Mallet finger after 8 weeks: what to know

Mallet finger occurs when the tendon that straightens the fingertip is injured, sometimes with a small bone injury. The fingertip may remain bent even when pain and swelling have improved. Healing and tendon control can take time, and the result depends on the original injury, the splint fit, and whether the fingertip stayed supported during the prescribed period.

At an eight-week review, a clinician may assess active straightening, passive movement, skin condition, and joint stiffness. A small residual droop is different from a fingertip that cannot be straightened passively or a joint that has become increasingly painful.

Do not change the splint schedule or begin strengthening without advice from the treating clinician. Keep the splint clean and correctly positioned, protect the skin, and report pressure marks, numbness, or worsening swelling. If the splint has been removed, support the finger during activities that could catch or bend the fingertip.

Splinting may need to continue, be adjusted, or be followed by a carefully planned transition. Gentle movement of the joints that are not immobilised can help limit stiffness, but the injured fingertip should follow the prescribed plan. Tendon Repair Surgery is considered only in selected injuries or when non-surgical care has not produced adequate function.

Arrange prompt review if the fingertip suddenly droops more, the splint no longer fits, the skin breaks down, or the finger becomes numb, blue, cold, or increasingly swollen. Seek urgent help for severe pain after a new injury or a finger that cannot be moved at all.

Ask whether the tendon is healing as expected, how long support should continue, how to test active straightening safely, whether stiffness needs hand therapy, and what options exist if the droop remains functionally troublesome.