Matimati kuru Mallet finger
Mallet finger is the name for an injury that results in the tip of your finger bending downward, so you can no longer straighten it. It can usually be treated by wearing a splint.
Causes of mallet finger
Mallet finger can happen if your fingertip hits something hard, forcing it to bend further than it should. Sometimes it happens when catching a ball. The force pulls or tears the tendon running along the top of your finger (the extensor tendon), and then you cannot pull your finger straight again.
Symptoms of mallet finger
The end of your finger will droop and only straighten if you push it up with your other hand.
It will probably be painful, swollen and bruised. Take care because it is easy to catch your finger on things, such as when you put your hand in your pocket.
Diagnosing a mallet finger
Your healthcare provider or physiotherapist will examine your finger, then hold it and ask you to try to straighten it. You will probably have an x-ray to check:
- there are no broken bones
- the joint has not been pulled out of alignment.
Treating a mallet finger
A mallet finger is usually treated with a splint that holds your finger straight and lets the tendon (and sometimes a small piece of bone) heal. You need to wear it all the time for 6 to 8 weeks to prevent your finger developing a permanent droop. Only take if off when you need to wash your finger.
Taking the splint off and putting it on
Gather what you need to wash and dry your finger before taking the splint off — tape, wet flannel and towel. If your skin is getting moist and white looking, wiping it with surgical spirits may help to dry it.
You must take the splint off in a special way, so the end of the finger cannot droop. Put your hand flat on a table or countertop and slide the splint off without bending your finger.
Retaping your finger
When the splint was first put on, the hand therapist or nurse put on some white tape to help keep your finger straight while you have the splint off. They may have shown you how to replace the tape when you need to.
Putting the splint back on
When sliding your finger back into the splint, make sure you push it to the end then retape it. Make sure the tape does not go over the second joint in your finger. Your finger will become stiff if this happens.
After you have had your splint on for one week, you will have an appointment to check it fits properly. You will usually need to wear the splint all the time for 6 to 8 weeks' then gradually remove it.
Removing your mallet splint
When you have worn the mallet splint for 6 weeks, you can start to remove it. Even after 6 weeks, your tendon is not fully healed, so you will need to remove the splint over time.
Week 1
Remove the splint at mealtimes and before bed. Each time do 10 fist exercises — make a fist then open your hand fully straight. Then replace the splint.
Week 2
If your finger is not drooping without the splint, remove it for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. Use your hand and finger normally for light everyday activities for the next 3 days.
Do not use it for heavy activities and do not to knock your finger. If you are not sure what you can and cannot do, ask your hand therapist.
If your finger still does not droop after 3 days, remove the splint for 2 hours morning and evening for the rest of the week.
Weeks 3 to 6
Use your hand normally and only wear the splint at night. At the end of week 6, you can stop using the splint.
If your finger starts to droop again, start wearing the splint again and contact your hand therapist. You might have to wear the splint full time again for 2 weeks, then restart gradually removing it.
Surgery for mallet finger
It is unlikely you will need surgery for mallet finger. Sometimes it is needed if the joint is out of alignment or there are large pieces of broken bone. If you need surgery, a surgeon puts pins in to hold the pieces together while they heal.
Accident cover
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government agency that helps pay for treatment if you are injured in an accident.
The ACC provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all residents and visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand. This means if you are hurt in an accident, ACC can help no matter who caused the accident.
If you have an accident and need emergency care in a hospital, it will be covered by ACC.
ACC usually pays some of the other medical costs if you have an accident, like surgery, physiotherapy and medicines. ACC may also be able to cover some loss of earnings resulting from an accident.
I'm injured — The Accident Compensation Corporation (external link)