The finger has a complex arrangement of ligaments (thin bands of connective tissue) that stabilize the joints and guide motion. Finger joint injuries such as sprains, avulsions, jams, and dislocations all involve the ligaments of the fingers and occur often in contact and non-contact sports. Many finger joint injuries are mild and require minimal treatment, but others require aggressive initial management to prevent long term problems.
The most common ligament injuries occur at the PIP (middle) joint of the fingers and the MP joint of the thumb (at the level of the web space). Ligaments may be torn, stretched or displaced. Most injuries will require some form of immobilization during healing and mobilization to restore motion.
Symptoms
Swelling, pain and tenderness over the joint or along the sides of the joint may indicate a ligament injury. Stiffness and pain with motion are also symptoms of ligament injury. If mild, the finger may stay stiff and painful for a few days. In more severe injuries, pain and stiffness may persist for weeks or even months without proper treatment.
How a 3-Point Splint Can Help
Once a fracture has been ruled out, limited movement of the involved joint should start soon after injury. 3pp Buddy Loops are ideal to protect the finger by splinting it to an adjacent finger while allowing controlled flexion and extension. With hyperextension injuries of the PIP joints, an Oval-8 Finger Splint may be used to provide an extension-block to prevent stretching the ligament on the palmar or bottom side of the PIP joint.
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