Finger injuries are common in sport, especially ball sports. One pattern of injury is the direct blow to the tip of the finger by a ball. As the joint is hyperextended the force goes through the volar plate. This is a thick ligament that prevents further hyperextension at the PIP joint (proximal interphalangeal joint). It is also common for a part of the bone to be torn off by the volar plate. This is called an avulsion fracture.
Often these injuries can be managed with a custom made splint from a certified Hand Therapist. This is to splint the bone and the ligament allowing it to heal in a stable position. After a period of splinting it is equally important to start hand therapy for exercises to address the scar tissue to the joint. The lasting effect of volar plate injuries is more stiffness and swelling which will only come down with exercises and time.
Sometimes volar plate injuries require surgery to correct a dislocation or fix a fracture. Therefore it is best to see your Doctor for an assessment early on, rather than just “buddy taping” or using a “Paddle-Pop stick” to splint the finger for weeks.
For more information on volar plate injuries please take a look at these links: