How do you know when a mallet finger is healed?
When it is time for your splint to come off, your provider will examine how well your finger has healed. Swelling in your finger when you are no longer wearing the splint may be a sign that the tendon has not healed yet. You may need another x-ray of your finger.
How do you treat a mallet finger?
Splinting is the first-line treatment for a mallet finger. The goal is to keep the fingertip straight in the splint until the tendon heals. Usually, your mallet finger will stay in a splint for at least six weeks. After that, you’ll wear the splint only at night for another two weeks.
Can mallet finger be fixed after years?
Probably not. Most of the time, a mallet finger can be fixed by using an orthosis (or splint) that holds it straight for a several weeks; however, sometimes it can be more serious, which is why it is a good idea to have it professionally evaluated.
Is mallet finger a disability?
It is obvious that if treatment is carried out late, one or two weeks after injury, or the aforementioned position of the finger is inadequately maintained, the injured tendon generally heals with paratenon in a lengthened manner, resulting in some degree of loss of function, or permanent mallet finger disability.
What is the best mallet finger splint?
There are many splints on the market, but I have found the best way is an aluminum splint to keep the tip joint straight. Specifically, the tip of the finger should be kept straight but to allow free PIP and MP motions.
What is the fastest way to heal mallet finger?
Wearing a splint on your finger to keep it straight is the most common treatment for mallet finger. You may need to wear a splint for different lengths of time. If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in 4 to 6 weeks if you wear a splint all the time.
Is mallet finger permanent?
A Word From Verywell. A mallet finger is more than just a typical jammed finger. Without proper treatment, permanent deformity can be the result. Fortunately, most people can heal this injury with the proper use of a simple splint.
Are Injured soldiers discharged?
A Medical Discharge may be given to service members who become sick or injured to the point where military duty is no longer possible based on a medical evaluation of the medical condition. This process can be lengthy and may or may not be appealed depending on a variety of factors.
How long does it take to get medically discharged?
A minimum of 3–4 months but it’s usually completed within a year.
What is the fastest way to heal a mallet finger?
How long does it take to heal a mallet finger?
It should take 6 to 8 weeks for your finger to heal, after which time you’ll be able to use it again. You may be advised to continue to only wear the splint at night for up to 4 more weeks. In some cases, you may only need to see a specialist once, as a hand physiotherapist may be able to take over your care.
What is mallet finger and what causes it?
Mallet finger is an injury to the extensor tendon that causes an inability to extend the fingertip. It is commonly caused by a direct blow to the fingertip, such as while trying to catch a ball. The major symptom of mallet finger is an inability to actively extend the fingertip as well as pain and swelling.
When is surgery indicated in the treatment of mallet finger injuries?
Surgery may be considered when a mallet finger injury has a large bone fragment or the joint is not properly aligned. In these cases, wires or small screws are used to realign the joint (see Figure 4).
How long do you wear a mallet finger splint?
Mallet finger – aftercare. After that, you will need to wear your splint for another 3 to 4 weeks, at night only. If you wait to start treatment or DO NOT wear the splint as you are told, you may have to wear it longer. Surgery is rarely needed except for more severe fractures.
How do you fix a mallet finger with a cast?
A tongue depressor or a clean popsicle stick can be taped to the finger to keep it straight. There are many different types of splints/casts for mallet fingers. The goal is to keep the fingertip straight until the tendon heals. Most of the time, a splint will be worn at all times for about eight weeks (see Figure 3).