If there is good positioning of the bone fragments, new bone will fill the gap. A bump may appear just below the nail on the back of the finger. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and put it on your finger. DO NOT let your finger go unsupported! endobj After completion of the initial splinting program a skilled hand or occupational therapist is needed to restore motion and return the finger to a healthy state. 6 0 obj The finger is usually painful, swollen, and bruised. Skiers Thumb, more common than you think! This can damage the tendon and bone, causing the finger to droop. This cut can go down to the bone and can divide the extensor tendon away from the bone. Injuries can occur in a number of ways, but most commonly when a straight finger is stubbed and forced to bend suddenly at the joint near the tip. /Type /Font You should also ice your splinted finger for 10-20 minutes three to four times per day. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Swan Neck Deformity: Causes, Treatment, Recovery and More - Healthline The fracture may be only at the tip of the bone at the attachment site. Your doctor may consider surgical repair if there is a large fracture fragment or the joint is out of line (subluxed). In some cases you may injure your finger bone along with your tendon. If needed, theyll refer you to a hand physiotherapist or an orthopaedic surgeon. << Policy. A . endobj You will also be given gentle exercises for the middle finger joint to prevent it from getting stiff. Because there is nothing else pulling the finger straight, the finger droops down. If treatment is delayed by more than three months, it may be impossible to correct the problem and the joint may have to be surgically fused. Mallet finger - aftercare Information | Mount Sinai - New York Ugh! >> /Name /F11 Mallet finger injuries are commonly encountered in everyday clinical practice. There will be some stress to the tendon once you starting bending your finger. In rare instances where wearing a splint would seriously impede your work if you were a surgeon for example it is possible to have a pin inserted into your finger to keep it straight. Tendon injuries in the hand. The wean should occur over a 1-month period. Think of it this way, you would wear a cast on your wrist for 6 weeks to heal your broken wrist. You can buy these pain medicines at the store. A splint holds the fingertip straight (in extension) until it heals. Your hand surgeon will help recommend the proper treatment that is specific to you. This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD. If the fingertip droops at all, healing is disrupted and you will need to wear the splint for a longer period of time. 172 38 Mallet finger most often occurs when something hits the tip of your straightened finger and bends it down with force. /Pages 2 0 R During the examination, your doctor will hold the affected finger and ask you to straighten it on your own.