Why is my finger still sore if it is not broken?
- baysidehandtherapy
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
Finger injuries can remain sore, stiff and swollen for several months which can be very frustrating, especially if an x-ray has ruled out a fracture.
If your finger remains sore after an injury despite a normal x-ray, it is likely that you have sustained an injury to one of the ligaments, or in some cases a tendon.
Finger Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries in a finger can be just as serious and frustrating as a fracture as they can stay sore for many months. The most commonly injured ligaments in a finger are on either side of the middle joint (PIP joint) known as collateral ligaments. These injuries often result from a jarring injury such as a ball hitting the finger, or a twisting injury such as catching a finger in a dog collar. Ligament injuries often take longer to heal than a fracture as ligaments have a poor blood supply compared to bones.
Ligament injuries can range from a grade 1 sprain where only some of the cells have been damaged to a grade 3 injury where the ligament has completely torn.
Grade 1 ligament sprains will usually recover within 1-2 weeks.
A grade 2 ligament injury involves partial tearing of the ligament. You may see persistent swelling, and even some redness on the side of the joint where the ligament is injured. The joint may feel slightly looser when sideways stress is applied to the injured ligament and the joint may remain painful to bend and straighten for many weeks.
A grade 3 ligament tear is a significant injury as the ligament has completely torn, which results in the joint being unstable.
When to seek treatment for a finger ligament injury
If a finger remains sore, swollen or stiff for more than 2 weeks after a jarring injury, it is wise to seek treatment. Our team of skilled hand therapists will assess the stability of your injured finger to determine appropriate treatment.
How can Hand Therapy help finger ligament injuries/finger sprain?
Reducing Swelling
Swelling around the joints restricts movement and adds to discomfort. Our hand therapists can help to reduce swelling by applying compression to the finger with coban or a custom-made finger stall.
Restoring Movement
Knowing how to perform the most appropriate exercises correctly, is key to recovering movement. If you are struggling to get the finger straight after an injury, a custom-made splint is sometimes needed to put a gentle stretch on the finger overnight.
See our blog, “Can you straighten a bent finger” .
Custom-made splints
In some cases a splint may be fitted to protect a ligament injury or your therapist may fit buddy straps to protect the injured ligament.
Finger Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries to a finger may also cause persistent problems despite a normal x-ray. Tendon injuries will result in a loss of movement. If you have a dropped fingertip, an injury to the tendon which straightens the tip of the finger should be suspected. This injury will not
heal without appropriate treatment from a hand therapist. (see Why is my finger drooping blog).
If the middle joint is not straightening, a central slip injury (part of the extensor tendon mechanism) may be the cause. This is also a serious injury which is best managed by a hand therapist.
If you are completely unable to bend (flex) the fingertip, a rupture of the flexor tendon (FDP) should be suspected. Rupture or avulsion of the flexor tendon which bends your finger, requires repair by a hand surgeon.
Some injuries may also result in inflammation of the tendon sheath or damage to the pulley system which guides the flexor tendons. If a tendon sheath or pulley injury is suspected a hand therapist can assess your movement and recommend the right treatment, such as splinting, treatment modalities to reduce pain and inflammation or activity modification.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
At Bayside Hand Therapy, we specialise in assessing and treating all hand, wrist, and elbow conditions including sore fingers. Our therapists understand how complex the hand is — and how even small injuries can have a big impact on your daily life.
Early hand therapy treatment often leads to faster and more complete recovery, so if your finger is still sore, book an appointment with one of our experienced hand therapists today — and get your hand back to feeling and functioning its best.
Need advice or support? Get in touch with our friendly team today on 07 33967798
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