Mallet finger treatment

Mallet finger is an injury to the tendon that straightens the fingertip; it can also include a fracture near the joint. Assessment checks whether the joint is aligned, whether the fingertip can be actively straightened, and whether the skin and circulation are healthy. The injury may be called baseball finger or a drooping fingertip. Those details help determine whether a splint is suitable or whether a hand surgeon should discuss another approach.

Use the prescribed splint and keep the end joint straight whenever the treatment plan requires it. If it must be removed for cleaning, support the fingertip on a flat surface and follow the technique taught by the clinician. Keep the device clean, inspect the skin, and move joints that are not restricted to reduce stiffness. Do not start fingertip exercises until you are cleared. Read about [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) for practical protection principles.

Seek prompt assessment after an injury if the fingertip is visibly drooping, the joint looks displaced, or there is an open wound or significant swelling. During treatment, call the care team if the splint allows bending, the droop returns, skin becomes damaged, or pain, redness, drainage, numbness, or colour change develops. A persistent problem may need specialist reassessment.

Ask whether the injury involves bone, how the splint should be worn and cleaned, and when motion can begin. Ask how the team will judge healing and what options are available if the fingertip remains bent, including [Tendon Repair Surgery](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/tendon-repair-surgery/).