Finger Sprain - Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Creator: Dr. Balreen Kaur Bali
Published: 2023-05-12T15:57:06

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A finger sprain occurs when a ligament is torn or stretched as a result of an injury or a fall. Read further to know more about this condition.

Written by

Dr. Balreen Kaur Bali

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Anuj Gupta

May 12, 2023

October 31, 2023

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Contents

What Is Finger Sprain?
What Are the Causes of a Finger Sprain?
What Are the Symptoms of a Finger Sprain?
How Is a Finger Sprain Diagnosed?
What Is the Treatment for a Finger Sprain?
What Are the Complications of a Finger Sprain?
How to Manage Finger Sprain at Home?
How to Prevent a Finger Sprain?

Introduction:

A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at joints. A fall, twist, or bump can cause a sprain. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move joints. It can pop out or tear when an injury occurs. A strain is a tear or stretch in a muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones. Twisting or pulling on these tissues can cause strain. Stress can come on suddenly, or it can develop over time. Back and thigh muscle strain is common.

What Is Finger Sprain?

A sprained finger is a condition in which soft tissue, such as a ligament or tendon, is torn or stretched. These are soft tissues that connect bones with other bones and support joints. Finger sprains occur very commonly. They are usually caused by sports injuries or trauma (such as car crashes or falls). A sprained finger is extremely painful and can lead to finger stiffness and swelling. Minor sprains can often be easily treated at home. If symptoms persist or worsen, the person is advised to seek medical help. It is divided into the following grades by physicians:

Grade 1 - There are small tears in your band. Your joint is stable (probably won't move).
Grade 2 - Partially torn ligament. The joint is slightly unstable (may move out of place).
Grade 3 - You have completely torn the bond. The joint is very unstable (possibly misaligned).

The ligaments are severely damaged and may even dislocate. It occurs when the finger bones move (dislocate) from their original position, and the joints become misaligned.

What Are the Causes of a Finger Sprain?

Most finger sprains are due to trauma. Bending the fingers too far back (hyperextension) or bending them in the wrong direction can lead to finger sprains. These types of injuries are common in sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball. A person may fall on their hand and sprain their fingers. If a person has weak ligaments or has balance or coordination problems, they are more likely to get this type of injury. Accidents such as car accidents and work-related injuries can also lead to finger sprains.

What Are the Symptoms of a Finger Sprain?

The symptoms of a finger sprain are listed below:

Pain in the movement of the finger.
Stiff finger, which is difficult to move.
Swelling around the finger joint.
Tenderness in the finger joint.
Redness around the joint.

How Is a Finger Sprain Diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of a sprained finger, the doctor may follow the points listed below:

Physical Examination - The doctor will examine and look for symptoms specific to a finger sprain. The doctor will check the movement of the finger by stretching and bending the finger. He may also look for tenderness and swelling.
Imaging Tests - This test is a confirmatory test for a sprain or a fracture. The doctor may require an x-rays to look for fractures. If a healthcare provider suspects a sprained finger, an imaging test like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually unnecessary but may be recommended. Your doctor may assign a grade based on the severity of the sprain.

What Is the Treatment for a Finger Sprain?

The treatment for a sprained finger depends on the severity and grade of the sprain. Various methods of treatment for a finger sprain are listed below:

Buddy Taping/Support - Caregivers may recommend stabilizing the sprained finger by taping it to the adjacent finger or using a supportive bandage.
Splint - A plastic splint or finger splint can help keep the finger straight for a period of time and allow it to heal.
Surgery - The doctor may suggest surgery to repair severely torn ligaments.

What Are the Complications of a Finger Sprain?

The complications of an untreated finger sprain may include the following:

Degenerative changes in the finger joints.
Arthritis in the fingers.
Chronic inflammation.
Inability to hold things.
Inability to perform daily tasks with the hand.
Permanent joint deformity.

How to Manage Finger Sprain at Home?

Minor sprains can often be treated at home. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain. RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation) can also be used.

Rest - Rest the fingers if possible. Stop the activity that caused the injury (such as basketball) until the finger heals.
Ice - It cools the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, especially within the first 24 hours. Instead of applying ice directly to the skin, put it in a towel or plastic bag. Icing the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling.
Compression - An elastic compression bandage is wrapped around the injured joint to provide support and reduce swelling. Make sure the wrap is comfortable and not too tight.
Elevation - Elevate the injured hand to minimize swelling, especially for the first 24-72 hours. If possible, keep it elevated overnight.

How to Prevent a Finger Sprain?

The occurrence of a finger sprain cannot always be prevented especially if playing an outdoor sport. But care should be taken to wear supportive wraps, gloves, and protective gear to prevent any sports-related injury. Timely application of ice and rest to the finger should be given to prevent further damage to the area involved.

