Say goodbye to guesswork: how to pinpoint mallet finger with ease

Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger, is a common injury that affects the extensor tendon of the finger. It occurs when the tendon is torn or ruptured, causing the fingertip to drop. Mallet finger can be caused by a variety of activities, including sports, work, and accidents.

Symptoms of Mallet Finger

The most common symptom of mallet finger is a drooping fingertip. The finger may also be painful, swollen, and stiff. In some cases, there may be bruising or discoloration around the nail.

How to Diagnose Mallet Finger

Diagnosing mallet finger is relatively straightforward. Your doctor will typically ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. During the physical examination, your doctor will look for the following:

• A drooping fingertip
• Pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Bruising or discoloration around the nail
• Tenderness to the touch

Imaging Tests

In some cases, your doctor may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of mallet finger. These tests may include:

• X-rays: X-rays can show a fracture or dislocation of the finger bone.
• MRI: An MRI can show a tear or rupture of the extensor tendon.

Treatment for Mallet Finger

The treatment for mallet finger depends on the severity of the injury. In most cases, treatment will involve splinting the finger to keep it straight. The splint will typically need to be worn for 6-8 weeks.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn or ruptured tendon. Surgery is usually only necessary if the injury is severe or if the fingertip is not responding to splinting.

Recovery from Mallet Finger

Recovery from mallet finger can take several months. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to keep the finger splinted. You may also need to do physical therapy to help restore range of motion and strength to the finger.

Complications of Mallet Finger

In most cases, mallet finger will heal without any complications. However, there are some potential complications that can occur, including:

• Stiffness: The finger may become stiff after the splint is removed.
• Weakness: The finger may be weaker than it was before the injury.
• Deformity: The fingertip may not be able to fully extend or flex.

Prevention of Mallet Finger

There are a few things you can do to help prevent mallet finger, including:

• Wear gloves when playing sports or doing other activities that could put your fingers at risk.
• Avoid hitting your fingers with a hammer or other object.
• Be careful when using sharp objects.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: What is the difference between mallet finger and trigger finger?
A: Mallet finger is caused by a tear or rupture of the extensor tendon, while trigger finger is caused by a thickening of the flexor tendon.

Q: How long does it take for mallet finger to heal?
A: Recovery from mallet finger can take several months.

Q: Can I still play sports with mallet finger?
A: You should avoid playing sports that could put your finger at risk of further injury.

Q: What is the best way to prevent mallet finger?
A: Wear gloves when playing sports or doing other activities that could put your fingers at risk.

Q: What are the complications of mallet finger?
A: Potential complications of mallet finger include stiffness, weakness, and deformity.

Q: Can mallet finger be treated without surgery?
A: In most cases, mallet finger can be treated with splinting. Surgery is usually only necessary if the injury is severe or if the fingertip is not responding to splinting.