Recovery time for patients with mallet finger depends on the severity of the injury. If the tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, recovery from mallet finger can take up to 12 weeks. Mallet Finger Baseball Finger. What is mallet finger? Causes of mallet finger Mallet finger is typically caused by a strike to the finger that bends it beyond where it typically is supposed to go.
Risk factors for mallet finger People who play baseball or similar sports are at a higher risk of developing mallet finger. Symptoms of mallet finger The most common symptoms of mallet finger are immediate pain, swelling, bruising or tenderness at the outermost joint. Other symptoms of mallet finger include: Inability to completely extend the finger Fingertip droops down and can only be straightened by pushing it upward Diagnosis of mallet finger If you suspect you have mallet finger, schedule an appointment with your physician right away to ensure you gain maximum amount of control back in your finger.
Treatments for mallet finger Although early intervention and treatment for mallet finger is crucial, most cases of mallet finger can be treated without surgery.
It's important to wash both your finger and the splint at least once a day, following these instructions:. It should take 6 to 8 weeks for your finger to heal, after which time you'll be able to use it again. You may be advised to continue to only wear the splint at night for up to 4 more weeks.
In some cases, you may only need to see a specialist once, as a hand physiotherapist may be able to take over your care. They'll give you exercises to do at home to help prevent your finger becoming stiff. Depending on your job, you may need to take some time off work. You should also avoid sports involving the hands while your injury is healing. It may take several months for your finger to become fully functional.
Redness, swelling and tenderness of the skin around the end of the finger are common for 3 or 4 months after injury but usually settle eventually. You may be left with a small bump on the top of the joint and be unable to fully straighten the joint. Your finger may not be exactly the same as it was before the injury, but overall, it should function well.
Page last reviewed: 09 March Next review due: 09 March Without treatment, you will not be able to straighten the finger; sometimes further problems develop that make the finger even harder to use. It is important to seek treatment for this condition even if there has been a delay. He sub-specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery and treats disorders involving bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels of the entire upper extremity in addition to general orthopedics.
He is trained in fracture management, reconstruction, microvascular, and nerve surgery of the hand, arm, elbow, and shoulder. Ben Jacobs answers your questions about Mallet Finger : My finger droops even when I try to straighten the tip. What is going on? When should I seek treatment for my injury?
What should I expect from my doctor? How long is this going to take?
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