A finger that won't straighten at the middle joint
A hand surgeon and a certified hand therapist on central slip injuries
The central slip is a part of the tendon that straightens the middle joint of a finger. A blow, a forced bend or a cut over that joint can injure it. At first the finger may just look swollen and sore. It may even move soon after the injury. Later on, the middle joint may droop downward while the fingertip tips back. Spotting it early helps, because a bent shape left untreated can get stiff. [1, 2]
Show exactly which joint is the problem
Point out to your doctor whether the trouble is at the middle joint or the tip of the finger. Each injury has its own treatment plan. Tell them about any cut, dislocation or snap. The exam checks if you can straighten the finger on your own. It also checks joint stability and the skin. [1, 2]
An X ray may look for a chip of bone or a dislocation that came with it. Do not keep forcing the finger through painful moves to prove it’s hurt. [1, 2]
Wear the splint exactly as told
A closed injury, with no cut in the skin, is often treated with a carefully fitted splint. It keeps the middle joint straight. An open cut, an unstable joint or a bone chip that has moved out of place may need another approach. That could include surgery. [1, 2]
Follow the splint and exercise directions to the letter. Bending the protected joint too early can undo your progress. A hand therapist can check the splint’s fit and the pressure on your skin. They can also show you how to safely move the joints that are allowed to move. [1, 2]
Come back if the finger changes
Questions about your finger and splint
- Is the central slip hurt, or is another joint involved?
- Which joint has to stay straight, and for how long?
- What finger movements are safe while I wear the splint?
Let the therapist watch you put the splint on
Before you go, ask your therapist to watch you put the splint on one time. [2]
Sources and further reading
For general education, drawing on hand surgery and hand therapy. Finger splints and exercises depend on your exact injury. Do not force the joint straight or change a prescribed splint without advice.
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