What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger occurs when the tip of a finger or thumb is hit by a sudden force, leaving you unable to straighten it. This injury happens when the tendon that straightens the finger gets torn (tendinous mallet injury) or when both the tendon and a small part of the bone are pulled away (bony mallet injury). A common treatment for this condition is the use of a mallet finger splint.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Mallet Finger Injury?
If you can push the tip of your finger straight but can’t keep it in that position without help, it may be a mallet finger injury. Pain, tenderness, and swelling are common symptoms, and if diagnosed, using a mallet finger splint is recommended to ensure proper healing.
Can a Mallet Finger Heal Without Treatment?
A mallet finger won’t heal on its own and requires treatment, often involving a mallet finger splint. Trying to manage the injury without professional care can cause complications like skin damage or improper healing, so it’s important to seek the advice of a hand therapist.
I Have a Mallet Finger Injury, What Should I Do?
If your fingertip doesn’t straighten on its own, you should immediately consult a hand therapist. They will likely recommend a mallet finger splint to stabilize the injury. Getting an X-ray may also be necessary to determine the severity of the injury and whether surgery or further specialist care is needed.
Treatment of a Mallet Injury
Understanding treatment expectations is crucial for managing a mallet injury because sticking to the splinting plan is essential for a successful recovery.
Your therapist will create a custom-made thermoplastic splint that fits snugly over the back of your finger, secured with small strips of tape. This splint needs to be worn continuously throughout the splinting period (6-8 weeks), only removing it for cleaning or if the fleece lining needs replacing. During these breaks, keep your fingertip straight and supported either by your other hand or a flat surface, as bending it could disrupt healing and might mean starting the splinting process over. It’s also important to keep the joints of your finger that are unaffected moving.
In some situations, surgery may be needed if the bone fragment pulled away with the tendon is large or if the joint alignment is poor. Surgery might also be considered if the splinting is problematic or if the outcome after 6-8 weeks is not satisfactory. Your hand therapist or surgeon will discuss any of these options with you if necessary.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Splint?
If you have a bony mallet injury, you’ll need to wear the mallet finger splint full-time for 6 weeks. For a tendinous mallet injury, the splint is required for 8 weeks. After this period, it’s often recommended to continue using the mallet finger splint at night for several months to prevent the fingertip from drooping.
Can I Still Play Sports With a Mallet Injury?
Playing sports while wearing a mallet finger splint increases the risk of re-injury. It’s important to consult with your hand therapist about how to safely participate in sports while ensuring that the mallet finger splint remains secure. Keep in mind that your splint needs to be worn at all times. Make sure it fits within the rules of any activities you plan to do.
What Happens After Splinting is Completed?
After 6–8 weeks of wearing a splint, your therapist will assess whether the injury has healed sufficiently. You may still need to wear the splint at night or during activities that could cause further injury. Even with careful splinting, some residual bending may remain, which is normal. It’s crucial not to force your finger to bend. Your movement will slowly get better as you start using your hand more normally and follow the exercises provided by your hand therapist.
How Often Will I Need to See My Hand Therapist?
The number of visits can vary based on your comfort with splint adjustments, skin condition, joint movement, and strength after removing the splint (or if surgery is needed for wound management).
Typically, you may need 2-4 appointments:
- Initial Consult: Splint is made, and a treatment plan is set.
- Appointment 2: About 3 weeks later, for a splint check to adjust for swelling and to review splint change techniques.
- Appointment 3: At 6-8 weeks, depending on the injury, start reducing splint use and begin a home exercise program.
- Appointment 4: Likely the final visit to assess progress, strength, and range of motion, and to provide self-management tips.
Precautions and What to Watch For
If the drooping in your fingertip returns, it’s crucial to contact your hand therapist after treatment. Continuing issues with mallet finger, despite wearing the mallet finger splint, can lead to complications such as swan neck deformity. Should this occur, further intervention, including potential surgery, may be necessary.
In conclusion, wearing a mallet finger splint as prescribed is the key to proper healing. Working closely with a hand therapist will ensure that the finger recovers fully without lasting damage, ensuring successful treatment.
Please let us know if you have any questions and do leave a comment
Contact us for more details:
Total Orthocare
59 A, MNR Complex,
Near Steel Factory Bus Stop,
Dodda Banaswadi Main Road,
Bengaluru-560043
Phone: 080-4370 1281
Mobile: 9591618833
