Non-surgical treatment of finger sprains

The goal is to bind the ligaments and prevent the most undesirable symptom: stiffness. The torn ligament must be protected while it heals, and immobilization must be done early. A finger may be strapped to the adjacent one with tape (this is called buddy taping). The tape should be narrow so as not to restrict movement of the joints. The system should be kept in place for 15 days, then for a month when returning to sports.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is unusual and called for only when fingers are chronically unstable or have secondary stiffness. The joint can be swollen for several months.

Possible complications

• Joint instability, though rare, when the injured tendon is released.
• Joint stiffness, seen in an inability to fully extend the finger. The joint was immobilized in flexion and the palmar plate shrank during the healing process, preventing the finger from fully extending.

Care must be taken during treatment to prevent this contraction by checking the finger’s ability to fully extend.