Treatment of a capsule rupture on the finger
The therapy depends on the damage discovered in the examination and, if necessary, in X-rays and/or MRI. In a less severe case of a capsule rupture, treatment is usually conservative, i.e. not surgical. In order to give the finger enough opportunity to heal, the finger (and possibly the hand in general) should be spared, i.e. the finger is immobilized and stress on the finger should be avoided as much as possible.
It may also be possible to bandage the finger tightly. A sports break is particularly advisable, also to prevent second injuries. In addition, the finger should be cooled in order to fight the swelling and reduce the pain.
Raising the finger can also help: Liquid can flow back better and the finger hurts less. In addition, analgesic and anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) drugs such as ibuprofen tablets can help for a short period of time. After the swelling has subsided, it is important to quickly mobilize the finger to prevent joint stiffness.
If a noticeable restriction of movement is noticed in the course of treatment, a splint may be necessary to stretch the scarred joint capsule, a so-called whitening splint. This is a dynamic splint, i.e. integrated spring wire clamps permanently exert force on the affected joint in the direction of the restricted movement. This force can be adjusted individually.
This avoids permanent stiffening, for example, this principle is also used after tendon injuries. Sometimes the splint is also combined with a bandage sleeve to better protect the affected area. But a “normal” rigid splint can also be worn to protect and immobilize the finger.
This is particularly useful in the first few days until the swelling subsides. Before starting to specifically exercise the affected finger, you should consult your treating physician. In order to mobilize the connective tissue, the skin over the joint can be carefully moved in circular movements to reduce the swelling, create better gliding and promote blood circulation.
In addition, gripping exercises, for example with balls or water bottles, can be done to train the finger for everyday use. Gently bending and stretching the finger or making a fist closure again and again in between can ideally improve mobility quickly. You should pay attention to pain.
In case of doubt, professional physiotherapy can help. A professional taping of the finger can achieve a stabilization and better distribution of force on the affected finger. In most cases, the affected finger is taped to the neighboring finger and thus immobilized.
However, a tape does not replace the protection of the finger during the healing process: this means that even with tape, a sports break should be taken until the capsule tear is healed. Taping can have a supporting effect, similar to a bandage. However, taping does not accelerate the healing of the capsule rupture.
