🩺 What Is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger is an injury to the extensor tendon at the tip of the finger. It usually occurs when the fingertip is forcefully jammed or bent, such as when struck by a ball. This causes the tendon to tear or pull off the bone, resulting in an inability to actively straighten the tip of the finger.
🔍 Common Symptoms of Mallet Finger
Sometimes a small fracture at the tendon attachment site
Drooping fingertip (you can’t lift it on your own)
Swelling and redness over the tip joint
Pain or tenderness on the back of the finger
📸 Do I Need an X-Ray?
Yes, it’s usually recommended. An X-ray helps:
- Check for fracture at the tendon’s attachment
- Rule out joint subluxation
- Confirm proper alignment of the bones
🛠️ How Is Mallet Finger Treated?
🟩 Non-Surgical (Most Common)
- A custom splint is fitted to hold the DIP joint in extension or slight hyperextension
- Must be worn 24/7 for 6–8 weeks — even brief bending can delay healing
- Skin under the splint should be kept clean and dry
- Gradual weaning and splinting during risky activities may follow
🟥 Surgical Treatment (Less Common)
Surgery is rarely needed but may be recommended if:
- There’s a large bony fragment with joint dislocation
- Conservative treatment fails
- You develop a chronic deformity (e.g. swan-neck)
💡 Recovery Tips
- Don’t remove or bend the finger during the splinting phase
- Compliance is critical – healing can regress with minor lapses
- Keep surrounding joints moving (e.g. knuckles and PIP joint)
- Continue splinting during sport or heavy work for added protection
💪 Physiotherapy Support for Mallet Finger
- Ensure good range of motion in adjacent joints
- Help prevent stiffness or swelling in other parts of the hand
- Plan a gradual return to sport or work
- Teach you how to safely change or adjust your splint if needed
⚠️ When to Seek Immediate Care
- Sudden drooping of fingertip after injury
- Pain, swelling, or discolouration
- Uncertainty about how serious the injury is
- Need for a proper splint or diagnosis to avoid long-term deformity
📞 Need Urgent Care for Mallet Finger in Melbourne?
If you’ve jammed your fingertip or can’t straighten it after an injury, don’t wait — early splinting can prevent permanent deformity.
We offer same-day assessment, splinting, and treatment for finger injuries across Melbourne through After Hours Physio & Hand Therapy.
👉 Click here to book urgent care for mallet finger
📞 Or call us directly on 0415 238 432