Fingers bending sideways, also known as lateral deviation, is a condition where the fingers curve away from the midline of the hand. This abnormal bending can affect any of the fingers, but most commonly occurs in the little (pinky) and ring fingers. While mild cases may just be an anatomical variation, severe lateral deviation can cause functional problems and be a sign of an underlying medical issue.
What are the causes of fingers bending sideways?
There are several potential causes for fingers bending sideways, including:
1. Genetic factors
Some degree of lateral deviation can be present from birth and caused by inherited factors. Having an anatomical makeup that predisposes the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the fingers and hand to tightness or imbalance can lead to abnormal sideways bending. This congenital condition often runs in families.
2. Injuries
Trauma to the delicate bones, ligaments, and tendons of the fingers and hand can alter their alignment and cause the fingers to deviate. Fractures that heal improperly or injuries that cause swelling, scar tissue formation, or joint stiffness can pull the fingers out of position over time.
3. Medical conditions
Certain medical disorders are associated with progressive finger bending and deviation:
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis can cause inflammation and joint damage leading to finger deviation.
- Nerve damage – Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome exert pressure on nerves and alter finger position.
- Stroke – Nerve damage from stroke can impair normal finger alignment.
- Cerebral palsy – Muscle tightness and imbalance leads to abnormal finger positioning.
- Dupuytren’s contracture – This condition causes thickening and tightening of tissue in the hand.
4. Aging
As people get older, arthritis, muscle changes, and nerve damage make the fingers more prone to bending in an abnormal way. Sideways deviation tends to get more noticeable and pronounced with advanced age.
What fingers are usually affected?
The little (fifth) and ring (fourth) fingers are most commonly affected by lateral deviation. However, any finger can potentially bend sideways.
Reasons the little and ring fingers are often involved include:
- They are on the outer part of the hand and more mobile, making them prone to trauma.
- They have more delicate bones and joints.
- Their tendons and ligaments are smaller.
- Their muscular strength and coordination is lower.
Due to these anatomical factors, the little and ring fingers are vulnerable to many of the conditions that can cause sideways bending like arthritis, injuries, and nerve compression.
What are the symptoms of lateral finger deviation?
Signs and symptoms of fingers bending sideways include:
- Fingers curving away from the midline of the hand
- Inability to straighten the fingers completely
- Fingers crossing over each other
- Fingers overlapping when closed into a fist
- Difficulty moving the affected fingers through their full range of motion
- Stiffness, pain, or swelling in the bent fingers
- Clawing of the fingers
- Loss of dexterity in the hand
- Reduced grip strength
Symptoms may develop gradually over time or have a sudden onset after injury. Severity can range from mild to disabling.
How is lateral finger deviation diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of sideways bending fingers involves:
- Medical history – The doctor asks about symptoms, onset, pain, family history, and previous hand injuries.
- Physical exam – The fingers and hand are examined for range of motion, alignment, and signs of swelling or deformity.
- X-rays – Images help evaluate the finger bones and joints.
- MRI or CT scan – Provides a detailed view of the soft tissues in the hand.
- Nerve conduction study – Measures how well nerves transmit signals.
- Blood tests – Helps diagnose or rule out arthritis and other disorders.
Identifying the underlying disorder causing the bent fingers guides appropriate treatment.
What are the treatment options for lateral deviation of the fingers?
Treatments for sideways bending of the fingers include:
Nonsurgical options
- Splinting – Stabilizing splints hold the fingers in proper alignment.
- Hand therapy – Exercises improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Anti-inflammatory medication – Reduces pain and swelling.
- Steroid injections – Relieve inflammation in arthritis.
- Lifestyle changes – Preventing further injury protects the fingers.
These conservative measures work best for mild deviations or can be tried first before considering surgery.
Surgical treatments
If nonsurgical approaches fail to adequately correct sideways bending and improve function, surgery may be warranted. Surgical options include:
- Release of contracted ligaments
- Straightening and pinning fractured bones
- Removal of arthritis bone spurs
- Joint reconstruction procedures
- Tendon and muscle realignment
- Neurolysis to release compressed nerves
The specific technique depends on the cause and severity of the lateral deviation. Surgery is followed by hand therapy to maximize recovery.
What is the outlook for patients?
The prognosis for sideways bending of the fingers depends on several factors:
- Underlying cause – Deviation due to trauma or neurological conditions may improve more with treatment than longstanding arthritis.
- Severity – Mild cases have a better prognosis than severe, fixed deformities.
- Age and overall health – Younger, healthier people tend to have better surgical outcomes.
- Treatment compliance – Consistent follow-up care and therapy gives the best results.
While some cases of finger deviation can be completely corrected, often a degree of bending remains even after treatment. But symptoms generally improve and allow increased hand function.
How can lateral finger deviation be prevented?
Steps that may help prevent sideways bending of the fingers include:
- Avoiding injury through protective equipment in sports and workplace safety.
- Addressing early symptoms before advanced deformation sets in.
- Treating underlying medical conditions promptly.
- Strengthening the hands and fingers through exercise.
- Maintaining a healthy weight to prevent arthritis progression.
- Practicing good joint protection and ergonomics with activities.
While some causes of finger deviation like genetics can’t be prevented, many cases could potentially be avoided through injury prevention and early intervention when the fingers first start to bend.
Conclusion
Lateral or sideways deviation of the fingers has many possible underlying causes, from genetic factors to progressive hand disorders. While the little and ring fingers are most often involved, any finger can bend abnormally to the side. Mild cases may just require observation, but severe deviations that restrict hand function need to be evaluated and treated. A combination of splinting, exercises, medication, injections, and sometimes surgery can help straighten bent fingers and restore optimal hand flexibility and usage.