(It Might Be Mallet Finger)
If you’ve suffered a mallet finger injury, you’ll likely notice you can’t straighten the tip of your finger.
Have you hurt your finger and now the tip won’t go straight? If your fingertip is drooping and you can’t lift it, you might have something called mallet finger.
Let’s break it down in simple words!
🤕 What Is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger is an injury to the tendon that helps you straighten the tip of your finger. This tendon acts like a string that pulls your finger up. When it’s hurt, the string doesn’t work — and your finger tip hangs down.
It’s called mallet finger because the end of your finger can look like a small mallet (a little hammer).
⚠️ How Does It Happen?
Mallet finger usually happens when:
You jam your finger playing sports
A ball hits your finger tip
You bang your hand on something
Even everyday stuff, like tucking in bedsheets or closing a drawer, can hurt the tendon.
🔍 What Are the Signs?
Here’s what mallet finger looks and feels like:
The tip of your finger droops
You can’t make it straighten on its own
It might feel sore, swollen, or bruised
You can still move the rest of your finger — just not the tip
🩹 What Should You Do?
Don’t worry — most people with mallet finger don’t need surgery. A doctor will usually give you a splint to hold your finger tip straight.
You’ll need to:
Wear the splint all the time for 6 to 8 weeks – DO NOT REMOVE EVEN TO WASH IT. WARNING: IT WILL SMELL – BUT IF YOU REMOVE THE SLINT THE TENDON WON’T HEAL.
Keep your finger dry and clean
If the bone is broken or it doesn’t heal right, the doctor may talk about other options.
Best Type of Splint Is to Hyperextend The Tip
❌ What NOT to Do
Don’t take the splint off early – not even to “take a shower”. It takes time for that tendon to heal.
Don’t try to bend your finger “just to check”
Don’t ignore it — small injuries can get worse without help
💬 When to See a Doctor
While some mallet finger injuries can be treated at home with splinting, it’s important to know when to seek medical care. If the finger is very painful, bruised, or swollen—or if the skin is broken—you may need an X-ray to check for fractures. You should also see a doctor if your fingertip continues to droop despite using a splint.
Ignoring a mallet finger injury can lead to long-term issues like joint stiffness, a deformed fingertip, or loss of motion. Early treatment is key to healing properly and avoiding surgery. A hand specialist can evaluate the severity of the tendon damage and recommend the best treatment plan for your finger.
See a doctor if:
Your fingertip droops and won’t lift
You feel pain or swelling
You’re not sure what happened, but your finger looks different
🏥 What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a mallet finger injury typically takes 6 to 8 weeks of full-time splint use. During this time, it’s important to keep the finger straight at all times—even when changing the splint or washing your hands. You might also be given gentle motion exercises once the tendon has healed enough.
With the right care and a bit of patience, most people regain full use of their finger without needing surgery. The sooner you start treatment, the better your outcome.
🖐️ Fingers Matter!
Your fingers help you write, type, grab, play, and do tons of things. If one gets hurt, it’s okay — just treat it right so it can heal. Mallet finger can get better with care, patience, and the right splint!