Boxer’s Knuckle

Description

Boxer’s knuckle is characterized by pain and weakness over the knuckle of the hand resulting from injury of the tendon that straightens the joints of a finger. The extensor tendon is the attachment of the forearm muscle to a bone that straightens the finger, and this injury is a tear of the tendon or the tissues that hold the tendon in proper position, a problem that most often occurs in the knuckle of the long finger.

Common signs and symptoms

• Pain and tenderness over the injured knuckle

• Weakness or inability to completely straighten the finger under its own power

• Full passive motion of the finger (it can be straightened)

• Swelling and warmth over the knuckle of the injured finger

Causes

Boxer’s knuckle is usually due to a direct blow or repeated blows to the knuckle, such as with boxing or martial arts, that results in a tear of the extensor tendon, the tissues that help hold the tendon in place, and occasionally in injury to the tissue that surrounds the knuckle joint.

Factors that increase risk

• Sports that involve contact or hitting with the hand, such as boxing or martial arts

• Poor physical conditioning (strength, flexibility)

• Previous or concurrent injury to the knuckle

• Previous or untreated knuckle sprain

Preventive measures

• Maintain appropriate conditioning that includes hand and finger flexibility and muscle strength and endurance training.

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