What is “jersey finger”? Well, it has nothing to do with the state of New Jersey. Jersey finger refers to an injury that occurs most frequently in a football or rugby game. One athlete grasps another’s shirt, or jersey, to make a tackle, and the finger gets caught in the shirt. The flexor tendon, which enables the fingers to move, rips, usually at the top joint, and may snap back to the base of the finger or even into the palm of the hand. There are various severities of jersey finger, and the type you have determines the type of treatment you will receive.
- If the injury involves just a partial rupture of the tendon, your physician may decide that it can be treated with a finger splint, rest, ice and elevation.
- If the injury involves a full tendon rupture or a rupture with a bone chip attached, the finger will not heal on its own. Surgery will be required to repair soft-tissue damage and restore your finger’s ability to bend or move.
Surgery involves a three-step process:
- The surgeon locates the tendon at the base of the finger or palm.
- The surgeon then threads the tendon up through the finger into the correct position.
- The surgeon reattaches the tendon to the tip of the finger.
These surgical procedures can be very difficult, and scarring is common. Soon after surgery, you will begin physical therapy. Specific exercises will help you to gradually regain range of motion and function. Stiffness after surgery is common, but it usually responds to therapy. Along with your surgeon, your physical therapist will develop a rehabilitation program that speeds your recovery and helps to prevent a dangerous re-rupture of the tendon. Together, we can help you recover safely.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
*Some restrictions apply.
