LIGAMENT INJURY

Each of your fingers has a series of ligaments (thin bands of connective tissue) that stabilize your joints and help you move them smoothly. Sports, accidents, and injuries to the finger joints can damage ligaments. These injuries are sprains, strains, jams, tears, over-stretching, and dislocations. The most common ligament injuries occur at the middle joint of the fingers and at the webbing of the thumb. Sometimes, the injuries are mild and require little treatment, but more severe injuries require immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment to reduce the risk of long-term problems.

Symptoms

• You have pain and swelling in your finger or thumb joint

• It hurts to move your finger or thumb

• It's hard to move your finger or thumb

• Your finger or thumb are stiff

What Can I Do About It?

If you experience pain for more than a few days, your health care provider can rule out a serious injury. Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with the pain and swelling. Wearing a splint or brace to reduce pain and swelling. Resting your finger or thumb and avoiding activities that make it feel worse can also be helpful.

Splints and Braces That Can Help