What is Mallet Finger?
Our fingers have tendons which are strong bands of fibrous tissue responsible for connecting muscles to our bones. When the extensor tendon, a main finger tendon, becomes damaged, it can result in a condition called mallet finger or sometimes referred to as baseball finger. In most cases, mallet finger is the result of blunt force or trauma to the extensor tendon resulting in a deformed or drooping finger that cannot straighten.
If you have a mallet finger injury, you may experience an array of symptoms, including swelling, bruising, and pain. You may also notice blood underneath the fingernail of the finger that was injured.
Treatment
Most people can make a full recovery from this hand condition within a week with rest, ice, and elevation of the finger; however, if conservative treatments are not successful, surgery may be recommended.
See a Specialist
To learn more about the treatment options available for mallet finger, please request an appointment online, or call 509-344-HAND (4263).
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our hand doctors, please use the link below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and preparation suggestions for your appointment.