Mallet Finger Treatment

Mallet Finger is a condition often seen after sports related trauma that causes the finger tip to droop, sometimes confused as a dislocation. This tendon injury can be difficult to treat and if treated poorly can lead to complications such as a swan neck deformity.
Action Rehab provide assessment and rehabilitation for patients who sustain this injury or are living with an untreated Mallet Finger condition.
We are a team of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists who are experts in the rehabilitation of the upper limb (hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder).
actionrehab.com...

[@huynh4128]

FINALLY. No one ever talks about the Tendon-related mallet finger but this video explains it very well - with the correct procedure in handling it.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Thanks so much Sam, really appreciate your comments.

[@huynh4128]

What are the cases in which a splint will not work? When I read about splinting it's commonly said that splinting may not work, and surgery may be required, but no explanations as to why.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Hi Sam, there is no case where a trial of a splint is not worthwhile. In some cases the splint may not work, it depends how long you have have had the problem and is it swan necking? There is no timeline where a splint won't work but sometimes it just doesn't. Often surgery is NOT the answer as surgery often doesn't work and you really need to go back to the splint.

[@luckyfox-74]

@@actionrehabhandtherapy8459 so are you saying you can splint a mallet finger after it has healed for more than 14 weeks? My is healed but I have a 10 degree lag and I'm very unhappy . I don't have a splint that is for anti swan neck though If I can go back to a splint. The more I use my finger the more lag (swan neck) I have without my finger be able to snap back. I wore a stack splint for 10 weeks religiously.

[@shepherdaiden7194]

you probably dont give a damn but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@MP-zi6nz]

I am a surgeon in Dallas, Texas. I injured my DIP in a minor traumatic injury. I have a non- fractured tendon disruption. My hand surgeon put me in a modified Stax splint for 10 weeks. I still have a 30 degree flexion deformity and now my PIP is stiff an swollen. I am going to try the anti-swan splint for six weeks. I am hoping to avoid surgery. This is so disappointing. I really appreciate your insight and expertise. Marlon Padilla, M.D.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Thanks Marlon, good luck

[@customasmrbyx]

Hi Marlon! Did your finger heal properly? Where did you get your anti swan neck splint?

[@Sumarni_Rakiman]

Thanks for making the video. Got a mallet finger tendon 10 days ago. Was looking for more information

[@shelbysshitzu3850]

I just had surgery, and it was the most painful thing I've gone through. It was a just a tendon mallet. Instead of a nerve block they tied me down and kept sticking me with freezing needles with no pause until the surgeon goes "ok, now this is the worst part" and stuck me in the tip of my finger. Then he paused to make sure I was froze before he started cutting me. OMG!!! He also had my finger in an over extended position in the splint that I wore for almost 3 months before he decided to operate. He said my finger was trying to heal when I complained about the pain that the splint was causing. He barely looked at it before dismissing me. I went to my family doctor, but it took a bit to get in (my 40+ year family doctor retired but had another doctor take over her practice, and it took a while for the transfer). She said I had a pressure sore starting, and the knuckle itself was inflamed. She said stop wearing that splint because you obviously have a defect that he's going to surgically repair. She put me on an antibiotic for the pressure sore and Voltaren for the inflammation because I can't take NSAIDS. It hadn't broken my skin but was red, swollen, painful, and had some small blisters on it. I ended up with a QUACK!!! I have a month of healing to do niw and then the pin gets removed. I'm just hoping it heals, and it doesn't hurt when he takes the pin out.....

[@kristoffusis]

This is the best video on KZbin rn.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Thank you.

[@kristoffusis]

@@actionrehabhandtherapy8459 thank you. Helped me heal my two fingers.

[@layzy24]

Where can I buy those tools and equipment ? And what are their names?

[@spaniardmartinez6896]

After watching this ,I have hope!

[@peterclarke3990]

So I’ve got the tendon mallet finger. Happened on 19/3/23. It’s now 5/6/23. The doctor misdiagnosed it. She thought it was ‘trigger finger’. I wasn’t happy with this diagnosis because the doctor didn’t even see me! Waste of space! I went to see my physio on 21/3/23 and she told me it was mallet finger. I was put into a splint on 22/3/23 for 8 weeks by the hand unit/physio. Been seen by the hand unit at the hospital. Not been much help to be honest. No exercises offered. 10 weeks have gone by and the finger is still the same as it was 10 weeks ago-still drooping! What now? It’s been a complete and utter waste of time! Do they really know what they are doing any more?

