Mallet finger is an injury to the end of the finger, causing the tip to bend. It's a common sports injury and is treated using a splint.
If you have mallet finger the tip of your finger will bend and you will not be able to straighten it.
Get help from NHS 111 if:
You've injured your finger and:
- you cannot straighten it
- it's painful or tender
- it's swollen or bruised
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you think you have mallet finger, there are some things you can do while waiting for medical help.
If you have mallet finger, the finger needs to be kept straight to let the injury heal.
A doctor or nurse will put the finger in a splint, securing it with tape. You'll still be able to bend your finger at the middle joint.
You'll need to:
- keep the splinted finger dry – the skin inside the splint can be sore if it gets wet
- wear the splint for up to 8 weeks, only removing it to clean your finger and the splint
If the injury does not heal, you may need to wear the splint again for another 8 weeks.
Rarely, you may need surgery.
Cleaning the finger and splint
Clean the finger and splint every day. It's easier to do this if someone can help you.
It's important to keep the fingertip straight when the splint is off.
- Rest your finger flat on a table.
- Cut the tape and slide the splint off your finger.
- Wash the finger and the splint with soap and water.
- Dry the finger and splint.
- Slide the splint back into place over your finger, keeping the finger straight.
- Put new tape on. The middle joint of your finger can move, but it's important the damaged joint cannot move.
Self-refer for treatment
If you have mallet finger, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
- ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgery
- check your GP surgery's website
- contact your local integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
- search online for NHS treatment for mallet finger near you
If you have mallet finger, it can take several months for the finger to get back to normal.
Tenderness, swelling and redness are common for the first few months. The redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
You may need to take time off work, depending on your job.