Mallet finger, sometimes called "baseball finger," is a condition that affects the fingertip. It happens when the tendon responsible for straightening the end of your finger is damaged, making it impossible to straighten the tip. Instead, the fingertip droops, often causing discomfort and limiting your finger's range of motion. This injury is common in athletes but can happen to anyone, especially if the finger experiences a sudden blow or forceful impact.
Mallet finger commonly occurs when an object forcefully strikes the tip of your extended finger, causing it to bend suddenly. This impact either stretches or tears the extensor tendon, which is responsible for extending the finger joint. Sometimes, the tendon pulls a small piece of bone away from the finger (an avulsion fracture), further complicating the injury.
Sports injuries: Mallet finger is common in athletes, especially those who play baseball, basketball, or volleyball, where a ball may hit their fingers.
Accidental trauma: Jamming your finger during daily activities, such as closing a drawer, using tools, or even tucking in bed sheets, can also cause mallet finger.
Falls: Falling on your outstretched hand with extended fingers can damage the tendon.
While mallet finger most commonly results from sports or accidental trauma, any situation that forces the finger to bend unnaturally while the tendon is stretched can lead to this injury.
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The symptoms can be clear if you've injured your finger and suspect you might have mallet finger; common signs include:
In cases where the tendon pulls off a piece of bone, the pain can be more intense, and the finger may appear more deformed. In either case, if you are unable to straighten your finger or notice persistent drooping, it's important to seek medical attention.
You don't have to stay in pain. Contact one of our ONJ divisions to schedule an appointment.
The treatment for mallet finger typically depends on the severity of the injury. Although most cases can be treated without surgery, more severe injuries may require more advanced care.
For the majority of patients, mallet finger can be successfully treated using non-surgical methods. A splint is commonly used to keep the fingertip straight while the tendon heals. This prevents the finger from bending and allows the torn tendon to reattach to the bone.
It's important to follow your doctor's instructions closely during recovery. Even accidentally bending the finger too soon could re-injure the tendon and delay healing.
In more severe cases, such as when the tendon pulls a fragment of bone away from the joint or if non-surgical treatments fail, surgery may be required. The goal of surgery is to repair the tendon or reattach the bone fragment to the joint.
Tendon repair surgery: If the tendon is completely torn or not healing properly, surgery is performed to suture the tendon back together. This procedure may involve small incisions in the finger to access the injured tendon.
Bone fixation: In cases where the tendon pulls off a piece of bone (avulsion fracture), small pins, screws, or wires may be used to hold the bone fragment in place while it heals.
Recovery from surgery can take longer than that from non-surgical treatments. Physical therapy may be required to regain the finger's full range of motion and strength.
While some minor finger injuries can be managed at home, mallet finger usually requires professional treatment to ensure proper healing. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's time to see an orthopaedic specialist:
Delaying treatment for mallet finger can lead to long-term stiffness, deformity, or even arthritis in the affected joint. That's why it's important to get evaluated as soon as possible by an orthopaedic specialist.
When seeking medical care for mallet finger, you should consult an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist injuries. These orthpaedic hand specialists have in-depth knowledge of the complex structures in the hand and fingers and can provide the most effective treatments.
In some cases, your primary care physician or a general orthopaedic doctor can evaluate your injury and guide your initial care, but a hand specialist is the best option for more complicated cases or if surgery is needed.
At our patient-focused orthopaedic practices, our hand and wrist specialists are experienced in treating conditions like mallet finger. We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on the severity of your injury.
If you cannot straighten your finger or notice pain, swelling, or bruising after an injury, it’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. While mallet finger might seem like a minor issue at first, delaying treatment can lead to long-term problems like permanent deformity, loss of finger function, or even arthritis in the joint. Early intervention is key to ensuring the tendon heals properly and that the finger regains its full range of motion.
An orthopaedic specialist, especially one who focuses on hand and wrist injuries, can evaluate the severity of your mallet finger and determine the best course of treatment. In many cases, a simple splint worn for several weeks is enough to allow the tendon to heal. However, for more complex injuries—such as those involving a bone fracture or complete tendon tear—surgical intervention may be necessary.
By seeking timely care, you can avoid complications and ensure a faster, more complete recovery. If you suspect mallet finger, don’t wait—reach out to a specialist today to get the treatment you need and restore full function to your finger.