[@tarthgarl]

What cast tape is he using?

[@XaltLures]

This is a very helpful video! I will show it to my doctor and hand therapists. Thanks a lot for sharing and caring!

[@chickenwizard7044]

Your video has been very helpful. I hope you continue to put out content.

[@debibaggett2042]

What is the product you use to make your splint in this video?

[@IPGlow]

Very well explained. I wish you are in UK. Many thanks!

[@jamessharpe4170]

Hi! Thanks for the helpful video. I got hit on the end of the ring finger with a cricket ball and have a mallet finger. The doctor report says: This is an injury to the tendon that straightens the end joint of your finger. There is also a small break in the bone which is part of this tendon injury. Do I just treat this as a bony mallet? Also I have zero pain which I find strange as there’s a break. Appreciate your thoughts! Thanks!

[@adrianlovedem7690]

Wish I was near you bro, to get this good treatment

[@trickysyoutube]

Hi where we get the thermal plastic splint from ? Happy to buy from you , can’t find it anywhere and we in the uk !!! Please help thank you

[@yaboisherman481]

I had the bony mallet finger fracture I just want to start off and say thank the gods that you have this video on KZbin. I am wearing a stack splint and go back on Friday for a 4 week diagnosis. Thanks again to all the good information. Will I have to have surgery since it’s a fracture? It’s exactly as the video depicts it.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Thank you

[@fiannaninja]

What can someone do for an old improper healed mallet tip. Had a partial rupture on the right ring finger extender tendon(?) At the tip. It's been 2 years plus since the injury. Had a stack splint ... only for about three weeks and was told to get back to work at A very well known internet shopping company that's named after a rain forest.

[@Apexgsworld]

How to buy

[@jjoosh9]

Hi, thanks for the video, I have a finger that is hurting me at the moment and was wondering if there is anyway I could contact you with pictures or maybe a call to explain what is up with my finger? I live in the uk and I would go to see the doctor but in these times I would rather not put stress on the NHS. Please reply, thank you :)

[@hbdhsshdhhd2636]

Where could I get a brace for the swan neck deformity or how was the one in the video done I can’t find the materials?

[@ahmadtravellingblog2601]

Seeing this video I have expected a lot of hope....thanks brother. How can I contact u?

[@joebloggs7828]

I went to the hospital in Sydney's west and they thought I was a physiotherapist when I explained how you treated tendon related mallet finger. What is the thermoplastic stuff used to create the splint as the hospital didn't have it and so couldn't make one. I'd like to make one myself as all the hospital wanted to do was put it in a stax splint.

[@hectordanielcarvalho2809]

How long do we use it ?

[@TheenaMS19]

This is the best video I've seen about explaining the different between bony and tendonous mallet. I got the injury on my right ring finger. It is a tendonous mallet. My therapist put me in an anti swan neck position, which is good. Just a question tho. Am I allowed to move my pip joint passively to avoid it getting stiff while the dip still being splinted?

[@subswithnovideos-jj3bb]

Hi I also got the mallet bony finger on my ring finger last week… I would like to get updated on your situation

[@vikasrajora4688]

how much time splint is helpful after injury.

[@quantumtechcrypto7080]

When I saw my skin colored splint on there and then the words…these suck… I sighed out loud. It’s been five weeks and nothing. I’m going to swan neck this sucker myself. Where do I get that molded splint? I’m starting the search now! Thanks.

[@katiesj0]

i was wonder why i have the standard mallet sprint for 6 months and still not work, I will try the swan next. Thanks

[@phorcyst957]

I have a slight concern though. I have had this injury for at least a year now and havent saw a doctor. Is it possible to fix it after such a long time?

[@45graham45]

What was the outcome for you?

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

Freaked out when I felt pain and looked at my my finger and saw the last joint bent. Checked online and taped it for the evening. Wanting ways to make a splint.

