Finger Injuries

Finger injuries are among the most common sports injuries, occurring in virtually every sport from basketball and football to rock climbing and martial arts. While often dismissed as just a jammed finger, many finger injuries involve fractures, ligament tears, or tendon avulsions that require proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent deformity and dysfunction.

Common Sports Finger Injuries

Collateral ligament sprains and tears are the most common finger injuries, causing lateral instability of the PIP or MCP joint. Volar plate injuries occur when the finger is hyperextended, damaging the ligament on the palm side of the PIP joint.

Mallet finger (extensor tendon avulsion at the DIP joint) causes a drooping fingertip and is common in ball sports. Proximal phalanx and middle phalanx fractures are frequent and require careful assessment of rotation and angulation.

Treatment

Many finger injuries can be treated non-surgically with buddy taping, splinting, or casting. Mallet finger is treated with continuous DIP joint extension splinting for 6–8 weeks.

Unstable fractures, complete ligament tears, and tendon avulsions with bony fragments often require surgical fixation. Dr. Kinchelow uses the least invasive approach possible to restore anatomy and allow early motion.

Common Symptoms

Swelling and pain after a finger injury
Inability to fully straighten or bend a finger
Lateral instability of a finger joint
Drooping fingertip (mallet finger)
Rotational deformity of the finger
Tenderness over a specific joint or bone

Treatment Options

Buddy taping for stable sprains
Extension splinting for mallet finger
Casting for stable fractures
Percutaneous pin fixation for unstable fractures
Surgical ligament repair
Pulley reconstruction for rock climbers
Hand therapy and return-to-sport protocol

Ready to Get Help?

Dr. Kinchelow specializes in treating finger injuries. Schedule a consultation today.

Request Appointment (954) 635-5300