Definition
A finger sprain is a traumatic injury that affects the ligaments that hold the finger joints together. Ligaments are tough connective tissues that bind bones together and ensure joint stability. A sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched, partially torn or completely ruptured due to excessive force applied to the joint.
Finger sprains can be classified into three degrees according to their severity:
- First-degree sprain: The ligaments are slightly stretched, but there is no significant tear. Symptoms include pain, slight swelling and stiffness.
- Second-degree sprain: The ligaments are partially torn. This can lead to more intense pain, more pronounced swelling and reduced joint mobility.
- Third-degree sprain: The ligaments are completely ruptured, resulting in joint instability. Symptoms are more severe, with intense pain, significant swelling and an inability to move the joint normally.
Finger sprains usually occur during sporting activities, domestic accidents or falls. Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain, but may include rest, immobilization, physical therapy and, in severe cases, surgery to repair the torn ligaments.
Injury to one or more finger ligaments
The fingers are made up of several phalanges that are articulated to each other and held in place by collateral ligaments. These ligaments stretch from phalanx to phalanx to ensure the stability of the metacarpophalangeal joints (between the proximal phalanges and the metacarpal bones of the palm) and the interphalangeal joints (between the middle, proximal and distal phalanges). These ligaments are responsible for keeping the joint surfaces in perfect contact during movement.
Finger sprains usually occur as a result of a sudden twisting of the finger, causing a sudden stretching or even complete tearing of one of the ligaments. In the case of thumb sprains, the main ligament at the base of the thumb on the inside of the hand is usually involved.
Sprains can be triggered by violent movements during sporting activities, such as hyperextension injuries or sudden receptions of hard balls, as in basketball or handball. Falls are also a frequent cause of sprains, particularly when landing hard on the hands. Thumb sprains are often associated with skiers, and are sometimes referred to as “skier’s thumb”. When a skier falls on his or her hand while holding a ski pole, the strong ligament that prevents the thumb from moving too far away from the other fingers (at the metacarpophalangeal joint) can be stretched or torn. In some cases, the ligament may even detach from the bone (Steiner effect), necessitating surgery to repair the ligament and stabilize the joint.
What symptoms?
The symptoms of a sprain vary in intensity from person to person, but the main signs are generally as follows:
- Pain: Pain occurs immediately after a sudden movement or fall. However, pain is not necessarily proportional to the severity of the sprain.
- Swelling: The affected finger may become swollen, with varying degrees of swelling.
- Difficulty of movement: There may be difficulty in bending the finger or grasping objects between the thumb and index finger (in the case of a thumb sprain).
- Feeling of weakness: A feeling of weakness in the joint may be felt.
- Hematoma: In some cases, a hematoma or bruise may appear.
It’s important to note that when a finger is dislocated, it may be visibly twisted, painful and swollen. An X-ray, usually taken from different angles, can be taken to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate between a sprain and a dislocation.
