18/09/2025
Mallet Finger: What You Need to Know✋
A mallet finger can happen when the tip of your finger is suddenly struck (often in ball sports). This can cause either:
Tendon injury (tendinous mallet)
Small bone fracture (bony mallet)
Why splinting matters:
For a bony mallet, an x-ray with the splint on confirms the bone is in the right place. Splints are usually worn for 6 weeks until healing is seen.
For a tendinous mallet, the fingertip must be held straight in a splint for 8 weeks, without letting it bend, even briefly.
What to expect:
Some people may notice a small bump or slight loss of fingertip extension, but function usually returns.
With the right treatment, most patients get back to normal activity.
Hand therapists are here to help. We provide custom splints, regular monitoring, and expert guidance to support your recovery.