All you need to know about finger sprains

You’re playing basketball, you catch the ball a little awkwardly and… ouch! Your finger starts to swell and every movement becomes painful. Or maybe you’ve simply opened a jar with too much force, and now your finger hurts. These situations are more common than you might think, and they can lead to a sprained finger.

What is a sprained finger?

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:

1. First-degree sprain: The ligaments are slightly stretched, but there is no significant tear. Symptoms include pain, slight swelling and stiffness.
2. Second-degree sprain: The ligaments are partially torn. This can lead to more intense pain, more pronounced swelling and reduced joint mobility.
3. 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.

What causes a sprained finger?

Our fingers are under constant strain in our daily movements and physical activities. They are therefore particularly prone to injury. Here are a few common situations that can lead to sprains:

• Team sports: Whether it’s basketball, handball or volleyball, your fingers are often put to the test. Poor ball reception or rough contact can easily lead to twisted or stretched ligaments.
• Falls: Falling on your hand to cushion the impact is a classic cause of sprains. Whether at home or out and about, your fingers often absorb a large part of the shock.
• Domestic accidents: Sometimes, all it takes is a clumsy gesture to injure yourself. Opening a jar with too much force or banging against a piece of furniture can be enough to damage a ligament.
• Skiing (skier’s thumb): Winter sports enthusiasts are familiar with this specific injury. When a skier falls while holding his or her pole firmly, it can cause serious damage to the main ligament at the base of the thumb.

What are the symptoms of a sprained finger?

Recognizing a sprain is not always obvious at first glance, especially if it’s mild. Here are the signs that should alert you:

1. Immediate pain, often sharp, which occurs immediately after the trauma.
2. Swelling around the affected joint, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heat.
3. Difficulty moving the finger normally: bending the joint or grasping an object becomes painful.
4. A feeling of weakness or instability in the affected finger.
5. Sometimes, a hematoma (a bruise) appears around the injured area.

If your finger seems twisted, or if you feel unbearable pain accompanied by a total inability to move the finger, it could be a dislocation or fracture rather than a simple sprain. In this case, consult a doctor immediately.

How is a sprain diagnosed?

If you think you’ve got a sprain but you’re not sure, it’s always best to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. Here’s how it usually goes:

1. The doctor begins by examining your finger to assess pain and check joint mobility.
2. If necessary, an X-ray will be taken to rule out bone fractures.
3. In some more complex cases (e.g. if the ligament appears severely damaged), an ultrasound or MRI scan may be prescribed to visualize the precise state of the soft tissue.

A rapid diagnosis not only confirms the nature of the injury, but also enables the right treatment to be put in place from the outset.

What treatments are available?

Treatment will of course depend on the severity of the sprain. Here’s what you can do:

For mild to moderate sprains

The RICE method is your best ally:

• Rest your finger to avoid stress.
• Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every two hours to reduce swelling.
• Use an elastic bandage to stabilize the joint without overtightening.
• Keep your hand elevated as much as possible to limit swelling.

Additional information:

• A splint can be used to temporarily immobilize the finger.
• Painkillers or anti-inflammatories may be taken in case of severe pain (always on medical advice).

For severe sprains

If the ligament is completely ruptured (third degree), surgery may be required to repair the damaged tissue and stabilize the joint.

Rehabilitation

Once the acute phase is over, it will be essential to restore finger mobility and strength through specific exercises performed with a physiotherapist.

How can I prevent a sprained finger?

Prevention is better than cure! Here are a few simple tips:

1. Wear appropriate protective gear if you play sports that place heavy demands on your fingers (such as reinforced gloves).
2. Always take the time to warm up before any intense physical activity.
3. Learn to fall correctly without using your hands as shock absorbers.
4. Strengthen your fingers with specific exercises if you regularly take part in high-risk sports.

These little habits can make all the difference!

Conclusion

A finger sprain is never pleasant, but it can be managed effectively with the right actions from the outset. Rest, ice and immobilization are often enough to heal light to moderate injuries quickly. Above all, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you have any doubts about the seriousness of your injury!