"Finals Fever & Footy Fingers" – Why Hand Injuries Aren’t Just for the Pros
With AFL finals just around the corner, the stakes are high, and so is the passion.
Whether you’re still chasing kicks in your local league, playing weekend scratch matches, or simply throwing your arms up in the lounge room after a questionable umpiring call – your hands are in the thick of it.
At Action Rehab, we know finals footy fever doesn’t just hit the elite players. We see plenty of everyday Queenslanders coming through our doors this time of year with unexpected hand and wrist injuries, and not all of them happened on the field.
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Common Hand Injuries We See During Finals Season
Let’s break down a few all-too-familiar situations that often lead to visits to our clinic:
“The Backyard Misfire”
The kids are suddenly obsessed with footy (blame finals hype), and a friendly handball session ends with the ball jamming your finger or thumb awkwardly. It seems minor, but it could be a ligament strain or joint sprain that requires splinting.
“The Frustration Fist”
A close match. A controversial decision. You slam the armrest, and now you’re on the injury list. We see impact injuries like this all the time; broken knuckles, wrist pain, tendon irritation, often from nothing more than passionate fandom.
“The Local Legend Injury”
You’re pushing hard in your community finals campaign – adrenaline’s pumping, and so is the risk. A mistimed bump or awkward fall can leave you with a wrist sprain, finger dislocation, or worse. Even if it feels manageable, it’s worth getting checked.
What Injuries Are Common Around Finals?
Here’s what we’re treating most often in the lead-up to (and during) footy finals:
- Thumb ligament injuries (UCL tears)
- Finger dislocations & fractures
- Wrist sprains & scaphoid fractures
- Tendon injuries from impact or overuse
- Swelling and stiffness from repeated knocks
The Finals Rule: Don’t Play Through Pain
We get it. Whether you’re going for glory in your local league, or just don’t want to miss backyard kick-to-kicks with the family, it’s tempting to push through. But ignoring early signs of injury can cost you more in the long run.
Our team of expert hand therapists at Action Rehab can help diagnose the issue, provide a custom splint if needed, and guide you through a rehab plan to keep you in the game (or ready for next season).
We’re in Your Corner This Finals Season
From field to fan zone, we treat more than just elite athletes. Our patients are parents, weekend warriors, social players, and the odd table-punching superfan.
If you’ve picked up a knock, strain, or suspect something’s not quite right, we’re here to help.
And remember, as always – Go Lions!
Steven De Waard
Steve is a physiotherapist with a professional tennis background, specialising in sports rehab, upper limb injuries, and post-surgical recovery at Action Rehab Northside.
