises
• Wax therapy for pain relief and improved circulation
• Soft tissue massage and mobilization techniques
• Proprioceptive exercises to restore finger dexterity and function

In severe cases, particularly with complete ligament tears, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damaged ligament and restore proper finger function.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Ligament Injury Recovery

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of finger ligament injuries. How does physiotherapy contribute to the healing process?

A physiotherapist will:

• Guide you through a customized rehabilitation program
• Monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed
• Teach you proper techniques for protecting the injured ligament during daily activities
• Provide manual therapy to improve joint mobility and reduce pain
• Introduce exercises to gradually restore strength and flexibility
• Offer advice on taping techniques and supportive devices for return to sports or activities

Consistent physiotherapy can significantly improve recovery outcomes and help prevent future injuries by addressing any underlying biomechanical issues.

Recovery Timeline and Returning to Normal Activities

The recovery period for a torn ligament in the middle finger can vary depending on the severity of the injury. What factors influence healing time, and when can you expect to return to normal activities?

Recovery timelines generally fall into these categories:

• Mild sprains (Grade I): 2-4 weeks
• Moderate tears (Grade II): 4-8 weeks
• Severe tears or complete ruptures (Grade III): 8-12 weeks or longer, especially if surgery is required

Factors affecting recovery include:

• The grade of the ligament tear
• Your overall health and age
• Compliance with treatment and rehabilitation protocols
• The presence of any complications, such as associated bone injuries

Your healthcare provider will guide you on when it’s safe to return to specific activities. It’s crucial to follow their advice to prevent re-injury and ensure complete healing.

Potential Long-Term Effects and Complications

While most finger ligament injuries heal without significant complications, some cases may lead to long-term effects. What are the potential complications of an untreated or improperly managed ligament injury?

Possible long-term effects include:

• Chronic pain or discomfort in the affected finger
• Reduced range of motion or persistent stiffness
• Weakness in gripping or pinching
• Instability of the finger joint, leading to recurrent injuries
• Development of osteoarthritis in the affected joint
• Deformity or misalignment of the finger

To minimize the risk of these complications, it’s essential to:

1. Seek prompt medical attention for any suspected ligament injury
2. Follow through with the prescribed treatment plan
3. Attend all physiotherapy sessions and complete home exercises as instructed
4. Gradually return to activities, allowing sufficient time for healing
5. Use protective measures (such as taping or bracing) when returning to sports or high-risk activities

Preventing Finger Ligament Injuries

While not all ligament injuries can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. How can you protect your fingers from ligament damage?

Preventive measures include:

• Proper warm-up and stretching before engaging in sports or physical activities
• Using correct techniques and equipment in sports and manual tasks

li>Wearing protective gear, such as gloves or finger supports, during high-risk activities

• Strengthening exercises for the hands and fingers to improve overall stability
• Maintaining good overall fitness and flexibility
• Being mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidental falls or impacts
• Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks to avoid overuse injuries

By incorporating these preventive strategies into your daily routine and athletic activities, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a torn ligament in your middle finger or other digits.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Finger Injury

Knowing when to seek professional medical help is crucial for proper management of finger injuries. What signs indicate that you should consult a healthcare provider?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t subside with basic first aid measures
• Obvious deformity or misalignment of the finger
• Inability to move the finger or significant loss of function
• Numbness or tingling in the affected finger
• Discoloration of the finger, especially if it turns pale or bluish
• Rapid or excessive swelling
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or fever

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have a professional assessment. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure optimal healing.

Advancements in Treating Finger Ligament Injuries

The field of orthopedics and sports medicine is constantly evolving, bringing new techniques and technologies to the treatment of finger ligament injuries. What are some of the latest advancements in this area?

Recent innovations include:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for ligament repair, resulting in faster recovery times
• Advanced imaging technologies for more accurate diagnosis, such as high-resolution MRI
• Biologic treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing
• Custom-made 3D-printed splints for better fit and comfort during recovery
• Virtual reality-based rehabilitation programs to improve engagement and outcomes
• Wearable sensors to monitor range of motion and provide real-time feedback during exercises

These advancements offer promising opportunities for more effective treatment and rehabilitation of finger ligament injuries. However, it’s important to consult with a specialist to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific case.

