You have been treated for Mallet Finger. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.
What is it and how is it caused?
A finger that bends down at the end joint and cannot be straightened is called a mallet finger.
It is caused by an injury to the tendon that straightens (extends) the finger:
Sports injuries are the common cause of mallet finger, but any injury that forces the end joint of a finger to over-bend can cause it.
Treatment
A splint is worn for 6–8 weeks to keep the finger straight with the end joint bent backwards and slightly overextended. It may take several months for your finger to regain function properly at the end.
Things you should do
- Wear the split all the time
- Keep the hands raised and exercise all joints except the one in the splint
- Return to the UTC or WIC if the splint becomes tight or the finger turns blue/pale following swelling
Things you should not do
- Try to test for healing by bending the finger tip
- Bend the end joint of your finger at all as any movement of the end of the finger will delay healing of the tendon
- Wear any rings on your hand until it is completely better
Cleaning Instructions
If you do need to take the splint off (for example, to wash) then you must keep that finger straight and not allow it to bend (flex).
It is vitally important that you keep your fingertip supported and extended the entire time if the split is being taken off or has been removed – either by a firm surface or the pad of your thumb.
- First, place your hand on a flat, firm surface, ie, a table
- Loosen the tape and gently remove the splint keeping your finger flat on the table
- Wash the top and sides of your finger with soap and water
- To get underneath you can lift the finger up on its tip (maintaining the straight position)
- Dry the finger thoroughly
- The splint will also need cleaning, but it is easier if someone does this for you
- Carefully slide the splint back into place without allowing any bend, re-tape and secure
- Make sure that the tape does not restrict the movement of the finger’s middle joint
How to seek further medical advice
If you have concerns that your, or your child’s, condition is worsening (or not improving in the way that would be expected) you should seek medical advice as follows:
- In normal opening hours please contact your own registered GP practice.
- Outside your GP’s opening hours you should phone 111 who will advise you what steps you need to take next.
- If you are unable to get advice from the above and you, or your child has urgent concerns you could re-attend the Urgent Treatment Centre you visited today. If this is not an option you could attend your nearest hospital Emergency Department (A&E).
If you have concerns that you or the patient you are caring for has a potentially life-threatening illness or injury you should call 999.
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