Sprained finger facts

Sprained Finger

A sprained finger is an injury that features with partial or complete rupture of finger ligaments. Ligament is fibrous tissue which connects either two bones or a bone with a joint. It allows movements to certain extent and in case of increased force ligaments may be damaged. Overstretching and too much bending are the leading causes of sprained finger. Sprained finger is typically accompanied by pain, swelling and discoloration of the injured area.

Athletes are predisposed to this kind of injury especially wrestlers, soccer and football players and sportsmen engaged in weight lifting. However, it may also affect people during leisure activities and certain activities which include lifting heavy objects.

Treatment for Sprained Finger

The recovery includes avoiding of all activities that may further damage affected ligaments. So staying away from activities that have led to the injury is crucial for faster and proper healing of the injured finger.

Immediately after the injury one should apply an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in some cloth to the injured area. Cold is necessary for reduction of inflammation and consequent swelling. It may additionally help in alleviation of pain. The best results are achieved when ice is applied within 48 hours after the injury. Patients should never apply ice directly to the skin. Namely, it is supposed to be wrapped in some clean cloth and then applied. Ice can be applied several times a day.

Putting a bandage on the sprained finger is of additional help. The bandage will restrict the movements, improve and enhance the process of healing. Reduction of movements will also result in reduction of pain. Proper wrapping of the finger is crucial for proper healing. Apart from wrapping the injured finger the adjacent finger needs to be placed in bandage as well.

Pain in sprained finger can be varying in intensity. The majority of patients are prescribed painkillers such as ibuprofen. These medications are supposed to be taken only if the pain is unbearable and if previously mentioned maneuvers do not help in its alleviation.

In patients, whose ligaments have been completely torn the surgery is the only option and it can successfully restore the lost function of the injured finger. Postoperative care also includes administration of painkillers.

After certain period of time patients are advised to start rehabilitation and perform exercises to restore all the movements of the finger. These exercises can be easily performed during the whole day.

The entire recovery time lasts approximately 1 to 4 weeks and after that the person may get back to regular activities.