Understanding Finger Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
▫️Written by John Keller
✅ Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Hynes on FEBRUARY 14, 2024
Finger dislocations, including those of the volar plate, are more than just painful; they can seriously affect how well our hands work. Think of each finger as an essential player in everything you do with your hands, from typing on a keyboard to gripping a coffee cup. When a dislocation happens, especially in the volar plate at the base of your fingers, it doesn't just hurt; it can stop your finger from moving correctly and impact your hand's overall function.
Getting the right treatment quickly is crucial. Without proper care, a dislocated finger can lead to long-term issues like stiffness, weakness, and even permanent damage. That's where professional help, especially from physiotherapists, comes in. Physiotherapy is key in recovering from finger dislocations. It helps heal the injury properly, restoring movement and strength, and preventing future problems. Through exercises, hands-on therapy, and expert advice, physiotherapy helps get your finger—and your hand—back in action, ensuring you can return to your daily tasks without pain or difficulty. This article will explore how finger and volar plate dislocations affect hand function and the vital role of professional care and physiotherapy in recovery.
Exploring Finger Dislocations
Finger dislocations occur when the bones within a finger joint move out of their normal position. This misalignment can significantly affect the finger's structure and its function, making everyday activities challenging. A volar finger dislocation is a specific type of dislocation where the bone displaces toward the palm, severely impacting the finger's ability to move properly.
These injuries often result from a forceful impact to the finger, such as during sports (e.g., catching a ball in basketball or football), from a fall, or during daily activities when the finger is subjected to a sudden, unnatural bending force. The severity of the impact can cause the finger bones to shift out of place, leading to a dislocation (Collins & Muhammad, 2022)
If not properly treated, finger dislocations can lead to a host of problems. Untreated or poorly managed dislocations may result in persistent pain, limited movement, and even the development of arthritis in the affected joint. The functionality of the finger can be significantly reduced, affecting the ability to grip or perform precise tasks. Therefore, timely and appropriate medical intervention is crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes and ensure the finger regains its normal function (Collins & Muhammad, 2022))
Causes and Risk Factors of Finger Dislocations
Finger dislocations commonly result from incidents where excessive force is applied to the finger, causing the joints to move out of alignment. Sports-related injuries are a significant cause, particularly in activities that involve direct contact or the handling of balls, such as basketball, volleyball, and football. In these instances, the fingers can be forcefully struck by the ball or collide with another player, leading to dislocation (Rettig, 2001). Accidental falls, where the fingers are extended and bear the brunt of the impact, and trauma from everyday activities, like getting a finger caught in a door, are also prevalent causes.
Certain activities and professions inherently carry a higher risk for finger dislocations. Individuals engaged in manual labor, contact sports without appropriate hand protection, or those whose hobbies include extreme sports are at increased susceptibility due to the higher likelihood of experiencing forceful impacts or accidents (Calfee & Sommerkamp, 2009)
To minimize the risk of finger dislocations, incorporating protective measures into daily activities and sporting endeavors is crucial. Wearing protective gear, such as gloves or finger splints in high-risk sports or occupations, can significantly reduce the chance of injury. Strengthening exercises for the hands and fingers can enhance joint stability and resilience, decreasing the likelihood of dislocation. Additionally, adopting safe practices, such as using proper technique during physical activities and being mindful of potential hazards that could lead to finger trauma, is essential for prevention (Calfee & Sommerkamp, 2009).
Recognizing the Signs of Finger Dislocations
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a finger dislocation is crucial for timely and effective treatment. The typical manifestations of this injury include:
Pain: Immediate and severe pain at the site of the dislocation is a common symptom. The intensity of pain can vary depending on the severity of the dislocation but is usually significant.
Deformity: An obvious sign of a dislocated finger is a visible deformity. The finger may appear bent at an unnatural angle or position, indicating that the bones are no longer in their proper alignment.
Loss of Range of Motion: Individuals with a dislocated finger often experience a significant decrease in their ability to move the affected finger. Attempting to bend or straighten the finger can exacerbate pain and is generally difficult due to swelling and injury to the joint.
Distinguishing a finger dislocation from other hand or finger conditions, such as fractures or sprains, is important but can be challenging. While fractures may also present with pain and deformity, they are typically identified by localized tenderness over a specific area and sometimes bruising, confirmed through X-rays. Sprains, on the other hand, may cause pain and swelling but usually do not exhibit the pronounced deformity seen in dislocations (Jones et al., 2012)
The importance of consulting a healthcare professional when a finger dislocation is suspected cannot be overstated. Self-diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications, including improper healing, chronic pain, and reduced function of the hand. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination, potentially including imaging studies like X-rays, to accurately diagnose the condition and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. This may involve manual realignment, immobilization, or, in some cases, surgery to repair any associated injuries to the ligaments or soft tissues (Miller & Friedrich, 2020)
Prevention Strategies for Finger Dislocations
Preventing finger dislocations involves a combination of awareness, preparation, and regular practice of hand safety techniques. By adopting certain preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing such injuries. Here are actionable tips to help safeguard against finger dislocations:
Proper Hand Safety Techniques: Engage in activities with awareness and caution, especially those known to pose a risk to hand health. This includes being mindful of hand placement and movements during physical activities to prevent awkward impacts or stresses on the fingers.
