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Jammed Fingers in Sports - Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

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A variety of injuries to the joints of fingers lead to jammed fingers in athletes. To know more, read the article below.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Anuj Gupta

Published At January 24, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 24, 2023

Introduction:

A jammed finger is common in sports but can also occur during daily activities. However, the injured finger looks normal; it moves normally but requires medical treatment. The finger anatomy is complex, and any injury to the finger results in permanent damage if left untreated.

What Is a Jammed Finger?

Jammed fingers refer to a variety of injuries to the joints of the fingers due to axial load that the ligaments can withstand. The parts of the finger that are more prone to injury are ligaments, bones, and joints. The severity of the injury increases with an increase in the magnitude of the force resulting in jammed fingers.

What Are the Symptoms of Jammed Fingers?

  • Swelling.

  • Reduction in the flexibility of joints.

  • Pain.

  • Tenderness.

  • Discoloration due to bruising (blood under the skin).

  • Initial signs include abnormal joint angulation.

  • More severe injury causes mid-shaft angulation and rotation resulting in broken bones and twists.

What Are the Causes of Jammed Fingers?

  • Axial loading of force- when force is applied in the direction of the length of the finger.

  • The recreational sport is where the fingers are placed in an outstretched position.

  • Playing ball-related sports like throwball, volleyball, and basketball- where incorrect catching results in making the ball contact with the tip of the finger.

  • When the finger is crushed between two surfaces.

What Is the Mechanism of the Injury?

When the tip of the finger is compressed towards the hand, it results in stretching or spraining of the ligaments ( that connect bone to bone) supporting the joints. The more the force, the more severe the sprain. If the force is strong, it results in the complete tearing of the ligament.

What Is the Classification of Jammed Fingers?

Sprain:

A sprain is characterized by swelling of the joint, reduced range of motion, and pain. It is classified into first, second, and third-degree sprains depending on the severity.

  • First-Degree Sprain: First-degree sprain involves stretching of the ligament without a tear.

  • Second-Degree Sprain: Second-degree sprain partial tear of the ligament (tissue that connects bone to bone).

  • Third-Degree Sprain: Third-degree sprain involves the dislocation of the finger.

Dislocation:

  • Dislocations are categorized based on location and type. The finger has three bones and two joints in alternating order.

  • From the fingertip to the knuckle are the distal phalanx, distal interphalangeal joint, middle phalanx, proximal interphalangeal joint, and proximal phalanx.

  • A distal interphalangeal joint dislocation occurs less commonly than the proximal interphalangeal joint as the stability is provided by strong collateral ligaments.

  • Dislocation is also categorized based on the direction of the fingertip movement in relation to the knuckle.

  • The fingertip movement in the direction of the palm is volar dislocation.

  • The fingertip movement in the direction of the back of the hand is dorsal dislocation.

  • Dorsal dislocation is more common than volar dislocation.

Fracture:

  • Fractures comprise the structural integrity of the bones.

  • Fracture is indicated as midshaft pain and angulation.

  • The distal phalanx is vulnerable to avulsion fracture- a fraction of the bone is ripped off from the tendon (connects muscle to bone).

  • If left untreated, it results in the inability to straighten the fingers.

How to Diagnose Jammed Fingers?

Physical Examination:

  • The position of the finger indicates any fracture or dislocation.

  • The area around the injury is palpated for pain and dislocations.

  • In the case of joint injury, the pain is more close to the joint rather than the mid-bone.

  • In severe painful cases, anesthesia is injected into the web to the side of the affected finger to assess the injury.

X-rays:

  • X-rays help to get a more accurate diagnosis, enabling the identification of varying types of dislocations and fractures.

What Is the Treatment Plan for Jammed Fingers?

Non-surgical Treatment:

For a first and second degree of sprain, non-surgical treatment is the method of option.

  • Rest: Injured area must be at rest for a few days and should not be put to use immediately following injury.

  • Ice: Early ice compression on the injured site reduces the swelling. It also accelerates early regeneration compared to injuries that are not iced earlier. Icing should be applied in stretches of fifteen to twenty minutes every thirty to sixty minutes for around six hours.

  • Compression: Compression on the injured site reduces intramuscular blood flow by compressing the veins and arteries, thereby reducing the size of the hematoma (collection of blood outside the blood vessel).

  • Elevation: Elevation of the injured area above the heart level reduces the blood flow to the affected area due to the difference in the hydrostatic pressure between the finger and the heart.

  • Splinting: Following elevation, splinting is done to keep the digit immobile. During the splinting phase, the skin under the splint should be observed for ulceration and tape allergy. While removing the splint, the digits should be examined so that they remain in the splinted position.

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug: The use of painkillers may reduce the pain.

SurgicalTreatment:

  • For third-degree strain in case of dislocation, closed reduction is recommended.

  • After reduction, a splint is employed to maintain slight flexion and prevent hyperextension of the joint for the next few weeks.

  • If the hyperextension is too painful and causes blanching of the skin, the joint should be placed in a neutral position.

  • Limited movement of the joint is recommended to limit the loss of range of motion.

  • If no avulsion fracture is present, the splint should be in place for four to six weeks.

  • In case of an avulsion fracture, then an orthopedic surgeon should be consulted for open reduction and fixation (surgical intervention).

How to Prevent Jammed Fingers?

It is difficult to prevent injury as it is unpredictable. The majority of injury occurs in the dominant hand, as most activities are conducted with this hand. However, the jammed finger injury can be prevented by learning the proper technique. It is recommended that the affected finger be taped to prevent the same injury from occurring.

Conclusion:

Every member of the athletic team should be aware of digital injuries. Additionally, athletic care is enhanced by educating the athletes on preventing injury. Athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians should help the athletes to seek medical intervention for jammed fingers.

Dr. Anuj Gupta
Dr. Anuj Gupta

Spine Surgery

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