Mallet Finger
What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger is a tendon injury affecting the extensor tendon at the tip of the finger. It occurs when the terminal extensor tendon is stretched or torn, preventing the fingertip from fully extending. In some cases, it may involve a small fracture where the tendon attaches to the bone.
Signs & Symptoms
- Inability to straighten the fingertip (it remains bent).
- Pain and swelling around the distal joint.
- Bruising or redness over the back of the finger.
- Tenderness at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.
- In severe cases, a bony avulsion fracture may be present.
Causes of Mallet Finger
- Direct impact to the fingertip, often from a ball striking an outstretched finger (common in sports such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball).
- Sudden forced flexion of the DIP joint, overstretching or tearing the extensor tendon.
- Crushing injuries or cuts over the tendon can also cause more severe damage.
How PhysioActive Treats Mallet Finger
At PhysioActive, treatment focuses on non-surgical rehabilitation and functional recovery:
1. Custom Splinting (6-8 weeks)
- The affected finger is placed in a continuous extension splint to allow proper tendon healing.
- The splint is worn full-time to prevent the fingertip from bending during recovery.
2. Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Techniques
- If stiffness develops, joint mobilizations and soft tissue therapy help restore motion.
3. Progressive Rehabilitation Exercises
- Early-phase: Isometric activation of the extensor muscles.
- Mid-phase: Gentle active-assisted ROM exercises to prevent stiffness.
- Late-phase: Strengthening of the extensor mechanism to restore full function.
4. Neuromuscular Re-Education & Functional Retraining
- Once healing is complete, hand dexterity, coordination, and grip-strengthening exercises are introduced.
- Patients are guided on sport-specific or occupational reintegration.
5. Shockwave Therapy (If Needed for Chronic Cases)
- In long-standing cases, shockwave therapy may be used to stimulate tendon remodeling and healing.
💡 Surgical Referral: If the injury involves a large fracture or if the tendon fails to heal conservatively, referral to a hand specialist may be necessary.