[@martinarcher1503]

what is that splint tape called, and where do we get it? Thanks

[@ke8910]

Please if u can talk about jersey finger treatment. This would be a big help for me!

[@GoldenGateNum9]

*Thanks a lot guys , the info is much appreciated, a tutorial video of how to splint using the Roylan material and method would be fantastic, I saw online years ago that you can also use that method using Zinc oxide tape and it works well as I just did it =).*

[@melissaaguilar6908]

You seem very knowledgeable and i would really like your medical opinion Thank You!:)

[@grahamhowarth63]

Can you tell me what that Material is what you use for the splint please

[@nachiketlakhe2360]

What kind of tape was that and where can I get it Please answer

[@krazykrooztv9674]

What if you have already had “the swan neck” stuck like that for 2 years already???

[@NzwakieEnhle-wc1we]

Can it be fixed after 30 years it happened

[@rubysingh6855]

My little finger is also broken in about 2years back can I use this

[@PeterGadalla]

Thank you very much for your video. For bony mallets: What do you mean by over extension?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Don't push them back into extension too far because you can dislocate the joint.

[@charlynzuk]

Where do you get that great silver bandage for the boney mallet finger - not seen that inthe UK yet.

[@mariannatura5453]

Its been 2 months using the splint and my pinky finger looks and hurts exactly the same as day 1...Now I understand why. Thank you very much!!!

[@mahapurushvaani]

What are you doing now ??

[@tarekbenchama9114]

what are you doing now ??

[@mariannatura5453]

​@@tarekbenchama9114 wish I could help you, but I tried to immobilized it like the guy said on the vd and it didn't work. So I basically gave up and accepted my deformed pinky finger...

[@BabyfaceGaming101]

This just scared the hibbie jibbies out of me...I pulled a friend off of a nother friend during a fight yesterday and ended up jamming my finger and tearing the tendon...the er put me in one of those blue and silver metal splints and wrapped it loosely...I can't get to the doc atm because I can't drive a half an hour away like this so is there anything I can do at home for it?

[@AA-fn9xz]

The most annoying injury I’ve ever had in my life. Had a splint on for 4 weeks, took it off to see if it had healed; tendon broke again. Had to put the splint back on for like 9 weeks just to be safe, finally healed.

[@ichigokurosaki3743]

😭😭

[@AA-fn9xz]

@@ichigokurosaki3743 I had to shower with a rubber glove on for over 3 months 🤣

[@ichigokurosaki3743]

​@@AA-fn9xzbro I got my splint on 18 jan does it heal in 4 weeks completely?

[@AA-fn9xz]

@@ichigokurosaki3743 I’m not sure about your specific case, but I took mine off after 4 weeks and it just broke again. I’d play it safe with 5 or 6 weeks or maybe go for an X-ray if you live in a country with free healthcare. If you’re in USA it might not be worth the $$$ hahahaha

[@ichigokurosaki3743]

@@AA-fn9xz so minimum 4 weeks maximum 6 weeks

[@lvb1770]

Had a tendinous mallet finger accident. I'm a classical pianist, drummer , audio engineer by profession and I'm praying this anti swan neck works. ER and GP Dr.s don't know about it so I made one. Going to see a hand therapist soon.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

How did it go with the hand therapist?

[@yawo0]

How did your treatment go? Have you totally recovered with this splint ?

[@JohnDoe-id1es]

Thanks for the video. Unfortunately, looks like I'm one of many who fell victim to improper treatment of a tendinous mallet finger injury. can't bend my middle joint after 7 weeks of being in the wrong splint. FML.

[@simit8370]

Thank you so much for the illustrations. Even my ortho specialist didnt explain this.And 4 weeks into a mallet and stack splint,I think I have swan neck deformity.

[@bryedward1]

Hi, A few weeks ago I injured my left ring finger playing Softball and went to the ER and it ended up being a closed fracture mallet finger(bony mallet ) They gave me a small splint just for the finger tip to keep it strait but They ignored the Swan neck appearance I noticed. I am not able to go back to the hospital because I am in between Medical insurance. Where can I get some of that material you were cutting to make an identical splint you were making in your video? I like how it forms it's shape. I have smaller hand for a guy and over the counter splints only come in large. Thank you,

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Hi Bryan, looks like you are in the US, I'm sorry I don't know where you would find it but it's Aquaplast and it's 1.6mm thick.

