2023-04-18 17:29:18
The sprain is frequent trauma in athletes, which most often occurs during a sudden twisting movement at the level of a joint. She designates ligament damage that connect our bones together.
In the case of a finger sprain, several ligaments can be stretched or even torn: the ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and those of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP).
To relieve symptoms and limit the deleterious sequelae, prompt support is required. It is still necessary to know how to recognize such trauma. Insights and advice from Dr Hervé Collado, sports doctor and vice-president of the French Society of Sports Traumatology (SFTS).
Definition: what is a finger sprain?
As stated above, a sprained finger means the total stretching or tearing of one or more ligament(s) of the finger. “Each finger is made up of several phalanges, articulated and held together by ligaments. These ‘fibrous cables’ make it possible to connect the bones to each other and to stabilize the joints”, wishes to remind the doctor.
And to specify: “the finger sprain is relatively rare in everyday life, unless you fall suddenly and hold on with your hands, for example. This is an injury that is most often found in athletes who practice ball sports (basketball, handball, rugby, etc.) or skiing”.
Mild, medium or severe sprain?
Its management depends on the affected ligaments, but also on the degree of severity sprain. In fact, we distinguish:
- THE minor sprains (the ligaments are ‘simply’ stretched);
- THE average sprains (the ligaments are stretched and some ligament fibers are torn)
- and the severe sprains (all the fibers of the ligaments are torn and bone tearing has taken place).
Thumb, middle finger, ring finger, little finger… Which fingers can be affected?
All the fingers of the hand may be affected by a sprain: the thumb, index, middle, ring or little finger.
The sprain can also occur in the ligaments of thearticulation interphalangienne proximale (IPP), which connects the proximal phalanx and the middle phalanx, or those of thearticulation interphalangienne distale (IPD), which connects the middle phalanx and the distal phalanx.
Toe sprains also exist!
The toe joints of our feet are also held together by ligaments susceptible to being abused. Following a sudden movement or a violent shock, they can be stretched abnormally, or even torn. We are therefore talking about toe sprains. Most often they concern little or big toe and occur in athletes, especially footballers.
Twisted, swollen finger, pain, hematoma… What symptoms should alert?
“Sprains occur following a trauma: the pain does not appear gradually, but manifests itself suddenly “says Dr. Collado. Several symptoms can accompany it:
- and edema (swelling) ;
- abruise (which forms within hours of the trauma);
- a feeling hot and weak at the level of the area concerned;
- and an difficulty moving the affected finger and to grasp various objects (particularly disabling in the event of a sprained thumb).
To note : if the finger looks bentit is certainly a dislocation, or even a fracture.
In video: “How to recognize a sprain? »
Cause: how can you sprain your finger?
You will have understood it, the sprain of the fingers is rather the prerogative of athletes who play with a ball (handball, volleyball, rugby, etc.), or even with rackets (tennis, badminton, etc.) or sticks (mainly skiing). It can also occur in everyday life, following a fall with landing on the handsor a sudden shock.
Diagnosis: how to know if the broken finger, if it is a strain, a dislocation or a sprain?
To differentiate a sprain from a strain, a dislocation or a fracture, it is necessary to go through a meticulous interrogation, a clinical examination and especially a medical imaging report. The x-ray makes it possible in particular to identify a possible bone tearing, a fracture or a dislocation. And alone a ultrasound will help distinguish a mild sprain from a severe sprain.
Icing, rest, elevation, compression…: what to do in the event of a sprained finger?
Regardless of the severity of the sprain, certain reflexes allow relieve pain and speed healing. After the trauma, implement the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) as soon as possible:
- stop your current activity to avoid aggravating the lesions and the pain (in other words, put your hand and especially your finger at rest);
- cool your finger with a ice pack for about twenty minutes (or, if you don’t have any, place ice cubes in a cloth and apply them to your skin to avoid burning them);
- practice soft restraint (strapping) using an elastic bandage to immobilize your finger temporarily, without tightening too much
- et raise your hand and finger above your elbowto prevent it from swelling too much.
When should you see a doctor?
Whatever the situation, it is better to consult a health professional quickly. He / She will thus be able to make a reliable diagnosis, prescribe the appropriate medication or physiotherapy sessions and ensure follow-up. “This type of sprain should not be taken lightly., insists Dr. Collado. Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases to limit sequelae such as early osteoarthritis, persistent pain, loss of amplitude, etc. »
Treatment: how is a sprained finger treated?
“The goal of treatment is to promote the consolidation of affected ligamentswithout completely immobilizing the finger”, explains the doctor.
A splint can sometimes be proposed as first intention and remain in place for a few days before being withdrawn in favor of a syndactylie, set up for a fortnight (the traumatized finger is attached to the neighboring finger which serves as a tutor and does not impose too strict immobilization). But in some cases syndactyly can be achieved right from the start.
In case of pain, the doctor can prescribe painkillers : “generally paracetamol (in the absence of allergy or hepatic insufficiency), because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are rather inadvisable”, specifies Dr. Collado.
How is rehabilitation going? How long does it last?
Of the physiotherapy sessions are generally prescribed as early as possible to limit joint stiffness. Full recovery sometimes takes time and requires massages, drainages, gentle mobilizationsor even vibration or ultrasound techniques.
When to consider surgery?
Ligament surgery (ligamentoplastie) by arthroscopy can exceptionally be considered on an outpatient basis. Concretely, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the finger and inserts a mini-camera and small instruments to repair the ligament. Intervention can be considered in case of instability, stiffness resistant to rehabilitation or persistent pain. Objective ? Limit adhesions.
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
“We consider that a sprain is treated from the moment when you can mobilize your joint without pain and without disabling stiffness “recalls Dr. Collado. The recovery time after a sprain depends on its severity. Count one to three weeks for a mild sprain, four to six weeks for a moderate sprain and between six weeks and three months for a severe sprain. And the expert to specify: “always ask your doctor’s opinion before resuming a physical or manual activity mobilizing your traumatized finger”.
How to treat a sprained finger naturally?
In addition to the protocol established by your doctor, some natural methods can help relieve symptoms:
- keep sparing his finger by avoiding soliciting it and by favoring rest;
- apply ice regularly in the first days to limit oedema;
- use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and pain;
- raise your finger as high as possible traumatized to limit edema as well;
- bet on poultices of green clay to limit swelling;
- massage your finger regularly (according to the advice of his physiotherapist) using anti-inflammatory or painkiller essential oils, such as immortelle essential oil, to stimulate blood circulation and reduce pain;
- adopt a healthy and balanced diet et hydrate enough to support your body.
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