A: Treatment of collateral ligament strain is extremely difficult. Once this injury occurs, full recover of the torn ligament in unlikely, and the climber will be at risk for further injuries of this type. In addition, repeated injuries can lead to more serious Cartilidge Tears.

Treatment in this case must be supervised by a physican or therapist: treatment of the injury involves some or all of the following steps:

• Buddy tape the finger to the next until able to see a physician
• Finger splinted at 30 degrees of flexion for 1-2 weeks
• One week of rest when finger removed from splint
• A gradual introduction of climbing activity
• Taping of the fingers to stabilize the joint on future climbs

In cases of severe tear, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Since the injury is cased by using the finger as a lever, biomechanics can help to prevent the injury. In general, force on the finger should always be parallel to the long axis of the finger when using a single finger hold.