Jersey Finger: The Pain Behind the Game
Jersey Finger: The Pain Behind the Game
What's This About?
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
- Why the Ring Finger?
- Spotting the Symptoms
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.
FAQs
What is jersey finger?
Jersey finger is a tendon injury where the tendon detaches from the finger bone, often in athletes.
Why is it called jersey finger?
It's named after a common scenario where players tear a tendon while grabbing a jersey.
Which finger is most affected?
The ring finger is most commonly affected due to its weaker tendon attachment.
Can jersey finger be misdiagnosed?
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.
Additional 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.