A fingertip that droops and won't straighten after a crash
Mallet finger, as a hand surgeon and a hand therapist see it
If a fingertip suddenly droops and you can’t lift it yourself, the tendon that straightens it may have torn. Sometimes the tendon pulls off a small piece of bone. This is known as mallet finger. It can happen when a finger jams against the steering wheel, a door or another hard surface. The pain may not be bad. So it’s easy to brush off as a sprain. [1]
Have the bone and joint checked
A doctor can examine the finger and take an X ray. It shows whether bone was pulled off and whether the joint is still lined up. A cut, an injury to the nail or a joint that has shifted changes the treatment. Find out which type of injury you have. Don’t assume a splint from the store is enough. [1]
Why the splint has to stay on nonstop
Many mallet injuries heal when the fingertip joint is held straight, without a break, for several weeks. If the joint bends while you change the splint, healing may be thrown off. Treatment may then take longer. [1]
Ask a therapist to show you how to clean the skin and swap the splint without letting the tip droop. Keep the middle joint of the finger moving if your team advises it. Protect the skin from rubbing and moisture. [1]
When a splint may not be enough
A large bone fragment, a joint that isn’t lined up well or an open injury may lead to talk of surgery. Contact your team if the splint slips or the skin breaks down. Call too if the tip turns blue or numb, or you can’t keep the joint straight. [1]
Questions about your splint schedule
- Is there a break, or is the joint out of line?
- How many weeks does the tip need to stay straight at all times?
- How can I clean my finger without bending the end joint?
Practice the splint change while someone watches
Have someone on your care team watch you take the splint off and put it back on safely. [1]
Sources and further reading
This article offers general education from hand surgery and hand therapy. Your exact splint schedule depends on what the exam and X rays show about the tendon, bone, skin and joint position.
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