Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

Ask A PT

Sprains and Strain of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Definition:
An injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint when the joint is carried through a range of motion greater than normal, but without dislocation or fracture; or an injury resulting from tensile force.
Symptoms:
  • Pain in the finger
  • Swelling in the finger
  • Loss of ROM in the finger
  • Point tender on the metacarpophalangeal joint
Causes:
  • Forced finger or thumb hyperextension
  • Forced finger or thumb abduction
  • Fall onto thumb
Treatment:
  • ROM and stretching
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Hand intrinsic muscle strengthening
  • Upper extremity strengthening