Torn volar plate

[Monkeymorgan]

A year and 2 months ago I tore the volar plate in the pip joint on my pinky. We didn't get it treated until a year later. They don't want to use the dorsal block because I already have the boutonniere deformity. They told us that there was no point in doing physical therapy because it wasn't helping. Once while doing the exercises at home the joint popped and now there is a hard swollen bump on top on the outside of the joint. What can I do to help the tear heal? What should I do during karate to prevent further injury? What is the bump on the top?

[Michael L Gross, MD]

The bump is either the ruptured tendons balled on top of the joint, or more likely, it is the PIP joint subluxed through the defect in the extensor hood.  I don't think the tear is going to heal on its own at this point.  Certainly, Karate puts you at risk for further injury.

[Monkeymorgan]

The pain is unbearable right now to the point I'm in tears. I've taken 4 Alieve and they had no effect. Why isn't this healing and how can I make it fix itself? I'm ready to say just cut it off it'll hurt less that way. Please help I have no idea what to do and can't get the pain to stop.

[Monkeymorgan]

I know that karate is probably a bad idea but I tape it and try not to hit with it. Any idea on what to do to help it heal?