What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet Finger is a common injury that occurs when the tendon responsible for straightening the tip of the finger is damaged or torn. It usually results from a sudden force that bends the fingertip while it is actively being straightened, causing the fingertip to droop and making it difficult or impossible to fully extend the end joint (distal interphalangeal joint).
In some cases, the injury may involve a small fracture where a piece of bone is pulled away along with the tendon (bony mallet finger). Early diagnosis and proper splinting are essential to restore finger function and prevent permanent deformity.
पर फिजियोथेरेपी Expert, we manage Mallet Finger using evidence-based rehabilitation, customized splinting, pain management, and progressive hand therapy to promote tendon healing, restore movement, and maximize hand function.
शर्त को समझना
Mallet Finger affects the extensor tendon that straightens the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, which is the joint closest to the fingertip.
- Extensor tendon of the fingertip
- Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint
- Finger extension (straightening movement)
It is commonly associated with disruption or rupture of the extensor tendon at its insertion on the distal phalanx, sometimes accompanied by a small avulsion fracture.
Without appropriate treatment, the tendon may heal in a lengthened position, leading to permanent drooping of the fingertip and reduced hand function.
Types of Mallet Finger
Mallet Finger can present in different forms:
Tendinous Mallet Finger
- Injury involves only the extensor tendon
- No associated bone fracture
Bony Mallet Finger
- Small bone fragment is pulled away with the tendon
- Visible on X-ray
Open Mallet Finger
- Tendon injury associated with a cut or laceration
- May require surgical repair
Chronic Mallet Finger
- Injury remains untreated for several weeks
- May result in permanent deformity and stiffness
गंभीरता और कार्यात्मक प्रभाव को समझना
Severity depends on the extent of tendon injury and joint involvement.
- हल्के: Partial tendon injury with minimal fingertip drooping and mild pain.
- मध्यम: Complete tendon rupture causing inability to actively straighten the fingertip and difficulty performing daily tasks.
- गंभीर: Tendon rupture associated with a displaced fracture or joint instability, leading to significant functional impairment and possible surgical intervention.
Early diagnosis and continuous splinting greatly improve recovery outcomes.
Common Causes of Mallet Finger
Mallet Finger is usually caused by sudden trauma that forcefully bends the fingertip while the finger is extended.
– Ball striking the fingertip
– Cricket, basketball, volleyball, and baseball injuries
– Finger caught in a closing door
– Heavy object striking the fingertip
– Machinery-related accidents
– Manual handling injuries
– Sudden forced bending of the fingertip
– Injury during everyday activities
लक्षण: संकेतों को पहचानना
Symptoms usually appear immediately after the injury.
At the Time of Injury
- Sudden pain at the tip of the finger
- Inability to actively straighten the fingertip
- Drooping of the fingertip
During Daily Activities
- Difficulty gripping objects firmly
- Weak pinch strength
- Difficulty writing, typing, or buttoning clothes
In Chronic Cases
- Persistent drooping of the fingertip
- Finger stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
एसोसिएटेड संकेत
- Tenderness over the injured tendon
- Bruising around the fingertip
निदान: नैदानिक दृष्टिकोण
At फिजियोथेरेपी Expert, निदान में बहुविषयक आकलन शामिल है:
- Clinical Examination: Assessment of finger position, tendon integrity, swelling, and active movement.
- X-ray Evaluation: Identifies associated fractures and assesses joint alignment.
- कार्यात्मक आकलन: Evaluates grip strength, dexterity, and hand function.
- Follow-up Assessment: Monitors tendon healing and progress throughout rehabilitation.
Early diagnosis is essential to achieve optimal healing and prevent permanent deformity.
थेरेपी और प्रबंधन: 12-Week संरचित कार्यक्रम
Management focuses on protecting the tendon, restoring finger movement, improving hand function, and preventing complications.
Phase 1: Protection & Healing (Weeks 1–4)
लक्ष्य:Protect the injured tendon, reduce pain and swelling, and promote tendon healing.
हस्तक्षेप:
- Continuous extension splinting of the fingertip
- Pain and swelling management
- Hand positioning education
Phase 2: Controlled Rehabilitation (Weeks 4–8)
लक्ष्य: Restore controlled finger mobility while maintaining tendon healing.
मुख्य हस्तक्षेप:
- Supervised range-of-motion exercises
- Tendon gliding exercises
- Functional hand movement training
Phase 3: Functional Recovery & Strengthening (Weeks 8–12)
लक्ष्य: Restore strength, coordination, and normal hand function.
प्रशिक्षण में शामिल हैं:
- Grip strengthening exercises
- Pinch strengthening
- Fine motor coordination training
उन्नत थेरेपी तकनीक
- Custom thermoplastic splinting
- Tendon gliding exercises
- Hand therapy rehabilitation
- Functional movement retraining
संभावित जटिलताओं
If not treated appropriately, Mallet Finger may lead to:
- Permanent fingertip drooping
- Swan neck deformity
- Chronic finger stiffness
- लगातार दर्द
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
Yes. Most Mallet Finger injuries heal successfully with continuous splinting for 6–8 weeks followed by structured physiotherapy and hand rehabilitation.
Surgery may be recommended if there is a large displaced fracture, joint instability, an open tendon injury, or when conservative treatment fails.
The splint should remain in place continuously as advised by your healthcare provider. Even brief removal that allows the fingertip to bend may delay tendon healing.
Most patients experience significant improvement within 8–12 weeks, although complete recovery of strength and function may continue for several months.
संबंधित शर्तें
- Flexor Tendon Injury
- Swan Neck Deformity
- Finger Sprain