Living with a Healing Finger Ligament Injury

Adapting to daily life while recovering from a finger ligament injury can be challenging. How can you manage your daily activities and maintain your quality of life during the healing process?

Consider these strategies:

• Use adaptive tools and devices designed for one-handed use
• Practice using your non-dominant hand for basic tasks
• Utilize voice-to-text technology for typing and messaging
• Wear protective splints or braces as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Communicate your limitations to employers or colleagues to arrange suitable accommodations
• Focus on activities that don’t require fine motor skills of the affected hand
• Engage in approved exercises to maintain overall fitness and mental well-being

Remember that recovery is a process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Gradually increase your activities as your healthcare provider allows, and don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or support groups for individuals with hand injuries.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Management

Proper follow-up care is essential for ensuring complete recovery and preventing future complications. What should you expect in terms of long-term management for a finger ligament injury?

Key aspects of follow-up care include:

• Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor healing progress
• Gradual progression of rehabilitation exercises under professional guidance
• Periodic assessments of strength and range of motion
• Adjustments to treatment plans based on your progress and any emerging concerns
• Education on proper ergonomics and injury prevention techniques
• Consideration of protective measures for return to high-risk activities or sports

Long-term management may also involve:

• Ongoing hand therapy exercises to maintain flexibility and strength
• Regular use of supportive devices during certain activities
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of re-injury
• Periodic imaging to assess the long-term health of the affected joint

By committing to thorough follow-up care and long-term management, you can optimize your recovery outcomes and minimize the risk of future finger ligament injuries.

Ligament Injuries In The Fingers – Hand – Conditions – Musculoskeletal – What We Treat

What is a ligament injury in the fingers?

A ligament injury in a finger is when one or more of the ligaments supporting a finger joint is overstretched and damaged. Physiotherapy is important following a ligament injury in the finger.

How does a ligament injury in the fingers happen?

Ligaments are injured when they are overstretched. This can occur if a finger is bent back with force. This is common in the sports and may be caused by a ball hitting the finger or if a finger gets caught on a fellow competitor’s clothing, a net or the ground.

Above: Soft tissue massage and mobilisations of the finger tendons and joints

What are the symptoms of a ligament injury in the fingers?

When a ligament supporting a finger joint is injured pain is felt in the finger. It is often made more painful if the joint is moved or if the finger is touched where the ligament is injured. Shortly after the injury the finger will become swollen and then bruised. Other symptoms may include:

• reduced range of movement
• stiffness
• weakness
• deformity
• biomechanical problems

What should I do if I have a ligament injury in my finger?

If you have or suspect you have a ligament injury in your finger, you should begin the RICE regime (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Rest involves not using your finger. Ice should be applied to the injured site for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours using a bag of frozen peas in a moist cloth or towel or by submerging the finger in a cup of ice with a little bit of water.
Compression can be applied with a firm elastic bandage around the finger. Elevation involves lying or sitting with the injured site resting comfortably on a chair or pillows so that it is above the level of the heart. You should continue the RICE regime until your initial assessment with your physiotherapist. This should be arranged for as soon as possible following the injury (within the first couple of days).

Physiotherapy treatment for a ligament injury in the fingers.

Physiotherapy is very important in the treatment of an injured ligament within a finger. Initially, your physiotherapist will assess which tissues have been damaged and the extent of this damage. Referral for an X-ray may be required to determine whether any of the bones are damaged. From the assessment, your physiotherapist can devise a treatment plan specific to you.

Treatment may involve wearing a splint, electrotherapy to decrease pain, swelling and promote healing. Your physiotherapist will also provide you with a graduated programme of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve joint movement and strength. When you do return to normal activity or participation in sports your physiotherapist will advise you on protective measures such as taping techniques, splints and supports to protect the injured ligament/s.

Other treatment includes:

• Wax therapy
• Massage
• Soft Tissue Treatment
• Proprioceptive Exercise

What shouldn’t I do if I have a ligament injury in my finger?

