Jersey Finger: The Pain Behind the Game
Published: Jul 13, 2024
Jersey finger is a serious injury often misidentified as a simple sprain. It requires immediate attention, especially for athletes who rely on their fingers for performance.
Contents
Understanding Jersey Finger
Jersey finger occurs when the flexor tendon in the finger is torn, typically during high-contact sports like football or rugby. The injury is named after the common scenario where a player grips an opponent's jersey and their finger gets hyperextended. This type of injury is not just a jammed finger and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Why the Ring Finger?
Interestingly, the ring finger is involved in about 75% of jersey finger cases. This happens because the ring finger has limited independent movement and its tendon attachment is weaker compared to other fingers. When the hand grips something, the ring fingertip tends to stick out further, making it more susceptible to injury.

Spotting the Symptoms
Athletes with jersey finger often experience acute pain and swelling in the affected finger. They might struggle to flex the distal joint of the finger. A key sign is the inability to bend the fingertip while the rest of the finger remains straight. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis as a simple sprain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jersey finger is a tendon injury where the tendon detaches from the finger bone, often in athletes.
It's named after a common scenario where players tear a tendon while grabbing a jersey.
The ring finger is most commonly affected due to its weaker tendon attachment.
Yes, it is often mistaken for a sprained finger, but requires urgent treatment.
The Bottom Line
Recognizing and treating jersey finger early is critical to prevent long-term damage.
References
- Tuttle HG, Olvey SP, Stern PJ. Tendon avulsion injuries of the distal phalanx. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2006; 445:157.
- Bachoura A, Ferikes AJ, Lubahn JD. A review of mallet finger and jersey finger injuries in the athlete. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2017; 10:1.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?