How Your Finger Sprains Tear

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A finger sprain is a tear in one of the strong, fibrous tissues that connect the bones (ligaments) in your finger. The severity of the sprain depends on how much of the ligament is torn. The tear can be either partial or complete.
CAUSES

Often, sprains are a result of a fall or accident. If you extend your hands to catch an object or to protect yourself, the force of the impact causes the fibers of your ligament to stretch too much. This excess tension causes the fibers of your ligament to tear.
SYMPTOMS

You may have some loss of motion in your finger. Other symptoms include:
Bruising.
Tenderness.
Swelling.
DIAGNOSIS

In order to diagnose finger sprain, your caregiver will physically examine your finger or thumb to determine how torn the ligament is. Your caregiver may also suggest an X-ray exam of your finger to make sure no bones are broken.
TREATMENT …show more content…

To do this, your caregiver will apply a bandage, cast, or splint to keep your finger from moving until it heals. For a partially torn ligament, the healing process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
If your ligament is completely torn, you may need surgery to reconnect the ligament to the bone. After surgery a cast or splint will be applied and will need to stay on your finger or thumb for 4 to 6 weeks while your ligament heals.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Keep your injured finger elevated, when possible, to decrease swelling.
To ease pain and swelling, apply ice to your joint twice a day, for 2 to 3 days:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 15 minutes.
Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicine for pain as directed by your

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