A mallet finger can be an annoying condition, sometimes causing painful discomfort. But what exactly is a mallet finger, how does it occur, and how can it be remedied? On this complaints page, we will talk about it and find the solution. So read on below!
What is a mallet finger?
You have a mallet finger when you can no longer stretch the tip of your finger, and it remains bent. This is why it is also called a ‘mallet finger’, as it is shaped like a hammer.
How can this happen?
A mallet finger can be caused by several things. It mainly occurs when playing a sport, for example basketball, football, or volleyball. It often happens when a ball hits the outstretched finger.
When the ball hits the finger with great pressure, the tendon in the finger can tear, causing the finger to stick. This creates the shape of a hammer, also called ‘mallet finger’ or ‘hammer finger’.
A hammer finger can also be caused by hitting your finger hard against the wall during household chores, for example. It depends on your age what your finger can still do. Young people can usually take a beating and are less likely to get a mallet finger. Older people can get it if they lightly bump their finger.
How does a mallet finger heal?
The problem with a mallet finger is that it never heals by itself. You always need treatment to make it heal. This takes the form of a finger splint. Fortunately, a finger splint is not expensive and easy to use. At the end of this blog, our physiotherapists have posted some finger splints that are specially designed for a mallet finger.
If you have a mallet finger and want to treat it, be sure not to bend the finger in question during healing. For this, use the finger splint. You wear this finger splint day and night for 6 to 8 weeks. You should only take the finger splint off to wash it. Be careful not to bend your finger when washing the splint.
Since the finger cannot move, you should give your finger time for the tendons to grow back together and for any broken bone to heal. After 6 to 8 weeks, you will see if you can straighten your finger. If you can, you can start exercising carefully. After that, you will have to wear the finger splint for at least 2 weeks. The splint can only be removed with practice.
If you are still unable to straighten your finger after 6 to 8 weeks, you will have to wear the splint for at least another 4 weeks. After these 4 weeks, you will see if you can already stretch your finger, and then you can start practising. Is it still not fixed after this time? Then your doctor will probably refer you to a hospital for surgery. Fortunately, this doesn't happen frequently.
What happens if I don't do anything about it?
Sometimes people are not bothered by the fact that their finger is crooked and choose not to have it treated. This may mean that it no longer bothers you. However, there is a chance that the other part of your finger will eventually become crooked too. This is also known as a ‘gooseneck’.
A gooseneck can prevent you from moving your finger properly. This can then have consequences for your daily activities. This can also cause you to eventually need surgery to repair it.
Podobrace specialists always recommend wearing a finger splint. It's a small effort, but it ensures that everything heals as well as possible. It is also an inexpensive solution to the problem. You can buy a finger splint from 8.99 in our webshop. Take a look below at some finger splints our specialists have selected to heal your mallet finger!
Do you have more questions about a mallet finger or do you have another question? Then don't hesitate to contact us! Our team of specialists is at your service.
