“I am experiencing stiffness in my finger after an injury. What could be the reason?”
I had an injury last week when the bike fell on my hand. I am finding my index finger very stiff post the accident. What could be the reason?
7 Answers
This could be the result of a fracture or a severe sprain. It would be wise to get high-quality x-rays and be evaluated by a hand surgeon as soon as possible.
It is important to always seek a medical evaluation by a licensed professional to ensure it is not the manifestation of something more serious. You also want to seek help sooner rather than later to prevent any further damage to the area.
You would need a complete history and examination of the hand by either a plastic surgeon with an interest in hand or an orthopedic surgeon with an interest in hand. After the examination, x-rays would then be obtained. Your stiffness could be due to either a soft tissue or bony injury. Only a comprehensive work up would reveal the cause of your stiffness.
Many times after a traumatic injury, swelling will cause stiffness. A fracture should be ruled out by an X-ray. If there is no fracture, gentle range of motion exercises may be done.
This is a common complaint after and injury. First, it is important to evaluate what has been injured. Often a simple sprain (ligament injury) can cause a lot of swelling and inhibit motion, but it is imperative to see a physician to make sure there has not been a fracture or significant ligament or tendon injury before proceeding with treatment. X-rays and a physical exam are critical in determinin what structures have been injured. If it truly is just a "jammed" finger, edema control (getting rid of the swelling ) and early motion is important. If you are stiff because there has been a fracture, one has to make sure it is a stable injury and early motion is acceptable or perhaps it needs to be addressed surgically. I apologize for answering so broadly but the differential diagnosis for why someone is stiff one week after injury is so encompassing. I have seen patients who thought it was a simple "jammed finger" yet had a obvious dislocation or tendon avulsion that needed immediate attention. Please visit your local hand surgeon.
The injury may have caused a sprain or fracture. I would recommend evaluation by a hand surgeon.
There are many different reasons a digit may be stiff after injury. This should be examined urgently by a physician.