If you have or suspect you have a ligament injury in your finger, you should not perform activities which increase blood flow to the injured area. These activities include hot showers, heat rubs, massage and the consumption of alcohol. These may increase swelling around the injured ligament and potentially prolong your recovery.

Can there be any long-term effects from a ligament injury in the fingers?

Most ligament injuries within a finger heal without complication in a matter of weeks. However, a proportion of injuries can result in longer-term effects, depending on the severity of the injury and extent of damage. When a ligament supporting a finger joint is injured, a piece of the bone it attaches can sometimes be chipped-off. This may prolong your recovery. Recovery may also be prolonged if the ligament is completely torn as surgery may be required to repair the ligament.

To arrange a physiotherapy assessment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online.

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Finger Sprain | Middle Georgia Orthopaedics

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The bones in each of your fingers are connected by joints. A finger dislocation occurs when a bone in your finger is forced out of its normal joint position. With the joint separated, the finger loses most of its ability to bend and extend.

A direct blow to the hand, fingers, or thumb may cause a dislocation. Falls and contact sports, such as baseball and football, are commonly linked to finger dislocations.

Other factors may contribute to a finger dislocation such as:

• previous injuries that have damaged the bone or soft tissues (ligaments)
• using improper equipment during daily activities and exercise
• diseases that affect the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis

A sprain is an injury in which ligaments are overstretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect two bones together. Finger sprains occur when a finger joint is forced beyond its normal range of movement and a ligament is damaged.

Sprains are classified according to the extent of the injury:

    Mild (Grade I) sprains involve a tear of some of the fibers in the ligament. The finger is still functional and healing is usually rapid.
    Moderate (Grade II) sprains occur when part of the ligament is torn apart. There is some loss of function and healing will likely take longer than with a mild sprain.
    Severe (Grade III) sprains result when the ligament is torn completely apart or separated from the bone. Most finger movement is lost and surgery is needed to repair the damage.

What causes it?
Finger sprains are commonly caused by accidents, such as a blow to the finger or falling on an outstretched hand. They can also occur from activities that place repeated or prolonged stress on a finger joint.

What are the symptoms?
You may feel a tear or pop at the time of injury. This is followed by pain, swelling, and bruising in the area.

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your injury and examine the finger. An X-ray of your wrist and hand may be needed to check for broken bones.

What is the treatment?
Conservative treatment usually includes rest and immobilization for the finger. You may need to wear a splint or have the finger “buddy-taped” to the finger next to it for approximately two weeks. Ice packs may be used for the first few days every three to four hours (10 to 15 minutes at a time) to reduce swelling. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain. You may begin exercises to regain flexibility and strength in the finger when cleared by your doctor.

Severe sprains may require surgical treatment to repair the ligaments. Postoperatively, you may need to wear a protective splint for about four to six weeks. Your doctor may also refer you for hand therapy with an occupational or physical therapist.

What is the outlook?
Typically, finger sprains heal well in patients who follow their rehabilitation program. Ligaments require from two to 10 weeks to heal. A small number of patients do experience complications such as re-injury, joint instability, arthritis, or inflammation where the ligament attaches to the bone. Your recovery will depend on your age, overall health, and the extent of your injury.

Injuries / tears / avulsions of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers – Injuries of the hands – Treatment and recovery

For the proper functioning of the hand, the coordinated work of the flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers is necessary. There are no muscles in the fingers, so their flexion and extension is realized due to the tendons of the muscles that are located on the forearm. The flexor tendons are located on the palmar surface of the hand, the extensor tendons are located on the back side directly under the skin. Each finger has two flexor tendons, superficial and deep. The deep flexor attaches to the nail phalanges and is responsible for bending them, while the superficial flexor attaches to the middle phalanges. Injuries to the flexors and extensors of the fingers are quite common due to the predominantly superficial location of the tendons. When the flexors of the fingers are injured, the end of the tendon located proximally is pulled, because of this it is very difficult to find the ends of the tendon when it breaks. When the extensor is injured, the tendon practically does not move, therefore, it is easier to treat.

Types of injuries

• Tears and avulsions of tendons
  Injuries to the flexors and extensors of the fingers of the hand are accompanied by a violation of their integrity with direct or indirect impact. In case of damage, a rupture and complete detachment of the tendon from its place of attachment to the bone fragment is possible.