[@azfootball921]

Hi How is ur finger now

[@TheBodyferr]

for the tendon type injury how for how long do you recommend to keep both joints fixed? a lot of people say it s important to move the pip joint while keeping just the dip fixed. does it make sense to keep both fixed for a couple of weeks then change to only keeping the dip fixed? thanks!

[@TheBodyferr]

@Trefor Gordon so this happened a while ago. I only had the top (dip) joint fixed with my splint. Turned out ok. Good as new

[@SanchezOmar-p6l]

Can you send a picture ? Or can you explain how? And how long did your treatment last

[@TheBodyferr]

@SanchezOmar-p6l my splint was more like a cast molded with my finger so that it stayed in the right position. it was made by a specialist. but im sure any splint would work. it took about 5 weeks of wearing the splint. after that i did some physio for a few weeks because the tendon is stiff, but it was pretty easy and fast recovery

[@isaiahcanales3055]

Is it possible for it to heal even after several years of having swan neck? The tip of my ring finger is very crooked, probably close to 60 degrees.

[@arshitarshit2193]

What is wrapped around the finger please tell me I need it

[@ColoursofPKLJURY]

My finger turn left or right how I strait this

[@tarthgarl]

What is the cast thing he used

[@kdalton7730]

I have been splinted by an orthopedic surgeon for 8 weeks now. I voiced my concern about the swan neck from the beginning and even showed him your picture of how it should have been splinted. Now my PIP joint is still hyperextended and he said that's just how it would be. I'm so upset. I live in Dallas, TX and have no idea how to turn to now. Any suggestions?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

How have you ended up? Any improvement?

[@Coolangel214]

Did you ever fix your finger?

[@kdalton7730]

@@Coolangel214 Yes. I created a proper splint myself and my finger has finally healed nicely. It was a long journey but all good now.

[@Coolangel214]

@@kdalton7730 that's good to hear. How long did it take for you to heal? Kinda weird I'm in your area as well lol. I was ganna ask you what type of splinter did you use or have. Thanks again for your help. I'm using right now the equate Walmart one for my pinky.

[@VicInNocal]

@@kdalton7730 It's so damn terrible when we can't even trust lifelong doctors to be competent and pay attention to us, and instead ar forced to take care of things ourselves.

[@chaz4471]

Then why are there tons of videos for wearing the WRONG splints!!!!!!????

[@39dominikhasek]

Any problems with PIP joint contractures after 6 weeks of splint wear?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Generally no.

[@vssiva100]

Sir, iam from india How can i contact you ?

[@nedaashrafkhan]

May i send pic of my dislocated middle finger???? How to treat?

[@joedoodl]

For clarification, can a finger with swan-neck be corrected? More splinting? Exercises? I just finished 8 weeks in the wrong splint! Now it is Swan-Necking. Great info though. Thanks.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Yes it can still possibly be corrected if it has only been 8 weeks, just needs the right splint.

[@kdalton7730]

Action Rehab I can't find a doctor in Dallas, TX who will splint my finger for swan neck from mallet finger. Just removed the splint after 8 weeks and swan neck and lag. Do you happen to know anyone here who might help me. I am so unhappy with my result.

[@odelialutchman5085]

Hi Dan, do you have a recommended hand therapist who can splint me in Sydney?

[@psdry3831]

Thanks for the great video. I am currently working in a plastic surgery department in Seoul, as a resident doctor. Though I read Neligan's textbook, there was not much info about the splinting and the post treatment outcomes. I recently got injured at my Rt. 5th finger DIP joint (tendinous mallet) during a basketball game. I've been splinting my self for 4 weeks, and checked the outcome in the midst of this long treatment, and still my DIP is slightly flexed at full extension (10-20 degrees) though there isn't sign of swan neck deformity. Would it be helpful still, to change my splinting method to the boutonierre-like fashion as you described? I totally agreed on your splinting mechanism and will try to apply it to myself starting from today.

