Mallet Finger

Why can’t I straighten or bend my finger?!

If you have had a jamming injury to your finger – it’s no fun! Sometimes this can result in what is known as a Mallet Finger. If you have had an injury to your finger, and now cannot straighten the tip, you may have a Mallet Finger. These injuries result from the extensor tendon being torn off of the bone at the tip joint of your finger and requires immediate attention for best outcome.

In these cases, immediate splinting is your best option for recovery and the Hand Therapists at Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists can address your needs and fit you for the appropriate splint to allow proper healing and protect the damaged tendon so that you will be able to straighten your finger again.  As the areas only clinic with Board Specialty Certification in Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Therapy, Ozark PT Specialists in Mountain Home, AR is your proven choice to ensure correct treatment of these types of injuries.

Education on how to safely remove the splint for skin care and put the splint back on without bending the tip is also critical for proper treatment of this injury. Without proper treatment, this injury can persist and become a finger deformity known as a swan neck deformity and begins to affect the entire finger as structures shift and change length due to the Mallet Finger injury.

There are many small moving parts in our fingers, and sometimes what looks like a simple sprain, can actually be a torn ligament or tendon. You would never just ignore a dislocated knee – why ignore proper treatment of your hands? You need your hands for everything you do every day. Addressing finger injuries quickly can help you avoid further loss of function and get you back on track.

If you have a jammed finger, don’t wait for treatment, call the Hand Therapists at Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists in Mountain Home, AR and get an assessment today!