What's wrong if my fingertip was hit by a basketball and it hurts when I bend it?

Under normal circumstances, pain when bending the finger after being hit by a basketball may be caused by soft tissue contusion, tendonitis, joint dislocation, fracture, or nerve damage. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Soft Tissue Contusion

The impact force of a basketball can cause soft tissue contusions around the finger, triggering an inflammatory response and resulting in pain when bending the finger. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as local redness, warmth, and limited mobility. It is recommended to follow the RICE principle—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—under a doctor's supervision to control inflammation and swelling.

2. Tendonitis

If the finger does not get adequate rest after being struck by a basketball and continues to be overused, tendon inflammation may develop, leading to tendonitis. This causes pain when bending the finger, often accompanied by swelling and restricted movement. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as aspirin sustained-release tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules for treatment.

3. Joint Dislocation

The impact from a basketball may cause dislocation of the finger joint, resulting in pain during bending, usually accompanied by obvious swelling and deformity. It is recommended to have the joint realigned under a doctor’s guidance, followed by immobilization with a splint or cast for a period of time to ensure joint stability and promote healing.

4. Fracture

A strong impact from a basketball may cause a finger bone fracture, leading to pain when bending the finger, typically accompanied by deformity and limited movement. It is recommended that a doctor stabilize the bone using a cast or splint to promote proper healing.

5. Nerve Damage

A forceful basketball impact may injure the nerves in the finger, causing pain when bending, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as tingling or reduced sensation. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as vitamin B1 tablets, oryzanol tablets, or mecobalamin tablets for treatment.

In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be increased to enhance physical strength and boost immune function.