[@najafdar5163]

hy

[@mattlwyatt]

Its been a year so I assume you have it solved. Just to add in case anyone is reading... I injured my PIP (tendon only) pulling on my pants LOL. My Ortho Surgeon put me in a Stax brace. He said I had to wear it a minimum of 6 weeks. He gave me two braces to rotate as I washed my finger. He made it very clear to keep my finger straight at all times while washing it. He said if I allowed it to bend at anytime during the 6 weeks that I would have to start the 6 weeks over.

[@mattlwyatt]

​@@pangeli Yes its fixed. On max extension the finger doesn't extend as far as the others. Its more straight where the others are more curved. This is "barley" noticeable as its only by a few millimeters. It took about 6 months before I felt comfortable with it strength wise. I wore the stax brace 6wks but I carefully heated and bent it slightly to extend the finger a bit more. I also bought "Oval-8 Finger Splints Sizing Set" which I wore another 2 months. After 2 months I slowly and carefully... exercised it with some CanDo GripMasters and a CanDo Digi-Extend Finger Exerciser.

[@mattlwyatt]

@@pangeli when this happens it's either a tendon tore or the tendon broke off the bone. If it broke off the bone there would probably be lots of bruising and might need surgery. The only way to know is an x-ray. As a nurse and wanting the best for you I recommend at least seeing your primary physician or your even your orthopedic doctor just to be safe. Watch KZbin videos on how to take on and off the stax brace to clean your finger without bending it. It's very easy just take your time because remember if it bends you have to start the 6 weeks over.

[@viologiko44]

@@pangeli I know it's been 2years but how did it go?

[@andrewa.3304]

What do you call that splint?

[@lisaborsch8933]

This was very helpful for me. I was treated badly for the last 2 mallet finger issues and now I have 2 dip joints that are in the swan neck position. How are really old swan neck deformities fixed? Can they weaken the joints even more with a connective tissue disorder?

[@nealmason8785]

Some this is my question

[@littalwabbit]

It's 3 months and I've seen no improvement, it looks worse and hurts more than initially. I have had the classic splint... is it too late?

[@johnplusart]

Hi Action Rehab Team, is there an email where we can send questions and clarifications on the process? good on ya guys!

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Thanks John, our email is [e-mail]

[@TheBoarder360]

Hi - I have a tendonous injury but no swan necking, you’ve not really covered how to treat that?

[@olliehumphrys2082]

I got this after a finger fracture

[@GoldenGateNum9]

*Also may I mention a supplement which might help your patients heal faster, it is UC-II undenatured collagen which studies have proven to aid in joint health. Also Beta Alanine which converts to L-Carnosine in your body and is a super antioxidant.*

[@OboloBassMusic]

Hi my middle finger shakes severely when I bend it any solution pls

[@myth0564]

How do I know if I need surgery or just a splint

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

@myth05 generally you never need surgery, a good treatment program will fix most mallet without surgery.

[@musicismysaviour22yearsago]

What if i splint it 2 weeks later? I dont have the swan neck. Just the tip of the pinky

[@klemen2987]

I injured my extensor digitorum tendon and they place my finger in these stack splints for 6 weeks and after that (it has been 1 week) I don´t wear splint anymore. After these 6 weeks I had for now 3 therapies where I try to flex my finger. Tip of the finger is still at an angle when I try to extend it.

[@starr2870]

is this surgery alfo for people with a deformity? i have a middle finger that does not straight out at all

[@briantorres7763]

Very helpful thank you

[@vaibhavghorpadepatil3068]

Sir after accident after how many days this treatment useful. My ring finger is mallet 6 month ago this treatment is useful for me

[@DeestarMusic55]

man I had my pinky like that for 3 year I hate to look at it

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Thanks

[@azfootball921]

@@DeestarMusic55 does it hurt when you lift something ?

[@DeestarMusic55]

@@azfootball921 no it only hurts if I hold it straight for a long time I hate it

[@azfootball921]

@@DeestarMusic55 Is it bony mallet finger ?

[@sonasdowds4659]

Hi, just came across this video, very helpful, thank you. Do you think splinting in the suggested position over the 2 joints in "boutonniere" position would still work 4 months post-injury? Patient has swan neck deformity passively correctable (PIP PROM flexion still full with little pulling sensation and DIP passively extendable to neutral). Thank you so much in advance for your reply.

