Mallet Finger

Hand

Symptoms

Most people know when they have a Mallet Finger because they have a droopy or “hammer” tip that can’t be straightened out – but it can often be confused with being dislocated. The affected finger may be painful and swelling can develop.

How it occurs

Mallet Finger is the most frequently seen injury we treat at Action Rehab.

It’s a common sports-related injury and often brought about when a ball or other force hits the finger while in the process of being straightened or when the finger is lacerated. It also happens to lots of patients when carrying out day-to-day domestic duties, like making the bed.

Treatment

We’ll look over the injury, refer you for X-rays if required, and assess how it should be looked after.

Treating a tendon Mallet Finger injury requires precise splinting, education and care in order to prevent the finger from having a swan neck deformity.

Meet Ben

Our senior therapist

Ben Cunningham is currently the Hand Therapist at the AFL club The Melbourne Demons and the director of Action Rehab. Ben has over 20 years of experience providing hand and upper limb therapy, including working in the United Kingdom at the Queen Victoria Hospital and as the senior clinician at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

Book a senior therapist consultation

Ben, our senior therapist, will offer advice on any management strategies you may need. Please note, if you request ongoing care, you will only have to pay our current rates. We do not charge Worksafe and TAC clients for any consultations.

Call 1300 76227to book an appointment or Click Here to book.

Find your local clinic.