Often, ball sport athletes such as basketball, handball, and volleyball players suffer a particular finger sprain called a jammed finger. This condition often occurs when players try to catch or hit the ball. A jammed finger is painful and can render one off a match.
A basketball-jammed thumb can happen when a force or the ball hits your thumb tip. This impact hyperextends your hurt finger ligaments, which connect across the finger’s middle knuckle, called the proximal interphalangeal joint or PIP. The ligament then stretches or, in the worst scenario, tears.
Signs and Symptoms of Jammed Finger in Basketball
Want to know if you might have this condition? Jammed finger basketball pain manifests in the following ways:
- Pain
The first and most obvious sign of a basketball-sprained finger is intense pain, which comes just after being hit by the ball. The pain can last for a couple of hours. You will experience throbbing as the finger swells. The pain and increasing swell appear around the joint of the affected finger.
- Swelling
The swelling of the affected finger becomes noticeable just a few minutes after the accident. Note that the injured area becomes puffy and bigger than the rest of your fingers.
- Difficult to Move the Finger
After injury, it becomes difficult, due to the pain, to move, straighten, or bend the affected finger. This is due to the swelling and inflammation. You will find it almost impossible to grab objects or make a fist.
- Tenderness
The affected finger or area becomes sensitive to touch. Even light pressure, such as being rubbed by your garment, is painful and causes much discomfort.
- Redness and Bruising
It is common for the basketball-jammed thumb to turn red or discolored due to the increased blood flow to the area. Sometimes, you might develop a bruise depending on the degree of the injury.
A severely sprained finger from basketball can have a displaced joint. Here, your finger may look out of joint or crooked. Most people, or even the coach, make the mistake of trying to pull it out to align it. Pulling out the finger could worsen the injured ligament even further. Instead, splint the finger and see a doctor.
Severity of Jammed Fingers
The severity of a jammed thumb in basketball can vary depending on the ligament damage. The three grades include:
- Grade 1: Mild sprains with little pain and swelling. There is limited motion.
- Grade 2: Moderate sprain characterized by significant pain and inflammation. The finger moves with difficulty.
- Grade 3: Severe sprain with intense pain and swelling. You’ll experience loss of finger movement and joint instability.
Is My Finger Broken?
At first, most players may think they have a broken finger, but that’s not often the case. It can look swollen and painful, but what’s happening is that the finger is mostly out of alignment or dislocated. A fractured finger involves the joint and the bone, unlike a jammed finger, which consists of the ligament and joint. As such, a broken finger requires quick medical attention for proper healing.
The symptoms of the two, however, are quite similar, but the difference is in the severity of the symptoms of fractures. With a broken finger, it’s nearly impossible to straighten it.
Are Sprained Fingers Treatable?
Yes, finger sprain basketball injuries are treatable. The best approach for curing them is the familiar RICE approach used in similar trauma-induced swellings. You should rest, ice, compress, and elevate the finger. The essence of icing and elevating is to draw blood away from the affected area to reduce the swelling. After a few days, the symptoms start to disappear.
Tapping works well for mild and moderate jammed-finger basketball injuries. During taping, the jammed thumb is wrapped together with the uninjured finger, a process called buddy taping. This process encourages the straightening of the injured finger while protecting it. If the finger is severely damaged, you can use the RICE procedure for about 48 hours, After which you’ll tap to ease the swelling.
Tips to Preventing Jammed Finger Basketball Injuries on Court
Preventing injuries on the court is not foolproof, but following a few simple tips could prevent finger sprains. Consider the following suggestions:
- Warm up before playing a basketball match to prepare your ligaments and muscles for activity.
- Put on proper hand protection such as finger sleeves or gloves. These provide additional support to your fingers.
- Practice grip strengthening and wrist curl exercises to improve your finger stability.
- Spread your fingers and avoid clenching your fist when blocking or catching the ball.
- Be aware of your surroundings to prevent your fingers from getting caught in collusion.
Conclusion
While thumb jams are a common basketball injury, one can avoid them by being aware of their signs and symptoms and taking quick action when injuries happen. Treating the injury with the RICE method and seeking medical attention guarantees a speedy recovery. To prevent such incidents, focus on proper warm-up before a basketball match, practice hand strengthening, and observe safe playing practices. By taking the right care and caution, you will heal quickly and get back to the pitch in no time.