Protective Gear Usage: Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, finger guards, or taping, during sports or manual labor can provide added support and cushioning for the fingers, reducing the likelihood of dislocations. Protective equipment is particularly important in contact sports or occupations that involve handling heavy or potentially hazardous materials (Peterson & Renström, 2017).
Regular Strength and Flexibility Exercises: Incorporating exercises that enhance the strength and flexibility of the fingers, hands, and wrists can improve joint stability and function. Stronger, more flexible joints are less prone to injury. Exercises may include gripping activities, finger stretches, and resistance band exercises to build muscle and tendon strength around the finger joints (Miller & Friedrich, 2020)
Adopt Preventive Measures: Awareness and adaptation of preventive strategies in daily life and sports can significantly mitigate the risk of finger dislocations. This includes using correct techniques and tools for tasks, avoiding unnecessary risks during activities, and maintaining good overall physical condition to support joint health.
The importance of regular strength and flexibility exercises for finger health cannot be overstated. Engaging in a consistent routine that targets hand and finger strength can not only prevent dislocations but also enhance the functional capabilities of the hands, contributing to better performance in sports and daily activities (Miller & Friedrich, 2020)
By adopting these preventive measures, individuals can actively reduce their risk of finger dislocations and maintain healthy, functional hands. It's crucial to incorporate these practices into daily routines and physical activities to safeguard against potential injuries and ensure long-term hand and finger health.
Treatment Options for Finger Dislocations
Treatment for finger dislocations varies depending on the severity and complexity of the injury but typically follows a structured approach to ensure the best possible recovery. The primary goal is to realign the dislocated joint and restore its function while minimizing the risk of future complications. Here are the key treatment approaches:
Reduction: The first step in treating a dislocated finger is often reduction, which involves a healthcare professional manually realigning the dislocated joint. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. Prompt reduction is crucial to relieve pain, restore function, and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues (Jones et a., 2012)
Splinting: After successful reduction, the affected finger is typically immobilized with a splint or bandage to keep it in the correct position during the initial healing phase. The duration of splinting depends on the injury's severity but is essential for ensuring proper joint alignment and healing (Miller & Friedrich, 2020).
Surgery: In cases where the dislocation is accompanied by significant soft tissue injury, fractures, or if the joint cannot be successfully realigned through reduction alone, surgery may be necessary. Surgical interventions aim to repair or reconstruct the damaged structures, ensuring stability and function of the finger joint (Calfee & Sommerkamp, 2009)
Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the recovery process following a finger dislocation. After the initial healing and when the splint is removed, physiotherapy interventions are critical in restoring finger function, improving strength, and optimizing range of motion. Through a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or heat treatment, physiotherapy helps to reduce stiffness, enhance mobility, and prevent long-term disability. The benefits of physiotherapy extend beyond physical recovery; it's a non-invasive treatment modality that supports the overall rehabilitation process, promoting quicker return to daily activities and reducing the risk of recurrence (Miller & Friedrich, 2020)
Physiotherapy's role is not just rehabilitative but also educative, providing patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their recovery effectively and minimize the risk of future injuries. Its holistic approach ensures that patients not only recover from their current injury but also build resilience against potential future hand and finger injuries.
Physiotherapy's Role in Treating Finger Dislocations
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the comprehensive management and rehabilitation of finger dislocations, addressing the immediate aftereffects of the injury and facilitating a return to optimal function. Through personalized treatment plans, Keilor Road Physiotherapy targets the restoration of strength, mobility, and overall hand function, ensuring that patients can resume their daily activities and professional duties effectively.
Our physiotherapists begin with a detailed assessment of the injury, considering factors such as the extent of the dislocation, associated soft tissue damage, and the patient's baseline function and goals. Based on this assessment, they design a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of the individual. This plan may include a range of modalities such as manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and swelling, exercises to improve range of motion and strength, and functional training to ensure the hand can perform daily tasks efficiently (Miller & Friedrich, 2020).
A key focus of Keilor Road Physiotherapy is to restore the finger's strength and mobility. To achieve this, our physiotherapists utilize exercises that gradually increase in intensity and complexity, ensuring that the healing tissues are not overstressed while still promoting recovery. These exercises may involve using resistance bands, squeezing balls, or performing fine motor skills tasks, all aimed at rebuilding the muscles and ligaments around the dislocated joint (Peterson & Renstrom, 2017)
Recovery from a finger dislocation is a collaborative process between the patient and the physiotherapist. Active participation from the patient is crucial, as adherence to the prescribed exercise regimen and feedback on what feels effective or problematic directly influences the treatment's success (Joyce et al., 2014). Keilor Road Physiotherapist’s also provide education on how to avoid future injuries and may suggest ergonomic adjustments at work or modifications in sports techniques to protect the injured finger from re-dislocation.
The role of physiotherapy in treating finger dislocations is essential, not only for the immediate management of the injury but also for ensuring a full return to function. Through personalized treatment plans, a focus on restoring strength and mobility, and a collaborative approach to recovery, Keilor Road Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive and effective modality for overcoming the challenges posed by finger dislocations.
