Is your finger bent like a hammer? Let's talk about Mallet Finger!

Did you hit the tip of your finger while playing with a ball? Or did you get your finger stuck in a door? Then the tip of your finger bent down and couldn't straighten it no matter how hard you tried? This is something that happens to many people. In medicine, we call this condition "Mallet Finger." Although you may think that your finger is just sprained, this is something that needs a little more attention. Let's talk about this in a simple way today.

What exactly is Mallet Finger?

Simply put, Mallet Finger is an injury to the tip of your finger. This injury causes the tip of your finger to bend downward, like the head of a mallet. That's how it gets its name.

The tip of our finger is straightened by a tendon attached to it. We call this the `extensor tendon`. It stretches like a rubber band and straightens the finger. Now imagine, when something hard hits the tip of the finger, this `extensor tendon` can tear, break, or even tear off the bone. Then the part that worked like the rubber band can't pull the tip of the finger up. The result is that the tip of the finger is bent down and hangs down.

This is common among athletes, especially those who play sports like baseball, volleyball, and basketball. That's why it's sometimes called "baseball finger." But it can also happen to athletes while doing everyday tasks, like tucking a blanket into a bed, or getting stuck in a door.

What are the main symptoms of this condition?

The main and most obvious characteristic of a Mallet Finger is that the tip of the finger is bent downwards and you cannot straighten it on your own. You can lift it up with your other hand and straighten it, but as soon as you let go, it falls back down.

In addition, you can see these things:

• Feeling pain at the site of the injury.
• Swelling and redness of the fingertip.
• Sometimes, about 48 hours after an injury, you may notice a blue/purple bruise-like appearance.
• There may also be bleeding under the nail or damage to the nail.

Causes of Mallet Finger

Anything that damages the extensor tendon that straightens the tip of the finger can cause this. Let's look at the main causes.

What happens if it is not treated?

Many people think, "It's just a sprained finger, and it will go away on its own." But if Mallet Finger is not treated in a timely manner, the bent finger can become permanent. This means that the tip of the finger can remain bent for the rest of your life.

Not only that, but this can also affect other joints in the finger, causing the finger to change shape even further. Sometimes this can even develop into a condition called `swan neck deformity` (a finger that bends like a swan's neck).

What happens before and after meeting a doctor?

If you have an injury like this and can't straighten your finger, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

First aid you can do before seeing a doctor

Here are some things you can do to reduce swelling and pain before seeing a doctor:

• Clean the wound: Clean the wound thoroughly, especially if the wound is bleeding or if the nail is damaged.
• Apply ice: Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them on the injured finger for about 15-20 minutes. This will reduce swelling and pain.
• Keep your finger elevated: Keep your hand above heart level as much as possible.
• Temporary support: Carefully, without pressing on the finger, place a flat object such as an ice cream spoon (tongue depressor) and gently wrap it with a plaster bandage to create a temporary support (splint).

How does the doctor diagnose the disease?

When you see your doctor, he will ask you about how the injury happened. He will then examine your finger. He will often order an X-ray to determine the exact severity of the injury, whether it is just a tendon injury or a broken bone.

What are the treatments for Mallet Finger?

The good news is that most Mallet Finger conditions can be treated without surgery.

Treatment without surgery

This is often treated by placing a special splint on the finger, keeping the tip of the finger completely straight, for 6 to 8 weeks.

• This splint must be worn continuously, 24 hours a day.
• The doctor will show you how to clean it. It's not a good idea to take it off at any other time.
• You can take another X-ray in a few weeks to see if the bone fragments are properly aligned.

Cases where surgery is required

In some complex cases, surgery may be necessary. For example:

• If the bone is broken into several pieces.
• If the tendon is completely severed.
• If the joint does not set properly.

This surgery is usually not a major one. You can go home the same day with only your arm numbed (local or regional anesthesia). You will still need to wear a splint after the surgery.

How long does it take to heal?

Most people recover after wearing a splint for about 8 weeks, although more serious injuries can take up to 16 weeks to heal.

After the splint is removed, your finger may be a little numb and have difficulty bending it. Your doctor will give you some simple exercises to do at home. Sometimes you may be referred to a hand therapist. It may take several weeks or months for your finger to fully recover and regain its flexibility.

Even after healing, some people may have a small crease at the tip of their finger, or a small bump may appear on the knuckle. However, this usually does not significantly affect the function of the finger.