Hyperextension, or excessive backward bending, can be a sign of a torn volar plate. This injury may also cause the finger joint to dislocate, making the finger appear crooked. . The area may also bruise, and your entire finger may swell. These signs occur soon after injury. Within a few weeks, bruising and swelling typically subside.
How do you treat a hyperextended thumb?
- Put your hand flat on a hard surface, like a table, palm down.
- Lift each finger up one at a time. If needed, use your other hand to help lift your fingers.
- Relax and repeat 5 times.
What do you do for a hyperextended thumb?
- Guide your hyperextended finger into a bent shape. Don't bend your finger past the point of pain.
- Hold this position for 10 seconds.
- Relax and repeat 5 times.
What is an example of hyperextension?
Hyperextension is the extension of a joint beyond 180°. For example, if you extend your arm and hand with the palm down, and then raise the back of your hand as if admiring a new ring, you are hyperextending the wrist. If you look up toward the ceiling, you are hyperextending your neck.
Is my thumb broken or sprained?
Your thumb gets sprained when a ligament gets injured or stretched beyond its normal range of motion. A thumb sprain can be caused when you hit your thumb forcefully against a hard surface or bend...
How do you treat a hyperextended finger?
Management and TreatmentRest: Let your finger rest, if possible. ... Ice: Ice the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, especially within the first 24 hours. ... Compression: Wrap an elastic compression bandage around the injured joint to support it and reduce swelling.More items...•
What causes hyperextension in fingers?
In the case of fingers, hyperextension injuries occur when excessive force is applied to the finger causing a forced overstretch, beyond its fully extended position. The connective ligament and cartilage tissues holding the joint in its normal position can be damaged in the form of sprains or tears.
How long does hyperextended finger take to heal?
This can take about one to two weeks. For more serious injuries, see a doctor. You might need surgery if you have a bone fracture or a torn ligament or tendon. After the injury has healed, exercise or physical therapy can help you regain full motion of the affected finger.
When should I see a doctor for a hyperextended finger?
After an injury, there will be pain, swelling and often stiffness or difficulty moving the finger. See a doctor immediately if the finger is obviously out of place, crooked or misshapen, cold, pale or numb, or if swelling and/or severe pain developed immediately within the first 30 minutes after the injury.
What is a hyperextension injury?
A hyperextension injury occurs when a joint is moved past its normal angle of extension. For example, this may happen to the elbow during sports, often when "punching air" or practicing one's swing in tennis. The injury known as "tennis elbow" is, in fact, a form of hyperextension injury.
Can hyperextension cause trigger finger?
Three cases of trigger thumb in adults developing after hyperextension injury are described. The similarity of the mode of injury in the cases and its possible role in the production of initial stenosis in the tendon sheath is discussed.
How do you know if a finger injury is serious?
Always seek medical care if the following occur:If there is severe pain or deformity.If there is uncontrolled bleeding.If there is numbness (loss of sensation)If the finger is pale or bluish in color.If there are exposed bones or tendons.
How do you know if you tore a tendon in your finger?
Painful and swollen finger joints. Difficulty bending your finger joints or inability to bend these joints. Numbness in your finger – if the nerves that are located very close to your flexor tendon are also injured. Tenderness and pain on the palm side of the affected finger.
How do I know if my finger is sprained or fractured?
While jammed fingers are less serious than a fracture, you will still experience bruising and swelling; and even with a broken bone, you may have a limited range of motion. If you injured your hand and are experiencing swelling and bruising, the best way to know for sure is to get an x-ray of your fingers.
Is my finger broken if I can still bend it?
Is My Finger Broken if I Can Bend It? Even if you're able to bend your finger, there's still the chance that it is broken. Bending a broken finger will usually be very painful, but in some cases, you may still have full motion of your finger and only a dull pain even though it's broken.
How long do finger ligaments take to heal?
Typically, finger sprains heal well in patients who follow their rehabilitation program. Ligaments require from two to 10 weeks to heal. A small number of patients do experience complications such as re-injury, joint instability, arthritis, or inflammation where the ligament attaches to the bone.
When should I worry about finger joint pain?
A person should contact their doctor if they experience severe finger pain or any of the following symptoms: numbness or tingling in their fingers or hand. difficulty moving or straightening their fingers. a finger that appears discolored and swollen.
What happens if you pinch your finger?
Hyperextension. Hyperextension of a finger joint beyond the neutral position may result in a painful joint, decreased power when pinching and a delay in being able to bend the finger. Without stabilizing or “blocking” the hyperextension, the deformity can become progressively worse.
Where is the EDS splint located?
Typically only one EDS Splint located on the middle finger is needed. With the splint centrally located it can help block all fingers from hyperextending during most activities. If needed the EDS Splint can be worn on adjacent fingers.
What is a silverring splint?
Use the SilverRing™ Boutonniere Splint for more severe hyperextension (greater than 20 degrees) or when subluxation of the joint is occurring. This splint is worn with the oval spacer under the joint to block hyperextension while allowing full flexion. It positions the two rings farther from the joint for better leverage at a more comfortable angle.
