Say goodbye to mallet finger: discover the revolutionary treatment options that will restore your hand

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 droop. If you’re experiencing mallet finger, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention to determine the severity of the injury and receive appropriate treatment.

Understanding Mallet Finger

Mallet finger is classified into two types:

• Type 1: Partial tendon tear, resulting in a mild droop of the fingertip.
• Type 2: Complete tendon tear, leading to a severe droop and inability to straighten the fingertip.

Treatment Options

The treatment for mallet finger depends on the severity of the injury.

Conservative Treatment

For type 1 mallet finger, conservative treatment typically involves:

• Splinting: Wearing a splint for 6-8 weeks to immobilize the finger and allow the tendon to heal.
• Buddy taping: Taping the injured finger to an adjacent healthy finger for support.
• Physical therapy: Gentle exercises to improve finger mobility and range of motion once the splint is removed.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention may be necessary for type 2 mallet finger or if conservative treatment fails to resolve the issue. Surgical options include:

• Tendon repair: Suturing the torn tendon back together.
• Tendon transfer: Replacing the damaged tendon with a healthy tendon from another part of the hand.
• Arthroplasty: Removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from mallet finger can take several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment received. During this time, it’s important to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Attend all scheduled appointments and follow their recommendations for immobilization, exercises, and activity restrictions.
• Wear the splint or cast as directed: Keep the finger immobilized as prescribed to ensure proper healing.
• Avoid excessive use: Limit activities that involve using the injured finger, such as heavy lifting or typing.
• Perform exercises regularly: Once the splint is removed, gradually incorporate gentle exercises to improve finger mobility and strength.

Prevention

While not always preventable, there are certain measures you can take to reduce the risk of developing mallet finger:

• Use proper technique: When gripping objects or playing sports, ensure proper form to avoid excessive stress on the finger tendons.
• Wear protective gear: Consider wearing gloves or finger guards during activities that involve a high risk of finger injuries.
• Warm up before exercising: Prepare your hands and fingers for activity by performing light stretching and warm-up exercises.

Complications

In rare cases, mallet finger can lead to complications such as:

• Stiffness: The finger may become stiff and lose mobility.
• Pain: Persistent pain may occur in the injured finger.
• Deformity: The fingertip may remain permanently drooped or crooked.

What You Need to Know

1. How long does it take for mallet finger to heal?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment received. Typically, it can take 6-12 weeks for conservative treatment and several months for surgical treatment.

2. Can I use my finger during recovery?
Activity restrictions will depend on the treatment plan. For conservative treatment, avoid activities that involve excessive use of the injured finger. After surgical repair, your doctor will advise you on when you can gradually resume using the finger.

3. What happens if mallet finger is left untreated?
Untreated mallet finger can lead to permanent deformity, stiffness, and pain. It’s important to seek prompt medical attention to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.