Common Finger Injuries

Common Finger Injuries
When playing ball sports such as football, basketball and netball, players are at risk of thumb and finger injuries. In particular basketball players often incur a sprained (jarred) finger or a more severe joint dislocation.

Volar Plate Injury: What is it?
When the ball hits the end of a finger the force is transmitted through the finger and often results in hyperextension of the PIP joint. This frequently results in a partial tear, complete tear or avulsion fracture of the volar plate. This ligament prevents the joint from instabilities and bending backwards. Left untreated, these injuries can result in a stiff and painful joint at risk of being re-injured or secondary complications.

Treatment
A hand therapist can assess your finger for stability and structural damage and provide you with a program to facilitate healing. It is likely that you will require a small thermoplastic splint to allow any injured structures to rest. This custom-made splint can be made at the same time as your assessment. Treatment will also focus on reducing swelling and maintaining movement of the finger joints.  An important part of treatment is also providing education regarding taping techniques to reduce the risk of re-injuring your finger whilst the structures continue to heal.

Conclusion
Volar plate injuries frequently occur when playing ball sports. Accurate assessment and early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of re-injury. Hand therapy can often be provided and followed whilst allowing you to continue to play and train.

Zoe Milner is an Occupational Therapist who predominantly specialises in the area of Hand Therapy. She has a keen interest in the management of sports related hand, wrist and finger injuries. Zoe currently consults at Physiosports Brighton on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Hand Therapy at Physiosports Brighton