Fingertip Won't Straighten? It Could Be Mallet Finger.

A fingertip that droops after a knock and won't straighten on its own is a mallet finger. We see them regularly. They don't heal without treatment, and if you leave it too long, you risk a permanent deformity that can't be corrected. Most people recover well with hand therapy, but presenting early for treatment makes a real difference.

What Is It?

Mallet finger happens when the fingertip is forcibly bent forward, usually from catching a ball or a direct knock. There are two types:

●       Soft tissue mallet: the tendon that straightens your fingertip tears

●       Bony mallet: a small fragment of bone is pulled away at the joint

A bony mallet often causes more bruising and swelling and can feel more traumatic. A soft tissue mallet can occur with relatively little force, for example tucking in bed sheets. An X-ray will confirm which type you have, and that guides how we manage it.

What Does Treatment Involve?

Most mallet fingers heal without surgery, but they need commitment from you.

Your fingertip has to be held completely straight in a splint, 24 hours a day, for 6 to 8 weeks. That includes sleeping and showering. If the fingertip bends at all during this time, the healing is disrupted and the clock needs to reset. Bony mallets generally need 6 weeks; tendon injuries need 8 weeks plus.

We will make a custom splint, walk you through how to care for it at home, and keep an eye on your progress throughout. Sticking with the splint is the single biggest factor in your outcome.

How We Can Help?

At Hands On Rehabilitation, hand and upper limb injuries are what we do. Our therapists are the experts at managing these injuries and are used to being your first point of contact. You don't need a referral. We can:

●       Assess your injury and confirm the diagnosis

●       Refer you for X-rays if needed

●       Make a custom mallet splint

●       Guide you through skin and splint care

●       Advise on splint weaning and home exercises

●       Work with you for a safe, timely return to sport and work activities

●       Lodge your ACC claim

●       Refer you to a hand surgeon if required

Come in as soon as you can. The earlier we see you, the more we can do.

See us first. Get sorted. Get back in the game.

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