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Finger Injuries in Football Players

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Introduction

Due to the high intensity collisions and contacts with the ball that take place in football, injuries to the fingers are not uncommon. These injuries can vary in severity and type, from fractures and dislocations to ligamentous tears and tendon injuries. Understanding the nuances of each type of finger injury is essential for effective diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. In this article, we will review the various finger injuries that football players may encounter, including fractures, dislocations and, ligament injuries.

Causes of Finger Injuries in Football

Finger injuries in football players can arise from various mechanisms, including:

  • Direct trauma from impact with the ball, opponent, or playing surface.
  • Forceful bending or twisting of the finger during tackles, falls, or collisions.
  • Repetitive stress and overuse during activities such as catching, throwing, or ball handling.
  • Inadequate protective gear or improper technique during gameplay.
  • Goalkeepers are particularly at risk of finger injuries due to repeated impacts to the hands when saving shots and diving.

Anatomy of the finger.

Common Finger Injuries

Fractures

  • Transverse fractures: Occur when a direct blow or force causes a break across the bone.
  • Spiral fractures: Result from twisting or rotational forces, common in tackling or contact situations.
  • Comminuted fractures: Involve multiple breaks in the bone, often due to high-energy impacts.
  • Avulsion Fracture: When a finger bends back or sideways too far, the volar plate and one or both of the collateral ligaments can be torn. Sometimes, the injury may break off a small piece of bone. This type of broken bone is called an avulsion fracture

Dislocations

  • Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint dislocations: Involve the outermost joint of the finger and can result from hyperextension or trauma.
  • Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint dislocations: Occur when the middle joint of the finger is forced out of alignment.
  • Metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations: MCP joint dislocations are usually caused by forced hyperextension of the digit.

Ligament & Tendon Injuries

  • Volar plate injury: Involves damage to the ligamentous structure on the palm side of the finger, often due to hyperextension.
  • Jersey finger: Results from the avulsion of the flexor tendon from its attachment site, typically occurring during forceful grasping or gripping.
  • Mallet finger: Occurs when the extensor tendon is damaged or avulsed from its insertion point at the distal phalanx, leading to an inability to extend the fingertip.
  • Trigger Finger: Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a disorder characterised by catching or locking of the involved finger in full or near full flexion, typically with force.

Symptoms of Finger Injuries in Football

Symptoms of finger injuries may encompass:

  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness localised to the injured finger.
  • Difficulty or inability to move the finger through its full range of motion.
  • Visible deformity, misalignment, or abnormal positioning of the finger.
  • Bruising, discoloration, or skin abrasions over the affected area.
  • Sensory changes such as numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the finger.

Assessment of Finger Injuries

Comprehensive assessment of finger injuries may involve:

  • Detailed history-taking to elucidate the mechanism of injury, onset of symptoms, and relevant medical background.
  • Thorough physical examination, including inspection, palpation, range of motion testing, and neurovascular assessment.
  • Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI or ultrasound may be required to evaluate the extent of bony or soft tissue damage and identify associated injuries.

Treatment Options

Tailored treatment strategies for finger injuries may encompass:

  • Non-surgical modalities such as cryotherapy, physical therapy, and pharmacological interventions for pain management and inflammation control.
  • Immobilisation with splints, braces, or buddy taping to stabilise the injured finger and facilitate healing. It is important to follow splinting advice from a hand specialist as the finger may needed to be immobilised in a certain position (such as flexion or extension) depedning on the type of injury.
  • Closed reduction or manipulation techniques to realign displaced fractures or dislocations.
  • Surgical intervention for complex fractures, dislocations, or tendon injuries requiring internal fixation, repair, or reconstruction.

It is important to recieve assessment and treatment from an experienced orthopaedic hand specialist and also a hand physiotherapist to ensure the most optimal outcomes.

Rehab Techniques for Finger Injuries in Football

Rehabilitation protocols for finger injuries may include:

  • Gradual initiation of passive and active range of motion exercises to restore flexibility, strength, and proprioception.
  • Progressive resistance training targeting the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the hand and fingers.
  • Functional training to simulate sport-specific movements and activities, focusing on grip strength, dexterity, and coordination.
  • Sport-specific drills and activities aimed at safely reintegrating the athlete into full participation and competition.

Conclusion

Finger injuries are a prevalent concern for football players, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their etiology, presentation, assessment, and management. By adopting proactive preventive measures, promoting proper technique, and prioritising player safety, the risk of finger injuries can be mitigated, allowing athletes to enjoy a more fulfilling and sustainable athletic experience. Effective collaboration between players, coaches, healthcare professionals, and support staff is paramount in ensuring optimal outcomes and minimising the impact of finger injuries on performance and longevity in the sport of football.

Further Reading

Matthias et al, (2021) – Forearm, Wrist and Hand Injuries in Football

Peterson et al, (2006) – Injuries of the fingers and thumb in the athlete

Andersson et al, (2021) – Hand, wrist, and forearm injuries in male professional soccer players: a prospective cohort study of 558 team-seasons from 2001-2002 to 2018-2019

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and personalised recommendations based on your specific condition. Some affiliate links may also be used in this article, these are from products we have specifically selected to display based on our own experience.