Conveniently located throughout Melbourne and Gippsland
No referral needed
If you’ve injured or are experiencing pain in the fingertip with a fracture, swelling and bruising, you’ve come to the right place.
REFERRAL
Within 24 hours Urgent Care Required
IMAGING
Suggest X-ray, U/S
MANAGEMENT
Hand based water proof orthosis with MCPJ in flexion to reduce deforming forces. 6
weeks with safe early AROM.
WHAT IS JERSEY FINGER?
Jersey finger is a tear of one of the flexor tendons in the tip of the finger. It is common in contact sports, especially in AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union. It is called a Jersey finger because of how it more commonly occurs. In sport, if you reach to grab an opponent’s guernsey, you are attempting to grab them with your hand as hard as possible at the same time as your finger is being forced straight on impact. Therefore, the tendons may tear due to the impact.
JERSEY FINGER TENDON SYMPTOMS
You may experience: Pain in the fingertip, Inability to bend the finger normally, often, you may have felt a ‘snap’ at the time the injury, The tip of your finger maybe sore to touch and swelling and bruising may develop later in the fingertip.
Call us on 1300 762 227 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.
Our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists have extensive knowledge and experience in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing your hand and upper extremity – your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand – injuries or conditions, so you know you’re in good hands.
The hand therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in the assessment and treatment of jersey finger injuries. With a reputation endorsed by sporting organisations like the Melbourne Football Club, Action Rehab is the smart choice for treating your jersey finger.
- No referral needed
- Nonsurgical treatment prioritised where possible
- Working with some of Melbourne’s top sporting clubs
Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.
JERSEY FINGER TENDON TREATMENT
In most cases if the jersey finger 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. This is something that can be assessed by the team at Action Rehab.
Pre Operative Treatment
Often a Jersey Finger tendon injury is thought of as a dislocation. The difference between Jersey Finger and a dislocation is that you will not be able to bend the tip of the finger. Pre operative care is very important as one of the biggest issues with Jersey Finger is retraction of the tendon into the palm. If it is suspected that there is a Jersey Finger tendon injury your Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist at Action Rehab will provide you with education and fabricate a protective brace to keep you safe prior to surgery.
Post Surgical Treatment
Once the tendon injury is repaired it is important that the repaired tendon is slowly and carefully ranged so that it does not develop any scar adhesions. Many times the surgery will require extensive dissection into the palm due to the retraction of the tendon so there is a higher chance of adhesions. Your Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist at Action Rehab will be able to guide your post operative care and try to limit adhesions and increase your function post surgery.
See below the two treatment approaches for a patient who has jersey finger injury.
Fig 1: Pre Operative Treatment
After injury and before surgery it is really important to protect the tendon and prevent further retraction into the palm. A splint the secures the wrist and keeps the knuckles bent is fabricated at your first appointment with the Hand Therapist.
Fig 2: Post Surgical Treatment
Once the tendon has been reapired and stabilised its is important that you start to mobilise the tendon to prevent adhesions. A “short” splint leaving the wrist free utilises the “tenodesis” motion of the wrist and fingers and helps prevent adhesion and increase function. Your Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist is experienced in the fabrication of the “short” water proof, lightweight plastic splint.
To Book Call Us On 1300 762 227
Call us on 1300 762 227 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR JERSEY FINGER TENDON INJURY
Jersey Finger is complex and can lead to serious complications and frustrations if not treated appropriately.
Choosing the right Hand Therapist starts with them being able to assess your injury, read your X-rays or Ultrasound and then educate and/or fabricate the right brace for you and your injury. The Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing Jersey Finger and other tendon injuries, reading X-rays, reading Ultrasounds and advising on the most appropriate treatment.
Our therapists do regular GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Jersey Finger treatment.
Known for providing Hand Therapy treatment for Jersey Finger and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder tendon injuries Action Rehab are the hand therapists that Melbourne trusts.
JERSEY FINGER TENDON FAQS
Jersey Finger is a common injury seen at Action Rehab because of our Sports Injury focus but it is not a common tendon injury as it mainly occurs in ball sports. Jersey Finger is a common sports related injury and Action Rehab are experts in sports trauma.
Jersey Finger is caused when your arm is outstretched and you try to grab an object like a jumper. The ring finger is the most commonly damaged but it can occur in any finger.
Jersey Finger takes about 6-8 weeks to recover but depending on the type of tendon injury (fracture or not) it may take longer. Weirdly Jersey Finger injuries without a fracture take longer to heal.
Yes, always. Jersey Finger requires surgery. Hand Therapists at Action Rehab can assess the finger, read the X-ray and can advise if your Jersey Finger injury needs surgery.
Jersey Finger is a serious injury. You should always see a Hand Therapist if you have a Jersey Finger injury because they are much more complicated than you think. The Hand Therapists at Action Rehab can assist you with choosing a surgeon to assist with your Jersey Finger.
No it will not go away. It will get worse. Your tendon will retract and you may lose the ability to move your finger.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW
Action Rehab provide assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including jersey finger. Come and see our highly qualified and friendly staff today at a location convenient to you.