  Injury Qualification:

  • Open and closed – depending on the violation of the integrity of the skin
  • Partial and complete – depending on the degree of damage
  • Fresh, stale and old – depending on the statute of limitations of the injury
  • Combined, isolated, and multiple – depending on the number of lesions
• Inflammatory processes
  • Tenosynovitis of the hand is an acute or chronic inflammation that occurs in the synovial membranes of the fibrous sheaths of the tendons of the muscles of the hand and fingers. Tendovaginitis is accompanied by a crunch during movements, a slight swelling along the affected tendon sheath
  • Tenosynovitis (or de Quervain’s disease) is a disease in which inflammation of the tendons of the thumb occurs. The pain associated with this ailment arises from the friction of the swollen tendons against the walls of the tunnel intended for their movement, at the base of the thumb and under it, as well as along the edge of the wrist joint. It is manifested by aching pain in the wrist area.
  • Knott’s disease (trigger finger, spring finger) is a disease of the flexor tendons of the fingers and their surrounding ligaments, the characteristic feature of which is a clicking that occurs when the fingers move. As the disease progresses, finger extension becomes almost impossible.

Symptoms

With ruptures or separations, the following symptoms are observed:

• In case of damage to the tendons on the palmar surface of the hand or fingers, there is a violation of the function of flexion, due to which the fingers are in an overextended state
• Injuries to the dorsum of the hand impair the extension function of one or more fingers
• Numbness of fingers and other sensory disorders (with nerve damage)
• Finger deformity
• Edema
• Hemorrhage
• Tendon injury
• Visible soft tissue injury (open injury)

Which doctor to contact

• Orthopedic traumatologist
• Surgeon

Diagnostics

• Detailed examination by a traumatologist of the injury site, diagnostic tests (flexion-extension of the fingers in one sequence or another)
• X-ray of fingers
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound)
• Magnetic resonance imaging

Treatment

With damage to the extensor, two treatment options are possible: conservative and surgical. Damage at the level of the fingers can be cured without surgery, but subject to prolonged wearing of a cast or plastic splint. In all other cases, as well as with injuries of the flexor tendons, surgical treatment is indicated. The operation is a complex surgical intervention, often using microsurgical techniques. It consists in dissecting the skin and suturing the ends of the torn tendon under local or conduction anesthesia. In the postoperative period, the arm is necessarily fixed with a plaster cast.

When the ends of the tendons are crushed or torn, they are excised. In order to avoid postoperative flexion contracture, operations are performed to lengthen the tendon in the tendon-muscular part or its Z-shaped lengthening proximal to the area of ​​damage.

In some cases, with chronic injuries of the flexor tendons of the fingers (the presence of tendon defects 2 or more centimeters long), the patient is shown tendon plasty, or plasty with preliminary formation of the tendon canal using temporary tendon arthroplasty with a silicone endoprosthesis. Most often, plastic surgery is performed in conjunction with other surgical interventions (tendon revision, tenolysis, etc.).

After any method of treatment of injuries of the extensor and flexor fingers of the hand, rehabilitation is necessary. For 3-5 weeks, the tendons grow together quite firmly, after which you can remove the plaster cast and, under the supervision of a doctor, begin recovery procedures.

Restoration of all necessary functions of the fingers includes: physiotherapy exercises for the development of the hand, physiotherapy, massage, salt baths and other procedures prescribed by a doctor.

In Moscow, you can make an appointment with qualified specialists at the NCC Clinic No. 2 (Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Waiting for you.

Finger tendon rupture: operation in Moscow

This is a closed injury to the extensor apparatus of the finger, most often at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Most common tendon injury. The injury occurs as a result of a sharp unexpected flexion (impact) on the nail phalanx of the finger, in the distal interphalangeal joint. As a result, overstretching and rupture of the thin extensor tendon of the finger occurs. In some cases, there is a detachment of the bone fragment, to which the extensor tendon is attached. As a result, extension of the nail phalanx of the finger is impossible. The so-called “finger-hammer” is formed. In some cases, due to tendon degeneration, tendon rupture occurs with little effort.

