Learn about Jersey Finger, a hand injury common in athletes, its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. Discover the effective physiotherapy management techniques offered at Arunalaya Advanced Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Patel Nagar, Delhi.
Introduction:Jersey Finger is a hand injury characterized by the tearing or rupture of the flexor tendon in the finger, commonly seen in athletes who forcefully grab onto an opponent's jersey and experience a pulling force. This injury can occur in any finger but is most frequently observed in the ring finger. At Arunalaya Advanced Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Patel Nagar, Delhi, we provide specialized physiotherapy management for Jersey Finger. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and physiotherapy interventions for this condition.
Causes of Jersey Finger:Jersey Finger occurs when the flexor tendon is torn or ruptured due to a forceful pulling action on the finger. It is often seen in athletes during sports activities, particularly football players who grab an opponent's jersey and attempt to pull away. However, it can also result from workplace accidents or recreational activities involving forceful pulling on the finger.
Symptoms of Jersey Finger:Common symptoms of Jersey Finger include:- Inability to actively flex the distal interphalangeal joint- Inability to bend one or more joints in the finger- Pain, swelling, and tenderness around the finger and palm- Numbness in the fingertip- Tenderness along the palm side of the hand- Swollen and painful fingertip- Sensation of a pop or ripping at the time of injury- Severe pain in the palm, just before the base of the finger
Diagnosis of Jersey Finger:To diagnose Jersey Finger, a healthcare professional may perform the following:- X-ray: Antero-posterior and lateral views to assess for bony fragments.- MRI: Used to evaluate tendon retraction and determine the extent of the injury more accurately.- Ultrasound: Helpful in assessing tendon retraction and guiding treatment decisions.
Physiotherapy Management for Jersey Finger:At Arunalaya Advanced Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, our experienced physiotherapists offer comprehensive management for Jersey Finger. The treatment approach may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Here are some physiotherapy interventions commonly employed:Non-Surgical Management:- Partially torn tendons may not require surgery and can be managed with splinting to stabilize the finger and allow tendon healing.- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to alleviate pain and discomfort.- Physical therapy, including splinting and targeted exercises, helps restore strength and movement to the affected finger.
Surgical Management:- Surgical intervention is typically the primary treatment for Jersey Finger, aiming to re-establish a pain-free range of motion.- Surgical techniques may include the Bunnell pull-out suture technique, suture anchor repair, or repair of the tendon with incorporation of the volar plate.- Effective postoperative rehabilitation, including splinting, passive and active range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, scar massage, and tendon gliding exercises, plays a crucial role in recovery.
Physiotherapy Management:Following surgery, athletes can expect a recovery period of 8-12 weeks before returning to play. A sport-specific hand rehabilitation protocol is tailored to the individual's position and level of competition. It may include:- Dorsal Blocking Splint (DBS)- Passive and active range of motion exercises- Strengthening and power grasping exercises- Scar massage- Tendon gliding exercises
Conclusion:If you have experienced a Jersey Finger injury, seeking professional help is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. At Arunalaya Advanced Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Patel Nagar, Delhi, our expert physiotherapists specialize in providing comprehensive care for Jersey Finger. Through a combination of non-surgical and surgical interventions, along with personalized physiotherapy programs, we aim to facilitate a pain-free range of motion and a successful return to daily activities and sports. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards optimal recovery.