Finger Dislocation

Finger Dislocation

A finger dislocation is usually the result of a blow to the finger, causing the soft tissue structures like muscles and ligaments that hold the joint in place to stretch so much that the two bones making up the joint become misaligned.

Finger Dislocation is usually extremely painful immediately and can also cause some numbness or pins and needles if a nerve is involved in being stretched.

A finger dislocation should routinely be investigated with an X-Ray to determine if a fracture has also been sustained. Relocating the misaligned joint should be done by a trained health professional, as it is possible to injure blood vessels and or nerves while pulling it back into place. If the finger dislocation is severe then some cases may require a local anaesthetic to the finger to make it possible to relocate the joint.

Your physiotherapist is able to help you initially with diagnosis, X-Ray referral and relocation, and just as importantly, further on with recovery, rehabilitation and management to prevent further episodes of finger dislocation.

Re-dislocation is not uncommon especially in athletes as the soft tissue structures of the joint are already stretched and therefore more susceptible to dislocation.

Rehabilitation of a dislocated finger requires initial immobilisation and protection while incorporating gentle range of motion exercises to ensure the finger does not become stiff. Once pain enables you to begin exercising the finger your physiotherapist can guide you through a series of exercises designed around strengthening surrounding structures which will help to make your finger stronger and less likely to dislocate again. We can also teach you the most effective preventative strategies such as taping during sport so that you are able to manage your condition yourself.

Finger Dislocation

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