Athletic Trainers
Combs, Jan. It’s Not “Just A Finger” Journal of Athlete Training: National Athletic Trainers Association. 2000
The article “It’s Not ‘Just A Finger’ by Jan A. combs provides a detailed information to the trainer on injuries of the fingers. It highlights that the trainer needs to know how to examine figure injuries or techniques used for proper examination as well as discussion on treatment and possible outcomes. The author places emphasizes fingers injuries should not be dismissed as inconsequential as most article do by providing just simple briefs on the same. Instead detailed description on figure injuries should be provided because a simple injury may end up ruining future goals of the player as well as limiting his future potential which may not be related to sports such as playing the piano. To achieve the required objective of the article that the trainer should understand finger injuries, the author provides detailed sections pertaining figure anatomy, examination and besides injuries and treatment.
The author Jan Combs states that injuries such as finger fractures are sensitive and yes they do need treatment and the first step is learning how to tell whether a figure is broken or not. He states that they are multiple ways to tell whether a figure is broken. They include; if a figure is swollen, appear deformed or if it becomes difficult to moving it, then it simply means the finger is fractured. Fractured fingers require immediate medical attention and the orthopedic may treat using splint or surgery in case the damage it too severe. Further, the article discusses that there are three factors that determine figure treatment. First, using an X-ray to determine whether the injury affected the joint of the finger, second, use of a physician to determine whether the fracture is stable or unstable and finally, checking for deformities such as inability to make a fist or appearing shorter. After identification of injury whether it a fracture or a deformity surgery and therapy may be necessary to prevent future problems. However, there are cases that treatment is not needed in case it is just a small splint but examination is still necessary to protect the finger.
Injuries of the figure are common in sports. Though most are minor and require little treatment, severe injuries can present with minimal signs and symptoms. For these reason, athletic trainers should acquire appropriate knowledge in relation to anatomy and biomechanics of the figures. By so doing they will be in better position to assist players through proper examination of injured digit. Poorly treated or missed figure injury can result to significant disability. Losing a single figure can result to changing an individual’s lifestyle completely; to the extent it becomes difficult to perform very fine, coordinated motions. It can also interrupt everyday activities such as tying a shoe, eating or typing. The author also states that health providers and athlete trainers should keep in mind that sports are not the only thing especially for young people. Young people or the youth may have different future plans such as becoming a surgeon, therefore it is essential to assist them achieve their dreams by taking athletic injuries seriously. The article by Jan Combs emphasizes that it may be “just a finger” but lose of just one finger can result to significant impact on a person’s lifestyle.
