What are the common causes of finger ligament injuries. How can you recognize the symptoms of a torn ligament in your finger. What are the most effective treatment options for finger ligament injuries. How long does recovery typically take for a finger ligament injury. Are there any potential long-term effects of finger ligament damage.

Understanding Finger Ligament Anatomy and Function

Finger ligaments play a crucial role in maintaining joint stability and allowing proper finger movement. These tough, fibrous tissues connect bones to other bones, providing support and limiting excessive motion. The fingers contain several important ligaments, including collateral ligaments on the sides of each joint and volar plate ligaments on the palmar surface.

Knowing the basic anatomy of finger ligaments helps us better understand how injuries occur and why proper treatment is essential. The main functions of finger ligaments include:

• Stabilizing the finger joints
• Guiding joint movement
• Preventing hyperextension
• Distributing forces across the joint

Common Causes and Mechanisms of Finger Ligament Injuries

Finger ligament injuries typically occur when the ligaments are overstretched beyond their normal range. This can happen due to various reasons:

• Sports injuries – especially ball sports like basketball, volleyball, and football
• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Forceful bending of the finger backward
• Direct blows or impacts to the finger
• Sudden twisting motions

In sports, ligament sprains often result from a ball striking the fingertip or the finger getting caught in an opponent’s jersey or equipment. Understanding these mechanisms can help athletes and active individuals take preventive measures.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Finger Ligament Injury

Identifying a finger ligament injury early is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain, especially when moving the affected joint
• Swelling around the injured area
• Bruising that develops within hours or days
• Reduced range of motion in the finger
• Stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the finger
• Weakness when gripping or pinching
• Visible deformity in severe cases
• Instability or a feeling of looseness in the joint

Is it possible to distinguish between a minor sprain and a more severe ligament tear? While a definitive diagnosis requires medical evaluation, the severity of symptoms can provide clues. Mild sprains may cause minimal pain and swelling, while complete tears often result in significant pain, instability, and loss of function.

Immediate First Aid for Finger Ligament Injuries

When a finger ligament injury occurs, prompt action can help minimize damage and promote healing. The RICE protocol is widely recommended as an initial treatment approach:

1. Rest: Avoid using the injured finger to prevent further damage.
2. Ice: Apply cold therapy for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Compression: Use a gentle elastic bandage to compress the injured area.
4. Elevation: Keep the hand elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.

How long should you continue the RICE protocol? It’s generally advised to follow these steps for the first 24-48 hours after injury or until you can see a healthcare professional. However, avoid applying ice directly to the skin, and don’t compress the finger too tightly, as this can impair circulation.

Professional Diagnosis and Assessment of Finger Ligament Injuries

While initial self-care is important, seeking professional medical evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of finger ligament injuries. A healthcare provider will typically perform the following:

• Physical examination of the injured finger
• Assessment of range of motion and joint stability
• Palpation to identify areas of tenderness
• Stress tests to evaluate ligament integrity
• X-rays to rule out fractures or bone chips
• In some cases, MRI or ultrasound imaging for detailed soft tissue evaluation

Based on the assessment, finger ligament injuries are often classified into three grades:

1. Grade I: Mild stretching of the ligament with minimal damage
2. Grade II: Partial tearing of the ligament fibers
3. Grade III: Complete rupture of the ligament

This grading system helps guide treatment decisions and provides insight into the expected recovery timeline.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Finger Ligament Injuries

Treatment for finger ligament injuries varies depending on the severity of the damage and the specific ligament affected. A multifaceted approach often yields the best results:

Conservative Treatment

For mild to moderate sprains, non-surgical methods are typically the first line of treatment:

• Splinting or buddy taping to immobilize and protect the injured finger
• Physiotherapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength
• Modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to promote healing
• Gradual return to activities under professional guidance

Surgical Intervention

In cases of severe ligament tears or when conservative treatment fails, surgical repair may be necessary. Surgical options can include:

• Direct ligament repair
• Ligament reconstruction using grafts
• Internal fixation for associated bone injuries

How long does recovery take after finger ligament surgery? The timeline can vary, but most patients require 6-12 weeks of rehabilitation before returning to normal activities. Full recovery and return to sports may take several months.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy for Finger Ligament Injuries

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovering from finger ligament injuries and preventing long-term complications. A typical rehabilitation program may include:

• Range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness
• Strengthening exercises for the fingers and hand
• Proprioception training to improve joint awareness
• Manual therapy techniques to address scar tissue and mobility restrictions
• Functional training to simulate daily activities and sport-specific movements

Physical therapists may also use additional modalities to support healing:

• Wax therapy for heat application and improved circulation
• Soft tissue massage to reduce adhesions and promote flexibility
• Taping techniques for added support during activities

Why is early mobilization important in finger ligament rehabilitation? Controlled early movement helps prevent joint stiffness, promotes proper ligament healing alignment, and maintains muscle strength. However, the timing and extent of mobilization should be guided by a healthcare professional to avoid re-injury.

Preventing Finger Ligament Injuries and Long-Term Complications

While not all finger ligament injuries can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce the risk and minimize long-term effects:

• Proper warm-up and stretching before physical activities
• Using appropriate protective equipment in sports (e.g., taping, gloves)
• Strengthening exercises for the hands and fingers
• Avoiding prolonged hyperextension of the fingers
• Learning proper falling techniques to protect the hands

Can finger ligament injuries lead to long-term problems? While most injuries heal without complications, some potential long-term effects include:

• Chronic joint instability
• Reduced range of motion
• Increased risk of osteoarthritis
• Persistent weakness or stiffness

Proper treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of these long-term complications.

Special Considerations for Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes and those engaged in regular physical activities face unique challenges when dealing with finger ligament injuries. Special considerations for this population include:

• Sport-specific rehabilitation protocols
• Customized protective equipment for return to play
• Gradual progression of training intensity
• Addressing psychological aspects of injury and recovery
• Regular assessments to monitor healing and prevent re-injury

How can athletes safely return to their sport after a finger ligament injury? A phased return-to-play protocol is often recommended, involving:

1. Achieving full pain-free range of motion
2. Regaining at least 90% of pre-injury strength
3. Demonstrating sport-specific skills without pain or instability
4. Gradual reintroduction to team training and competition

Collaboration between athletes, coaches, medical professionals, and physiotherapists is crucial for a safe and successful return to sport.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Finger Ligament Care

As medical science advances, new treatment options for finger ligament injuries continue to emerge. Some promising areas of research and development include:

• Biological augmentation techniques using growth factors or stem cells
• Advanced imaging methods for more precise diagnosis
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Innovative rehabilitation technologies, such as virtual reality-based therapy
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and biomechanical factors

What role might regenerative medicine play in treating finger ligament injuries? While still in the experimental stages, treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy show potential for enhancing ligament healing and reducing recovery time. However, more research is needed to establish their long-term efficacy and optimal protocols.

As our understanding of finger ligament injuries continues to grow, treatment strategies will likely become more sophisticated and tailored to individual patient needs. This ongoing progress offers hope for improved outcomes and faster recovery times for those affected by these common yet potentially debilitating 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.