[@Mezzer282]

Should you be working with this?? Like doing heavy lifts and things like this?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Not really but how is it now, 5 months later?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Good question. No don't do weights with this injury.

[@allanbee8945]

May i know what splinting material did you use?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

1.6mm aquaplast from Performance Health

[@rishabhdabral8877]

My finger is not getting straight2 months ago. Mallet finger spilit is wearing in how many weeks to heal. Any suggestions.

[@comedyshort5508]

Sir how I cantact to you i am from Pakistan

[@willy1980ro]

Hi. As Bryan Camp asked. Where can we find that material please? Got a mallet finger. Tendonus mallet and my doctor has no ides what he is doing? Please help! Thank you

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Contact Patterson Medical Australia, it's called Aquaplast and it is 1.6mm thick.

[@pheinted6386]

I injured myself on the job, and 2 months the doc told me NOT to remove the splint at all. It took 2 an a half months to get therapy, original injury was caused by over exertion of grip trying to close a vice grip on something. I felt a pop in my little finger, upom checking it became painful with an immediate droop in the tip. 5 months pass, and what happened was joint stiffness(due to docs orders of not removing splint), I can't make a full closed fist with my hand, and I can't make a claw position. Its been 6 months, i work in a new job, I can use for the most part, my hand, but I still cant do those positions. I cant play the guitar like I used to either. When I try to move my finger in such position with my free hand, theres tightness felt on the joint closest to the tip of small finger, with tightness traveling down to the 2nd joint. Will this ever get better? If I went back to work, did I pretty much throw away any claim of compensation I had? I did get workers comp while off, but eventually discharged with the doc saying "functionality is all there, so you're clear to go. Eventually with time you'll regain mobility." It bothers the shit out of me. I fear if I try to hard at something, even if I do a pull up...it will rupture that tendon again (which is what they said happened.)

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

So can you move it now?

[@pheinted6386]

Action Rehab Hand Therapy I can move it but cant make a full grip. The range of motion is crap. If I try to grab loose change with that hand it slips right through it. Really frustrating...and this is over 8 months later.

[@meshmeso]

Mine is 10 years ago, my little finger still bends a bit

[@Fishtea_Cola]

I have a inborn mallet fingers all of my fingers. Can it still be cured?

[@Zanarax]

yeah dude this sucks, I did the Middle finger on my dominant hand with a fricking knife, cut the "band" (or what it is called in English) right off so they had to cut me up and sew it back togheter, week nine now, its hella stiff but i am starting to regain mobility.

[@samirsamir-hl8cn]

hi, I have had a mallet finger for about 6,7 years and I never seen doctor for it. In this case aquaplast or splint is working? I would be grateful if you answer my question, thanks.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

I think its too late

[@47_asfi87]

I have very old childhood mallet finger and now m 24 can it be treated?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

sorry no

[@47_asfi87]

@@actionrehabhandtherapy8459 surgery or with dip joint replacment somehow? I just want it to be straighten

[@goopfy]

I have a tendinous mallet finger but no swan necking, I was given a stax splint. What should I do?

[@夏云龙-o3g]

Hello Action Rehab, the extensor tendon of my ring finger got completely ruptured based on ultrasound picture. Can this also be fixed by splint? Does the splint only work for those mallet finger with streched tendon or bony injury? How much should it be over extended?

[@Thefittestartist]

1:59 what's this grey material called?

[@Resist4]

I've seen two doctors for my Tendon related Mallet Finger and both wanted me in a stack splint. After 10 weeks my primary doctor told me not to use the splint anymore and to do some exercises for the finger. It's almost perfectly straight but still pretty swollen, and stiff so I'm hoping the exercises will help. I'm still confused how a torn tendon can heal itself, when tendons don't have a blood supply.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

You are right Dan, tendons don't really heal. They scar up and that is what holds them together after a mallet finger, scar tissue. Is your finger straight after the stack splint? If it is that is ok but if not be careful of the scar tissue stretching out.

[@Resist4]

I've noticed that by the end of the day, my finger is slightly not straight. Maybe that's from doing the exercises? My doctor told me not to wear the splint anymore even at night, but I've been wearing it at night because other people had said their doctors wanted them to wear it at night for a few more weeks. I do know that in the morning after taking the splint off, my finger is perfectly straight again. It's still very swollen, even after 11 weeks now. My doctor is referring me to a specialist, so I guess I'll find out soon enough if it's actually healing or I need surgery.