Can hyperextension cause loss of function?
In addition to looking very abnormal, severe hyperextension can ultimately result in a loss of function because the joint becomes “stuck” in the hyper-extended position. SilverRing™ Swan Neck Splint shown on the PIP joint.
What is hyperextension of the finger?
A hyperextension injury of the finger occurs when one of the joints in the finger goes beyond its normal range of movement (hyperextends). Physiotherapy is important following a finger hyperextension injury.
What is the MCP of the finger?
Hyperextension of the finger usually occurs at the knuckle joint (MCP) or at the tip of the finger (mallet finger). This often occurs from catching a fast paced ball and is therefore common in cricketers, goalkeepers and basketball players. It can also be caused by landing on an outstretched hand from a heavy fall.
How to treat a swollen finger?
As soon as you have received an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from your doctor or hospital, you can begin a physiotherapy programme. Your physiotherapist may splint your finger for up to 8 weeks to avoid any further damage to the area. Ice and compression may be used to reduce any swelling around the fingers and hand. Electrotherapy techniques such as ultrasound can be part of the treatment to facilitate healing and strengthening and stretching exercises will be provided to help return to your normal function. Other treatments include:
What happens if you don't treat hyperextension?
If the finger hyperextension injury is not treated as soon as possible, there is a greater risk of long term complications including stiffness and contractures. If other structures such as nerves ligaments are damaged, there will be a longer recovery time.
How long should you wait to move your finger after a sprain?
Alcohol can also increase blood flow and this should therefore be avoided for the first 48 hours following your injury.
How to heal a swollen hand?
Ice and compression may be used to reduce any swelling around the fingers and hand. Electrotherapy techniques such as ultrasound can be part of the treatment to facilitate healing and strengthening and stretching exercises will be provided to help return to your normal function. Other treatments include: Wax therapy.
Can you have an X-ray for finger hyperextension?
Although a finger hyperextension injury can be treated conservatively (non-surgically), it is important that you go to your nearest hospital to have an X-ray to check if any bones are broken. They will be able to give you a clear diagnosis of your injury and tell you the best way for it to be treated.
How does hypertension affect people?
Hyperextension injuries can affect anyone, resulting from sports participation, workplace accidents or even normal daily activities. Such injuries can be very uncomfortable and after long periods of immobility, they can become stiff, painful and feel weak. Our experienced physiotherapist here at Liverpool Physio can use various treatments to relieve pain and stiffness whilst regaining strength and flexibility. They will tailor a personalised treatment plan so you can confidently perform functional daily tasks and gradually return to sports activities. Whatever the severity of your hyperextension injury, our physiotherapists have the skills and knowledge to help you achieve the best possible recovery.
What causes finger dislocation?
In extreme cases hyperextension injuries create enough joint instability that there is a high risk of finger dislocation .
Why are ligaments so stiff?
The ligaments that are most often damaged in a hyperextension injury are designed to be stiff, so that they keep the joint stable and only allow movement in the desired directions. Unfortunately this means that when they are exposed to forces above their tensile strength they cannot stretch and are instead damaged.
How to know if you have hyperextension?
What are the symptoms of a hyperextension injury? 1 Loss of sensation in the affected finger. 2 Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the affected finger. 3 Altered sensation, such as heat or cold sensitivity in the affected finger. 4 Referred pain to other fingers, the hand and up the arm along the affected nerve.
What does it mean when your finger feels numb?
Tenderness when the area over the affected ligament is pressed. Altered sensation or numbness if a nerve has been impinged or damaged. Loss of sensation in the affected finger. Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the affected finger. Altered sensation, such as heat or cold sensitivity in the affected finger.
What does it mean when your ligaments are swollen?
Audible snapping or popping noise as connective tissue gives way. Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. Swelling, usually rapid and obvious where the ligaments pass over bony surfaces. Redness, sometimes leading onto bruising discolouration depending on severity of sprain.
Can a physiotherapist diagnose hypertension?
A full assessment by a physiotherapist or doctor can confirm a diagnosis of hyperextension injury. A discussion on how the injury occurred will be followed by a thorough physical examination. As the symptoms for hyperextension injury are similar to other common conditions an X-ray is often used to confirm diagnosis.
What is the difference between Mallet and Jersey?
Mallet finger involves an inability to extend the tip of your finger, Jersey finger is an inability to flex the tip of your finger at the DIP joint and gamekeeper's thumb is a thumb sprain that affects the ulnar collateral ligament. When finger hyperextension occurs, you'll likely have overstretched one of your finger's ligaments, ...
What is the ligament that holds the fingers together?
Several ligaments hold these joints together. One ligament in particular, known as the volar plate, links your finger joints to the palm side of the joint. The volar plate is one of the main ligaments that prevents hyperextension from occurring. Read more: How to Improve Joint Strength.
How to fix hyperextension in finger?
As your healing progresses, you'll likely need to perform strengthening exercises too. Move 1: Full Finger Bend. Guide your hyperextended finger into a bent shape. Don't bend your finger past the point of pain.