Prices for treatment of extensor tendon rupture

Extensor tendon rupture

Anesthesia

90 112

Anesthesia for surgical treatment
Local anesthesia (the operation is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist)	10,000₽
Intravenous sedation (TVVA)	20,000 RUB
General anesthesia (KETN). The duration of the operation is from 2 to 8 hours.	40 000₽

Hospital stay

901 19 7 000₽

See full price list

Benefits of treatment at the ART Clinic

0002 A team of highly qualified specialists with extensive experience

Modern minimally invasive methods of operations and reconstructions

Affordable prices, promotions, discounts, installments

Briefly about the procedure

Duration of the operation

1 hour

Aneste

local anesthesia

Suture removal

after 6-7 days

Hospitalization

1 day

Examination

2-3 times

Rehabilitation

After suture removal

Contact person

All specialists

Subcutaneous rupture of the extensor tendon of the finger occupies a leading position among all injuries of the hand. The very moment of rupture may not be accompanied by severe pain. The tear of the tendon leads to the fact that the hand ceases to perform its function normally, and the finger acquires a hammer-like appearance. In some cases, the rupture occurs during a finger injury and is accompanied by a detachment of a fragment of the bone of the nail phalanx at the site of tendon attachment.

Seeking help from a hand reconstruction specialist in a timely manner makes it possible to restore the integrity of a damaged finger tendon in case of spontaneous rupture or injury due to injury. The Art Clinic performs surgical treatment of tendon rupture.

What can cause a tendon rupture in the hand

Often the cause of injury is a sharp blow or bending of the phalanx of the finger. The extensor tendon of the finger is overstretched and torn, sometimes with a fragment of bone. As a result of an injury to the phalanx, the finger takes on a hammer-like appearance. The finger stops flexing on its own.

Other causes of finger tendon rupture:

• tendon degenerative processes;
• ignoring safety regulations during manual work;
• excessive sports activities, short interval between workouts;
• unsuccessful falls, blows.

Rupture can occur both with a single impact on the hand, and after prolonged loads, several blows.

Symptoms of injury

A tendon rupture in the little finger, middle finger or other finger is not always immediately recognizable. In most cases, at the time of injury, a person hears a click, but does not feel severe pain. It is possible to suspect subcutaneous tendon rupture by characteristic symptoms:

• finger does not extend on its own, but can be straightened by using the other hand;
• edema appears at the site of injury;
• pain in the finger.

Pain is especially intense when a bone fragment is torn off.

Treatment at the Art Clinic

At the Art Clinic, the treatment of finger tendon rupture is performed by surgical methods. The operation does not require special preparation and long recovery. The reconstruction of the damaged tendon is performed under local anesthesia. The operation lasts up to 60 minutes, the patient’s stay in the clinic is from several hours to a day.

If an injury has occurred, the finger has become like a hammer, you should not hesitate to contact the Art Clinic for help. Call the specified phone number or leave a request on the website to find out the price of treatment in Moscow and sign up for an initial consultation.

More about the procedure

Symptoms of extensor tendon rupture

As a rule, an extensor injury is not accompanied by severe pain. Sometimes people notice only after a while that there is no active extension of the nail phalanx.

The finger can be painlessly extended with the other hand, but cannot be extended by itself. Swelling and soreness are possible, especially when a bone fragment is torn off.

Features of the operation

The priority method of treatment is the fixation of the nail phalanx with a needle for 5-6 weeks. The needle sinks under the skin and allows you to use your finger in everyday life. After removal of the pin within a few weeks, the movement in the joint is completely restored. This operation is most effective in the first week after the injury.

A more complex operation is required if:

• a bone fragment is torn off more than 30% of the width of the articular surface
• palmar distal phalanx subluxation
• injury more than 3 weeks ago

In these cases, the torn tendon is sutured to the distal phalanx. If there is a fracture, the bone fragment is fixed with a pin. The nail phalanx is fixed in the position of moderate hyperextension with a needle passed through the joint so as not to tear the tendon suture.

Preparing for surgery

There are no special recommendations for preparing for surgery. On the day of surgery, do not eat or drink liquids in the morning. If you take medication regularly, take it with one sip of water.