What is a finger or thumb sprain ?
A sprain refers to an injury to the tissues surrounding and supporting a joint. This includes the ligaments and joint capsule. The ligaments are strong structures that prevent a joint from going into an abnormal position. The capsule is less strong and acts to seal the joint from the other tissues. A sprain can be of varying degrees. In a minor sprain the tissues essentially remain intact and recover rapidly, in a more serious sprain the tissues may be badly torn and sometimes need to be repaired surgically.
After a sprain the injured joint will become swollen, painful and stiff. The amount of swelling usually reflects the degree of injury.
The commonest joint to be sprained is the PIP joint. The ligament that is injured most often is called the volar plate (palmar plate). This ligament prevents the joint from over straightening. The volar plate is damaged when force is applied in a longitudinal direction for example a ball hitting the end of the finger and the joint is forced into hyper-extension.
The MP joint of the thumb is vulnerable to injury and one of the most frequently is the so called ‘skiers thumb’ where the ligament on the inside of the thumb is torn.
How are thumb sprain injuries treated?
X-rays are usually taken to make sure the bones of the thumb and hand are not fractured. Your doctor will then examine the thumb to determine whether the ligament is torn.
Chronic Injuries:
The term “chronic” refers to an old injury of greater than several weeks duration. In this case, the joint may be unstable with symptoms of pain, especially with pinching. The joint may feel loose and strength may be decreased.
Associated Injuries:
On occasion, fractures may occur along with thumb sprains. These may require additional surgery with repair using metal pins, screws, or plates. Some patients may benefit from cortisone injections or eventual surgery.
What are the most common types of thumb or finger sprains?
The most common ligament to be injured in the thumb is the ulnar collateral ligament. Injury to this ligament is sometimes called “skier’s thumb” because it is a common skiing injury.
How do thumb or finger sprains occur?
These types of injuries are common in sports and falls. The thumb is jammed into another player, the ground, or the ball. The thumb may be bent in an extreme position, causing a sprain. The thumb will usually swell and may show bruising. It is usually very painful to move.
Thumb or Finger Sprain Orthopaedic Specialist
