01/09/2025
Local footy & netball seasons are coming to the pointing end. Wishing all local competitors all the best during your finals campaign. We hope your final games bring success and no injuries. But like many ball sports, finger injuries can be very common with football & netball. These injuries can cause long term issues if not looked after properly.
The term “jarred” is a frequent word thrown around within the world of sport. The joint associated with this injury is the middle joint of the finger known as the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint). Injury to the PIP joint often occurs when the finger hyperextends due to contact with the ball or in a tackle. If the PIP joint is mismanaged post injury, long term complications, associated with delayed treatment such as the recurrence of dislocations and flexion deformities can occur. These can significantly impact your hand function in daily life.
What to do after injuring your PIP joint:
• Early assessment by a hand therapist to prevent complications down the track
• Symptoms may include:
o Pain localised to a particular area
o Swelling and bruising.
At Geelong Hand Therapy, you do not need a referral from you GP to be seen by one of the therapists, however, medical imaging may be required to check the extent of the injury.
Treatment:
In severe cases, surgical intervention is required to correctly repair ligaments that have been torn. Following the diagnosis of the injury type, treatment may involve:
• Protective thermoplastic splinting
• Swelling management
• Provision of exercises when safe to do so
• Wound and scar management post-surgery
• Strengthening