Restoring Functionality
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process following finger dislocations, focusing on restoring functionality, reducing pain, and improving the patient’s overall quality of life. The treatment plan typically incorporates a blend of therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training, each tailored to the specific needs and recovery goals of the individual.
Therapeutic exercises form the foundation of physiotherapy for finger dislocations. Initially, the focus is on gentle range-of-motion activities to alleviate stiffness, gradually progressing to include strengthening exercises as the patient's condition improves. Activities such as tendon glides, finger spreads, and exercises using resistance bands are instrumental in enhancing flexibility and rebuilding strength around the injured joint, facilitating a swift and efficient recovery (Joyce et al., 2014)
Manual therapy techniques are integral to managing pain and swelling, increasing joint mobility, and promoting tissue healing. Through methods like soft tissue mobilization, joint manipulations, and targeted massage, physiotherapists work to improve circulation, alleviate inflammation, and encourage the repair of damaged tissues. This direct, hands-on approach allows for the precise treatment of specific areas of discomfort or restricted movement, contributing significantly to the restoration of joint functionality (Miller & Friedrich, 2020).
Functional training is key to ensuring that the patient can return to their daily activities and specific tasks without limitation. This part of the physiotherapy program is designed to replicate the movements and demands of the patient’s everyday life, from basic actions like gripping and pinching to more complex tasks relevant to their hobbies or job. The goal of functional training is not just to return to pre-injury activity levels but also to prevent future injuries by enhancing the resilience and capability of the finger and hand (Joyce et al., 2014)
The comprehensive approach of physiotherapy, combining therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training, offers a non-invasive and effective pathway to recovery from finger dislocations. By addressing both the physical symptoms and the functional implications of the injury, physiotherapy ensures that patients can regain optimal finger function and return to their normal lives with confidence. The success of physiotherapy in treating finger dislocations underscores its value as a critical component of the rehabilitation process, enhancing the patient's quality of life and facilitating a return to full functionality.
Conclusion
Finger dislocations are always complex and vast treatment challenges are posed by volar finger dislocations. By looking at the causes, symptoms, and the indispensable role of professional intervention, the aim of this blog is to assist in a full recovery from such injuries.
The importance of accurately identifying finger dislocations has been highlighted, distinguishing them from other hand and finger conditions to apply the most effective treatment strategies. The pivotal role of physiotherapy in the recovery process, showcases how a combination of therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and functional training significantly enhances the rehabilitation outcome by restoring strength, mobility, and functionality to the injured finger.
Seeking professional guidance is paramount for the successful management of finger dislocations. Proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans, offered here at Keilor Road Physiotherapy, are critical to avoid long-term complications, such as chronic pain or reduced hand function. The integration of physiotherapy into the treatment regimen offers a holistic approach, not just focusing on the immediate injury but also promoting the prevention of future dislocations through targeted strengthening and conditioning.
The importance of professional care and the benefits of physiotherapy in treating finger dislocations can not be understated. Through expert assessment and personalized rehabilitation strategies, individuals experiencing such injuries can achieve optimal recovery, ensuring the return to their daily activities and maintaining hand function.
References:
Collins, A. & Muhammad, T. (2022, Nov 20). Finger Dislocation. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551508/
Rettig A. C. (2003). Athletic injuries of the wrist and hand. Part I: traumatic injuries of the wrist. The American journal of sports medicine, 31(6), 1038–1048. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465030310060801
Jones, N. F., Jupiter, J. B., & Lalonde, D. H. (2012). Common fractures and dislocations of the hand. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 130(5), 722e–736e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e318267d67a
Miller, E. A., & Friedrich, J. B. (2020). Management of Finger Joint Dislocation and Fracture-Dislocations in Athletes. Clinics in sports medicine, 39(2), 423–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csm.2019.10.006
Calfee, R. P., Sommerkamp, T. G. (2009). Fracture–Dislocation About the Finger Joints,
The Journal of Hand Surgery, 34(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.04.023.
Peterson, L., & Renström, P. (2017). Sports Injuries: Their Prevention and Treatment. 4th ed. London: Routledge.
Joyce, K. M., Joyce, C. W., Conroy, F., Chan, J., Buckley, E., & Carroll, S. M. (2014). Proximal interphalangeal joint dislocations and treatment: an evolutionary process. Archives of plastic surgery, 41(4), 394–397. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2014.41.4.394
Related Links:
Finger Injuries: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Trigger Finger : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Mallet Finger: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Understanding Finger Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Understanding Central Slip Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Physiotherapy
Article by
John Keller
Clinical Director | Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
John graduated as a Physiotherapist from the Auckland University of Technology with the John Morris memorial prize for outstanding clinical practise in 2003. John has since completed Post Graduate Diplomas in both Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with distinction, also collecting the Searle Shield for excellence in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Reviewed by
Dr. Jenny Hynes FACP
Clinical Director | Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Jenny sat extensive examinations to be inducted as a fellow into the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2009 and gain the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, one of only a few physiotherapists in the state to have done so.