Fingers are sometimes poked during ball sports such as volleyball or basketball or when reaching for an object. The typical symptoms are swelling and discomfort in the finger. However, when there is more to the finger than a simple poke, what is the proper treatment? The structure of the human finger is very delicate, with the extensor and flexor tendons running on the dorsal and palmar sides of the finger respectively. The tendon sheath is a sheath that surrounds the outside of the tendon, and the tendon is able to slide freely within the sheath to perform the flexion and extension of the finger. Therefore, when you accidentally poke your finger, it is possible to damage many structures. Most pokes are simply soft tissue contusions that can be recovered without surgery and immobilization. However, the following symptoms require alerting to a potentially serious injury and early medical attention: 1. Is the interphalangeal joint in its normal position? If the interphalangeal joint is misaligned, then an interphalangeal joint dislocation or fracture may have occurred and immediate medical attention should be sought. The interphalangeal joint must be maintained in its normal anatomical position to avoid further injury and to maximize restoration of finger function. 2. Can each interphalangeal joint be flexed and extended? If the interphalangeal joint cannot be flexed and extended, then there may be damage to the extensor tendon, the flexor tendon or the finger bone to which it is attached. This also requires an early visit to the hospital, and early repair can prevent finger dysfunction as much as possible. If the above symptoms do not occur and fractures and important ligament injuries can be ruled out, then the following treatments can be referred to: 1. Take NSAIDs for pain relief: These drugs relieve symptoms mainly through analgesia, swelling and anti-inflammatory effects. According to the drug instructions dose, until the affected finger swelling and pain subsided. 2. Braking of the affected finger: The affected finger recovers more quickly without force. If you poked your finger while playing basketball, you should avoid playing basketball again until you have fully recovered. Vigorous exercise can aggravate the injury and increase the recovery time. 3, ice: ice can reduce the inflammatory response, eliminate swelling and relieve pain. The affected finger should be iced for 20 minutes every hour from the first day of injury
minutes. Wrap the ice with a towel to avoid frostbite limb. 4, use tape to fix the affected finger and adjacent fingers together: adjacent fingers play the role of splint external fixation, to avoid aggravating the finger injury. Of course, tied to the tongue depressor or popsicle stick can also play a fixed role. 5, as much as possible to elevate the affected finger: no matter what time, as much as possible to elevate the affected finger above the heart. This can increase the local venous return and accelerate the discharge of metabolites from the area. 6, when the finger swelling and pain subsides, you can remove the tape: after the tape is removed, you can move your finger moderately, but still avoid strenuous activities until the finger is fully recovered.