Mallet Finger
Why Can't I Straighten the Tip of My Finger?
An inability to fully straighten the last joint of a finger after a jamming injury — often from a ball striking the fingertip — is the hallmark of mallet finger, caused by injury to the tendon (or a small piece of bone) that straightens the fingertip. It's common in sports and usually treatable without surgery.
Causes & Symptoms
Mallet finger typically happens when the fingertip is forcefully bent while the muscle is actively trying to straighten it — classic mechanisms include a ball hitting an outstretched finger. The fingertip droops and can't be actively straightened, though it can usually still be passively straightened by the other hand.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
X-rays check for an associated bone fragment. Most mallet finger injuries are treated successfully with continuous splinting of the fingertip in a straight position for around 6-8 weeks — consistency is essential, since any bending during treatment can reset the healing clock. Surgery is reserved for specific patterns, such as a large bone fragment or joint instability.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does mallet finger need surgery?
Most cases heal well with strict, continuous splinting alone; surgery is reserved for specific fracture patterns or joint instability.
What happens if mallet finger isn't treated?
Without treatment, the fingertip can remain permanently unable to fully straighten, sometimes leading to a "swan neck" deformity over time.