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Mallet finger

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.

Check if you have mallet finger

If you have mallet finger the tip of your finger will bend and you will not be able to straighten it.

A finger pointing from left to right, with the tip of the finger bending downwards.

Your finger may also be:

Urgent advice: 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.

Things you can do before you get medical help

If you think you have mallet finger, there are some things you can do while waiting for medical help.

Do

  • lift your hand up to reduce swelling

  • take painkillers to help ease the pain

  • remove any rings from the finger

Treatment for mallet finger

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:

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.

  1. Rest your finger flat on a table.
  2. Cut the tape and slide the splint off your finger.
  3. Wash the finger and the splint with soap and water.
  4. Dry the finger and splint.
  5. Slide the splint back into place over your finger, keeping the finger straight.
  6. Put new tape on. The middle joint of your finger can move, but it's important the damaged joint cannot move.
Information:

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

Recovering from mallet finger

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.

Don’t

  • do not bend your finger, as the injury will not heal

  • do not do sports or exercise involving your hands

Information:

The doctor or nurse may give you hand exercises to do around 6 to 8 weeks after your injury happened.

Page last reviewed: 2 August 2023
Next review due: 2 August 2026