Mallet Finger Basics: What It Is and How to Recover
Today, we're focusing on a common yet often misunderstood injury known as mallet finger. This post will explore what mallet finger is, its causes, symptoms, and the comprehensive treatment approach we offer to help you regain optimal function in your finger.
Understanding Mallet Finger
Mallet finger occurs when the extensor tendon, which helps straighten the finger, is damaged," leading to a droop at the tip of the finger. It's like your finger decided to take a permanent bow, often after an unexpected encounter in sports, household accidents, or even an overly enthusiastic high five.
Causes: How Does It Happen?
This injury is often the result of a seemingly trivial action, such as catching a ball, which forcefully bends the finger tip beyond its limit, or a direct blow to the tip of the finger. However, it's not limited to athletes; anyone can experience a mallet finger through everyday mishaps, even making the bed.
Symptoms: More Than Just a Droop
The hallmark sign of a mallet finger is the drooping of the finger tip, but it's often accompanied by other symptoms including:
Pain and tenderness, especially when attempting to straighten the finger.
Swelling and bruising at the site of injury.
An inability to fully extend the finger at the last joint without assistance.
What to do?
If you suspect a mallet finger injury, it's important to seek professional medical advice promptly. In the meantime, you can start with some basic care:
Keep the finger elevated and apply ice if able
Pop it on an ice-block stick, if that’s comfortable to help rest
Diagnosis and Treatment
At North Shore Hand Therapy, our therapists will conduct a thorough assessment to confirm a diagnosis of mallet finger. Treatment typically involves custom splinting the affected finger in a straight position (see below).
It's crucial that the splint is worn continuously for a period recommended by your therapist—usually several weeks—to ensure proper healing of the tendon.
Rehabilitation: The Road to Recovery
Rehabilitation plays a key role in recovering from a mallet finger injury. Once the splinting phase is completed, we will will guide you through a series of exercises designed to:
Restore flexibility and range of motion.
Strengthen the finger muscles.
Reduce stiffness and improve functionality.
Our goal is to support you through every step of your recovery, ensuring you can return to your daily activities with confidence and strength.
Mallet finger may seem like a minor injury, but without proper treatment, it can lead to long-term complications. At North Shore Hand Therapy, we're here to provide expert care and support, from the initial assessment through to the completion of your rehabilitation program. Remember, early intervention is key to a successful recovery.
A temporary splint
This may be provided to you to keep your finger straight
A custom splint
We can make you (on the spot), a custom splint to keep your finger straight. It is lightweight, moulded to you and waterproof
Disclaimer: The content of this blog post, including texts, images, and all other material, is for educational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. The information provided here should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and decisions about any therapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. North Shore Hand Therapy and its contributors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided on this site. Information is offered with no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, and any reliance placed on such information is strictly at your own risk. External links are provided for convenience only, without endorsement, and we are not responsible for the content of external site
