Hand Ligament Tear Treatment

February 5, 2025

A person wearing a blue shirt is sitting at a table, massaging their left hand with their right. A smartphone and notebooks are on the table in front of them.

Our hands are engineering marvels, relying on a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to perform everything from intricate movements to heavy lifting. Ligaments in the hands play a vital role by stabilizing joints and facilitating smooth motion. When these connective tissues are injured, the effects can range from mild discomfort to severe impairment. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ligament tears is crucial to restoring hand function and preventing long-term issues. Orlin & Cohen occupational therapists and certified hand therapists Tara Congimi, Alicia Hershkowitz, and Stacy Oster are here to provide you with everything you need to know about hand ligament injuries.

What is a Ligament Injury?

The structure of our hands includes numerous ligaments that provide the necessary stability and support for movement and grip. Ligaments are short, flexible bands of tissue that connect bones to form joints. When a ligament is torn or injured, it often becomes inflamed, disrupting the standard mechanics of the connected bones and leading to increased irritation and discomfort.

Depending on the severity, a ligament tear can be classified as either partial or complete; common causes include falls on an outstretched hand, sports injuries, and car accidents. The treatment approach varies based on the seriousness, ranging from rest to physical therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

Types of Hand Ligament Injuries

Skier’s Thumb (Gamekeeper’s Thumb)

Have you ever had a fall where your thumb gets yanked away from your index finger? That’s often how this injury occurs, resulting in a ligament tear at the base of your thumb—quite common among skiers gripping poles. While mild cases can heal with some rest and a supportive splint, severe injuries might call for surgical intervention to get you back on track.

Digital Ligament Rupture or Tear

You might have experienced this if you’ve ever jammed your fingers; this affects the ligaments that stabilize your finger joints, which can happen in any finger. These tears come in two forms: partial or complete (known as a rupture), and they can greatly impact your daily routine. A ligament tear occurs when some of the fibers in the ligament are damaged but the structure remains partially intact. In comparison, a rupture is a complete tear where the ligament is fully torn, often leading to detachment from the bone.

Symptoms of Hand Ligament Injuries

Stiffness

Ligament injuries often lead to stiffness. This occurs due to inflammation, making daily tasks challenging by limiting your range of motion. However, gentle stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening surrounding muscles can help restore your flexibility and ease the discomfort.

Tenderness

You may notice that the injured areas feel tender or sensitive. This is usually a sign of inflammation or tissue damage, which can vary in intensity and affect your hand function and grip strength.

Swelling

Swelling is another common sign of ligament injuries. It occurs when fluid and blood flow increase to the injured area, limiting movement and causing discomfort. Elevation, ice, and compression can help manage swelling, speed up recovery and reduce pain.

Weakness

After a ligament injury, hand weakness can creep in. This typically results from pain, swelling, or disuse and can affect grip and overall function. Targeted rehabilitation exercises focus on strengthening your muscles and restoring hand strength, dexterity, and stability so you can return to your daily activities.

Diagnosing Hand Ligament Injuries

The diagnosis of hand ligament injuries typically begins with a physical examination to evaluate pain, swelling, and range of motion. Specialists may then use imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the extent of ligament damage.

Treatment Options for Hand Ligament Injuries

The treatment for hand ligament injuries depends on their severity and location. Mild injuries may be managed with conservative methods such as splinting, rest, ice, and occupational therapy. In contrast, more serious cases might require surgical procedures to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments, restoring proper stability and function to the hand.

Non-Surgical Options

Rest and Protection

Conservative, non-surgical treatments are generally effective in treating most hand ligament injuries. A hand specialist may recommend a splint, brace, or buddy taping (strapping the injured finger to an adjacent one) to stabilize the ligament and prevent further damage.

You should avoid activities that stress or strain the injured ligament until it heals. In some cases, your specialist may recommend occupational therapy following this period of rest and recovery.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is crucial in regaining strength, flexibility, and functionality. This therapeutic approach aids recovery without the need for surgery. Rehabilitation for hand ligament injuries focuses on restoring function through specific exercises and stretching routines, progressively reintroducing activities.

Surgical Options

Surgical intervention may sometimes be needed to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments. Surgery is typically considered for serious ligament tears, chronic instability, or when conservative treatments fail to provide satisfactory results.

Hand ligament injuries can be challenging, but with the proper diagnosis and treatment, recovery is within reach. At Orlin & Cohen, our team of fellowship-trained specialists includes some of the nation’s top hand specialists, offering personalized care and treatment solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t let a hand injury disrupt your daily life—book an appointment today and take the first step toward regaining strength and mobility so you can feel better, faster.