What To Know
- Mallet finger is a common hand injury that occurs when the tendon that straightens the tip of your finger is torn.
- Once your mallet finger has healed, you may need to do some exercises to help regain full range of motion in your finger.
- There are a few things you can do to prevent mallet finger, and there are also a few exercises you can do to help regain full range of motion in your finger once it has healed.
Mallet finger is a common hand injury that occurs when the tendon that straightens the tip of your finger is torn. This can happen when you hit your finger with a hammer or other object, or when you fall and land on your outstretched hand.
Mallet finger can cause the tip of your finger to droop, making it difficult to use your hand. It can also be painful and swollen.
How to Fix Mallet Finger
The good news is that mallet finger is usually a relatively minor injury that can be treated at home. There are a few different ways to fix mallet finger, depending on the severity of the injury.
1. Conservative Treatment
If your mallet finger is mild, you may be able to treat it with conservative measures. This includes:
- Resting your hand and avoiding activities that put stress on your finger
- Wearing a splint to keep your finger straight
- Applying ice to the injured area
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
2. Surgery
If your mallet finger is more severe, you may need surgery to repair the tendon. Surgery is usually only necessary if the tendon is completely torn or if conservative treatment has not been successful.
How Long Does It Take to Heal from Mallet Finger?
The healing time for mallet finger varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild mallet finger injuries may heal within a few weeks, while more severe injuries may take several months to heal.
How to Prevent Mallet Finger
There are a few things you can do to prevent mallet finger, including:
- Wearing gloves when you are working with tools or machinery
- Avoiding falls
- Using proper hand technique when lifting heavy objects
Exercises for Mallet Finger
Once your mallet finger has healed, you may need to do some exercises to help regain full range of motion in your finger. These exercises include:
- Straightening your finger
- Bending your finger
- Rotating your finger
- Squeezing a ball
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Your finger is severely injured
- Your finger is not healing after a few weeks of conservative treatment
- You have pain, swelling, or numbness in your finger
Final Thoughts
Mallet finger is a common hand injury that can be treated at home or with surgery. The healing time varies depending on the severity of the injury. There are a few things you can do to prevent mallet finger, and there are also a few exercises you can do to help regain full range of motion in your finger once it has healed.
Popular Questions
Q: What is the best way to treat mallet finger?
A: The best way to treat mallet finger depends on the severity of the injury. Mild mallet finger injuries can be treated with conservative measures, such as rest, splinting, ice, and pain relievers. More severe injuries may require surgery.
Q: How long does it take to heal from mallet finger?
A: The healing time for mallet finger varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild mallet finger injuries may heal within a few weeks, while more severe injuries may take several months to heal.
Q: What are the symptoms of mallet finger?
A: The symptoms of mallet finger include:
- A drooping fingertip
- Pain
- Swelling
