What are the worst finger injuries in wrestling?

Wrestling is a physically demanding sport that puts significant stress on the fingers, making them vulnerable to various injuries. Here are some of the worst finger injuries that wrestlers can suffer:

1. Finger Dislocations

• Description: A dislocation occurs when the bones in a finger joint are forced out of their normal positions. This is a common injury in wrestling due to the intense gripping and sudden impacts.
• Severity: Dislocations are painful and can cause long-term issues if not properly treated. They often require immediate medical attention to realign the joint and may involve weeks of recovery.

2. Mallet Finger

• Description: Mallet finger happens when the extensor tendon, which helps straighten the fingertip, is damaged. This injury typically occurs when a wrestler’s fingertip is forcefully bent, such as during a grip or fall.
• Severity: Mallet finger can lead to permanent deformity if not treated promptly. It often requires splinting for several weeks, and in severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

3. Ligament Sprains

• Description: Finger ligaments can be sprained when they are stretched or torn due to excessive force, such as when a wrestler's finger is bent backward or sideways during a hold.
• Severity: Sprains can range from mild to severe, with severe sprains potentially leading to chronic instability in the affected finger. Recovery may involve rest, splinting, and physical therapy.

4. Fractures (Broken Fingers)

• Description: Finger fractures can occur when a wrestler's finger is caught or crushed during a match. The bones in the fingers are relatively small and can break under the intense pressure of wrestling maneuvers.
• Severity: Fractures are serious injuries that can require immobilization with a cast or even surgery, depending on the severity of the break. Healing times can range from a few weeks to several months.

5. Jersey Finger

• Description: Jersey finger occurs when a wrestler forcefully grips an opponent's clothing, and the flexor tendon in the finger is torn. This tendon helps bend the finger, and when torn, it can cause the fingertip to be permanently bent.
• Severity: Jersey finger often requires surgical repair to reattach the tendon. Recovery is lengthy and involves significant rehabilitation to restore full function.

6. Volar Plate Injury

• Description: The volar plate is a thick ligament that prevents the fingers from bending backward. This injury occurs when the ligament is hyperextended, often during a fall or when a wrestler's finger is caught.
• Severity: Volar plate injuries can lead to long-term instability in the joint and may require splinting or surgery, followed by physical therapy.

7. Boutonnière Deformity

• Description: This injury occurs when the central slip of the extensor tendon is damaged, causing the middle joint of the finger to bend inward while the fingertip extends outward. It often results from a forceful blow to the finger.
• Severity: Boutonnière deformity can lead to permanent disfigurement if not treated properly. Treatment typically involves splinting the finger to allow the tendon to heal.

8. Tendonitis

• Description: Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons in the fingers, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse. Wrestlers may develop tendonitis from constant gripping and straining of the fingers during practice and matches.
• Severity: While tendonitis is not as immediately severe as fractures or dislocations, it can lead to chronic pain and reduced hand function if not managed properly. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory treatments are usually recommended.

9. Compound Fractures

• Description: A compound fracture occurs when the bone breaks and pierces through the skin. This is a rare but extremely serious injury in wrestling, usually resulting from a severe impact or twisting motion.
• Severity: Compound fractures are medical emergencies that require immediate surgery to prevent infection and to properly align the bone. Recovery is lengthy and can involve extensive rehabilitation.

10. Avulsion Fractures

• Description: An avulsion fracture happens when a small piece of bone attached to a tendon or ligament is pulled away from the main bone. This injury can occur during high-intensity grappling when the tendon or ligament is subjected to sudden force.
• Severity: Avulsion fractures can be very painful and may require surgical intervention if the bone fragment is significantly displaced.

These injuries highlight the importance of proper finger protection for wrestlers. Using protective gear like Grappz gloves can help mitigate the risk of these injuries, allowing wrestlers to perform at their best while keeping their fingers safe.