Injuring your shoulders, legs and fingers are pretty common in volleyball. I once injured my finger while playing for my college team. I thought I would be able to continue playing despite the injury but sure enough, I was as wrong as they can be!
So, if you’re asking—Can I play volleyball with a broken finger?
No, you can’t and you shouldn’t. If it’s a minor sprain, then you might be able to play for a while, still with proper treatment such as ice application yet I would still advise you not to. However, if it’s a fracture, then there is no question at all.
Playing with a broken finger will only lead to more complications. So, before you think about playing with a fractured finger, know the risks and treatments for finger injuries.
Risks of Playing Volleyball with a Broken Finger
Playing volleyball with a fractured finger can lead to severe consequences. If you neglect and don’t treat the finger properly, then it might cause long-lasting or even permanent complications.
So, here are a few potential risks that can occur if you play volleyball with a broken finger.
Delay in Healing
If the fractured finger isn’t properly protected or immobilized, there is a high chance that the bone might not heal adequately. In such cases, this might lead to malalignment, deformities, or a weakened structure of the finger.
It might also result in stiffness, chronic pain, and a reduced range of motion in the affected finger.
Worsening the Injury
Continuing to play volleyball or any sports with a fractured finger might exacerbate the damage even more. It may cause further damage to the bone, adjacent joints, and the surrounding tissues. If this happens, then the result can be dire.
The fracture might worsen, which, as a result, will require a more delicate surgery or treatment.
Excessive Pain and Discomfort
Even if, for some miraculous reason, the injury doesn’t worsen, it will still be excruciating and annoying to play volleyball with a broken finger. You won’t be able to perform as you do regularly.
It is sure to affect your game play, your confidence and it might even take the fun out of the sport.
Chronic Issues
If you don’t treat a fractured finger right away and with the proper methods, it might lead to chronic problems. This may include joint stiffness, arthritis, or even deformities that last for a significant amount of time, even after the initial injury has healed.
Greater Risk of Complications
Continuing to play volleyball or any other sport with a fractured finger can increase the risk of complications such as infections, vascular injuries, or nerve damage. These ailments can be long-lasting and sometimes even permanent.
Such complications will require more complex and extensive surgeries and treatment, so it’s better not to let your finger worsen to that level.
Tips to Prevent Finger Fractures During Volleyball
Prevention is better than cure! The same goes for injuries. It’s better to shield yourself while playing because you never know what might result in an injury. So, here are a few tips to protect your fingers from breaking during a game.
1. Using Tapes or Splints
You should tape or splint the fingers that are prone to injury or have been injured before. Taping or splinting can give your fingers the added support they need to remain safe.
2. Wearing Protective Gear
If your fingers are prone to injury, then you can use finger braces or fingerless gloves designed for heavy-duty volleyball. These things do a very good job at cushioning the impact from a ball and prevent hyperextension.
Using the right volleyball equipment can do wonders for you. It will keep you safe and allow you to perform your best.
3. Use The Right Techniques
You should ensure that you’re using the proper forms or techniques for digging, hitting, or setting. It will reduce the chance of your fingers being in an awkward position.
4. Strengthen Your Fingers
Make sure to exercise regularly and keep a routine just for the muscles and ligaments in your hands and fingers.
5. No Blocking with Fingers
You always avoid blocking or attacking with your fingers. Use your fists or forearms to block the incoming balls to prevent finger injuries.
6. Warm Up Before a Game
Always warm up with light exercises that include stretching the hands, wrists and fingers. It reduces the chance of injuries significantly.
7. Be Extra Careful on Digs
While digging, make sure your hands and fingers are correctly positioned. If you’re not cautious while digging hard-driven balls, you’re likely to jam your fingers.
8. Finger Care
Make sure to cut your nails and address even the slightest of pain in your fingers. Minor injuries can be treated easily and rather quickly, but fractures can take a long time to heal.
You should also wear top-notch volleyball kicks to give your best on the court and prevent leg injuries.
Addressing Broken Fingers
Here are some tips on how to treat or address fractured fingers:
Immobilize the Finger: Splinting or buddy-taping the broken finger to the adjacent finger will immobilize the injured area. It will allow the finger to heal correctly without any disturbance.
Apply Ice: Try applying ice packs to the injured finger or area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
Make it a top priority, especially in the first 48 to 72 hours of the injury.
Seek Professional Help: If it’s just a sprain, then you might not need the help of a professional. However, if it’s a fracture, then you better consult a doctor for recovery and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy: Your doctor might recommend you to go through physical therapy after the initial healing phase ends. It will help you regain strength, range of motion and flexibility in the finger.
Protect the Injured Finger: Even when the injury is completely healed, you should wear protective gear like gloves or braces to keep your fingers protected while doing activities that can lead to finger injuries.
Better Safe Than Sorry!
There is no need to be a superhero and continue playing volleyball with a broken finger. You may think you’re doing it for the team, but it will only hold them back and jeopardize your entire volleyball career.
So, there is only one answer to the question—Can I play volleyball with a broken finger?
NO! You can’t.
Prioritize on healing the injured finger and not on making it worse by playing just because you’re too stubborn. Remember, minor injuries heal quickly, but major injuries are long-lasting and might even become permanent if not treated properly.