[@mari88334]

@@Resist4 hi, same here. What was the outcome, if you don't mind me asking?

[@Resist4]

@@mari88334 It's been 3 years now and my finger is fine. It is very important to keep the joint in a splint, even when showering. When taking it off to clean, make sure to keep the finger straight or it will take even longer to get better. You don't want to disrupt the forming scar tissue for several months.

[@mari88334]

thanks for ur response, hopefully mine will heal as urs did. Its Only been 3 weeks so far.

[@Resist4]

Saw the specialist today and he confirmed that I should still use a splint at night (unlike what my doctor said), for at least another 6 weeks. The specialist said it looks pretty good but that it will never end up perfectly straight like it was before the tendon tear. I'd really like to know if it's actually possible to get it straight again, like you showed in this video.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Hi Dan, it is definitely not too late to get it straight, you just need to make sure the splint is correct and the tip is held in hyperextension. Let me know if it doesn't work out. [e-mail]

[@Resist4]

Action Rehab Hand Therapy well the tip of my finger has always been in hypertension with the splint. As I said before, when I take the splint off for during the day, it’s straight but as I use it and exercise it by the end of the day it has a slight bend.

[@kdalton7730]

@@Resist4 I’ve been thru this. It’s a long process. My finger did the same thing. I was afraid it would never fully heal but it did. Just keep trying to move it a little each day.

[@Resist4]

@@kdalton7730 you do realize that you replied to my post from 3 years ago. Lol, so my finger is fine now. It is amazing though how scar tissue takes over the job of a tendon that is no longer connected. My finger isn’t 100% but it’s pretty darn close.

[@kdalton7730]

@@Resist4 Sorry Dan. I was trying to respond to another poster. Glad your finger is good. I always have empathy for others who have been thru this like me and you.

[@breyer1236]

I've never been so happy to have a broken bone in my life if it means a better chance of this dumb finger healing right. Trashed my plans for the whole summer. They gave me a cast for six weeks, then I'm supposed to switch to a splint. Any idea why they wouldn't just do a splint the whole time? Sucks having to bag my hand every time I shower, clean, wash dishes, cook, etc. because the dang cast can't get wet.

[@yasintengioglu9257]

Broken finger?

[@heidibean2510]

What's the name of that stuff you use to form the splint? I need some, as my mallet finger is 6 weeks into using a stack splint and it's still swollen, red, it burns, and I don't think I;m in the right splint. There were no broken bones with my injury.

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Its called Aquaplast 1.6mm

[@Ddfera]

I should need add some picture of my fingers ...i coudn't flex ny finger what can i do for that

[@farahadnan619]

I cut my finger and the doctor stitch it up.. on the day itself i did asked why i can't lift up my finger? But she said due to swollen and wound. Had the sutures open 2 days ago, but my finger still look the same.. i'm so devastated, on my 8 days today 25/8/24.. can i still use the split method u suggest? What is the name of the tape, i want to buy in a pharmacy here

[@SanchezOmar-p6l]

How did it turned up??

[@creeps946]

Is it bad that i can bend my distal phalanges the top one but it doesn't hurt

[@MartinRalchevski]

I have a question. I have a mallet finger. I went to the hospital in the UK and they gave me traditional split. I was very strict and I wore the split all the time for the last 8 weeks. But unfortunately after the doctor moved the split my finger hasn’t recovered. It can’t be straight, it just stays at a 45 angle. It happened two weeks ago. Is there any chance to straighten my finger again or is it too late?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Sorry I'm late in replying. How did you go? Is it straighter.

[@MartinRalchevski]

Action Rehab Hand Therapy Now it’s much better, thanks. But, the finger is thicker then the others. Is it normal or it will be normal size later?

[@thedeepakmishra]

Can we treat mallet finger after 2 years of injury?

[@actionrehabhandtherapy8459]

Yes

[@startupmick]

Great video, well done.

[@startupmick]

What was the flexible tape you used to make both splints? It was grey with breath holes.