Conclusion:

Finger sprains are common and usually caused by injury or trauma. Signs of a finger sprain include pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the finger joints. Mild sprains can be easily treated at home with the RICE method and medication, but more severe sprains require medical attention. Second and third-degree sprains may need medical attention. The doctor will ask to flex and extend the finger so that they can examine the joint and assess its function and mobility. Doctor may also order x-rays to look for fractures and assess the extent of the damage. The sprains usually heal quickly, and the person can return to regular activity within a short time. An untreated sprain can lead to permanent disability. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of these injuries are important to maintain functioning of the hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to Know if the Finger Is Sprained?

A sprained finger is a common injury when the ligaments around the finger joint are stretched or torn. It often results from sudden trauma or overextension of the finger. Here are some signs and symptoms to help determine if the finger is sprained:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Bruising limited range of motion.
- Clicking sensation difficulty gripping.

2. How Long Does a Sprained Finger Last?

The duration of a sprained finger's recovery can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the sprain and how well it's treated and managed. Generally, a mild to moderate sprained finger can take a few days to several weeks to heal, while a more severe sprain may require several weeks or even a few months for complete recovery.

3. Does Sprained Fingers Require Surgery?

Most sprained fingers do not require surgery. Sprains typically involve damage to the ligaments that connect the bones in the finger joints, and they can usually heal with non-surgical treatments. These treatments often include rest, immobilization, and physical therapy. However, there are some cases where surgery may be necessary, although they are relatively rare.

4. Can Sprained Fingers Heal Completely?

Yes, sprained fingers can heal completely, and many people recover full function and range of motion with the right treatment and rehabilitation. The key to achieving a complete recovery is early and appropriate injury management. Here's what can be done to maximize the chances of complete healing:
- Rest.
- Ice.
- Compression.
- Elevation.

5. How Much Time Does a Sprained Finger Require to Heal?

The time it takes for a sprained finger to heal can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the sprain, the type of treatment received, and individual factors such as age and overall health. Mild-to-moderate sprained fingers can heal within a few weeks to a couple of months with appropriate care and rehabilitation. However, more severe sprains or complications such as avulsion fractures or ligament tears may require a longer healing period, potentially extending to several months.

6. Is Heat Beneficial for a Sprained Finger?

In the initial stages of a sprained finger, applying heat is generally not recommended. Heat can increase blood flow to the injured area and exacerbate swelling and inflammation, which may make the injury feel worse. Therefore, during the first 48 to 72 hours following a sprained finger, it is typically more beneficial to use cold therapy, such as ice, to help reduce pain and swelling.

7. Is Bruising Normally Seen in a Sprained Finger?

Yes, bruising is a common symptom associated with a sprained finger. When a finger is sprained, it usually involves damage to the ligaments, which are connective tissues that hold the bones together at the joint. When these ligaments are stretched or torn due to injury, blood vessels in the affected area can be damaged, leading to the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues. This results in bruising, also known as ecchymosis.

8. How Long Is Bruising Seen on a Sprained Finger?

In most cases, bruising from a sprained finger will completely resolve within 2 to 4 weeks after the injury. The skin color returns to normal at this point, and the bruise disappears entirely. Suppose the bruising persists beyond the expected timeline. In that case, if it spreads rapidly or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as worsening pain, numbness, or changes in skin color, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

9. Is Ice Beneficial for a Bruised Finger?

Ice can benefit a bruised finger, especially in the initial stages after the injury, when the bruise is still fresh and the finger may be swollen. Applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling associated with the bruise. Here's how to use ice for a bruised finger:
- Wrap Ice: Place crushed ice or ice cubes in a plastic bag or wrap it in a thin cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin. Using a cloth or towel as a barrier is important to avoid ice burn or frostbite.
- Apply Ice: Gently apply the wrapped ice to the bruised area on the finger.
- Time: Apply the ice for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Frequency: Repeat the icing process every 1 to 2 hours during the initial 24 to 72 hours after the injury or until the swelling and pain subside.

10. Can Sprained Fingers Heal on Their Own?

Yes, mild to moderate sprained fingers can often heal independently with appropriate care and time. The body's natural healing mechanisms typically allow the injured ligaments and tissues to repair themselves. However, it's essential to take steps to facilitate the healing process and prevent complications.

11. Can a Person With a Sprained Finger Move It?

Yes, a person with a sprained finger can typically move it to some extent, but the range of motion and the degree of movement may be limited, especially in the early stages of the injury. The ability to move the finger depends on the severity of the sprain, the specific ligaments affected, and how well the injury is managed.

12. Can Sprains Heal Naturally?

Yes, sprains can often heal naturally with time and proper care. The body has a natural healing process that allows damaged tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, to repair themselves. However, the degree and speed of healing can vary depending on the severity of the sprain and how well it is managed.

13. How Is the Test for a Broken Finger Performed?

The best way to know if an individual has broken a finger is with an X-ray. If a person is unsure, do not wait for the pain to go away naturally; make an appointment to have a doctor examine the finger.

14. How to Get Rid of a Sprained Finger?

Let the finger rest, if possible, to get rid of a sprained finger. Stop performing activities that injure it while the finger heals. Further, apply ice to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes, particularly within the first 24 hours. Place ice in a towel or plastic bag rather than on the skin.

Sources

Dr. Anuj Gupta

Spine Surgery

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