How to get hyperextended fingers to move?
Put your hand flat on a hard surface, like a table, palm down. Lift each finger up one at a time. If needed, use your other hand to help lift your fingers. Relax and repeat 5 times. As your range of motion improves, try using your hyperextended finger more.
Why is my finger hyperextended?
A hyperextended finger is usually caused by bending your finger too far backward. This problem often happens when playing a sport, like basketball or football. Treatment for this injury will vary based on the severity of the damage, but in most cases, you'll need to start with stretching exercises.
What is a finger sprain?
This is typically a minor injury, known as a finger sprain. Typical issues associated with this type of finger injury include swelling, tenderness, bruising and difficulties with mobility. Advertisement.
What is the joint in the middle of your palm called?
According to Harvard Health Publishing and Orthogate, the main joint closest to your palm is called the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The joint in the middle is called the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and the one at the top, toward the end of your finger, is called the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.
What is hyperextension injury?
The bottom line. Hyperextension injuries happen when a joint is forced to move beyond its normal range of motion. These injuries can occur in many parts of your body, although your knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, neck, and fingers are most susceptible. Minor hyperextension injuries can usually heal with self-care measures.
How to prevent hyperextension?
Here are some other steps you can take to reduce your risk: 1 Wear a brace on your knee, elbow, or ankle to give your joint some additional support, especially if you’ve had a hyperextension injury in the past. 2 Try doing strength-building exercises to build up the muscles that support a weak or unstable joint. Ask your doctor or physical therapist to recommend exercises that you can do on your own. 3 Avoid playing sports or engaging in physical activities that tend to increase your risk of hyperextending a joint. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about activities that may be safer for you to do.
What happens if your finger bends in the wrong direction?
With a minor injury, the ligaments might get a little stretched. However , with a more severe injury, the ligaments and tissues that help stabilize the joint can tear and may require more intensive treatment.
Why does it hurt when you touch a joint?
Pain is your body’s immediate reaction to an injury that causes one of your joints to bend in the wrong direction. Other than the initial pain, you may also experience swelling and bruising, and it may hurt if you move or touch the injured joint. These injuries can occur in many parts of your body, and they can range from mild to severe.
What is the best treatment for hyperextension?
One of the best ways to treat a hyperextension injury is to use the RICE technique. This is an acronym that’s used by many athletic trainers and athletes to remember how to care for muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint injuries. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) ...
Can you treat hyperextended joint pain?
If your hyperextended joint causes mild pain or swelling, you may be able to treat the injury at home with the self-care measures as described above. However, if the pain, swelling, or bruising is more severe, it’s a good idea to call your doctor.
Can throwing a ball cause shoulder hyperextension?
Sports like weightlifting, tennis, or gymnastics might increase your risk of elbow and wrist hyperextension. Throwing a ball may make you more prone to a shoulder injury. Previous injuries. If you’ve injured a joint before, you’re at greater risk for another injury. A physical therapist can help you learn ways to strengthen an injured joint ...
How to strengthen a chip fracture?
A follow-up x-ray may be taken to ensure that the bones are in proper alignment before the splint or buddy wrapping are discontinued. Grip and pinch strengthening exercises are performed with resistance putty and hand exercising equipment. Fine motor skills, such as writing and tying shoelaces, are practiced to restore hand and finger function. Wrist, elbow and shoulder exercises are also included, as muscles can become weak during the healing process when the arm is not being used due to the finger injury.
What happens when your finger is bent backwards?
Hyperextension injuries occur when the middle joint of a finger is bent backward beyond a straight position. If the bending force is great enough, hyperextension can cause a chip fracture of the bone. This usually happens when a ligament in the front of the joint tears, taking a small piece of bone with it.
What is the best treatment for hyperextension of the finger?
Hand therapy , provided by a specialized occupational or physical therapist, is often prescribed after a finger hyperextension injury. Treatment generally includes massage and wrapping techniques to reduce finger swelling, manual stretching performed by the therapist and splint adjustments.
What causes a finger to move out of position?
Hyperextension finger injuries are common with high-impact trauma, such as a ball hitting a finger. This typically causes dislocation of the middle finger joint, which means the bones move out of normal position. Fractures frequently occur in the base of the middle finger bone.
What causes a bone chip in the middle of my finger?
Finger Bone Chip Fracture After Hyperextension. Your fingers are constantly exposed to potential dangers during daily activities, making them susceptible to injury. Hyperextension injuries occur when the middle joint of a finger is bent backward beyond a straight position. If the bending force is great enough, hyperextension can cause ...
How much of a chip fracture is stable?
Treatment is based on the amount of damage to the bone. A chip fracture involves less than 30 percent of the bone surface area and is considered stable, meaning it does not require surgery.
How long do you wear a splint on your finger?
The splint is typically worn for 3 weeks. Sometimes the splint is adjusted in 10 degree increments each week to slowly straighten the finger. Some doctors choose to splint the finger in a fully straight position, allowing no movement of the joint for 7 to 10 days.
