It is common for people to suffer from Mallet Finger. This can be caused by a sports injury, or even just accidentally hitting your finger against something hard.
The problem with this injury is that it can take up to 6 weeks for the joint to heal and regain its full range of motion! During the healing process you will not only have pain in your fingers, but also reduced dexterity and grip strength which can cause problems at work or in everyday life. You might even need surgery if the joint doesn’t heal properly!
Oval Splints are one of the best solutions out there, they provide support without restricting movement like some other splints do. They allow you to move freely while supporting your fingers as they heal, making them perfect for those who want their joints back as soon as possible without having to wait months on end!
What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger is an injury that can happen to anyone at any point in life. It’s not exclusive to individuals who experience arthritis or joint pain. An alternative name for the condition is ‘baseball finger’ as it is an injury that plenty of baseball players experience. The injury involves the thin tendon that straightens the end of the finger or thumb. When the finger is struck by an object, such as a baseball, the finger abruptly bends and the tendon is stretched further than it is intended to go. This injury then prevents the individual from straightening the tip of finger on their finger.
In many cases of mallet finger, the tendon is ruptured or teared. More severe cases can include a small piece of bone being pulled away where the tendon was attached. Either of these causes of mallet finger can lead to lengthy recovery times or even surgery.
After the injury the finger can be incredibly painful. There will be swelling and bruising after the impact that should be treated with a cold compress or ice. After swelling has dissipated, you will find that the finger droops significantly. It will only appear straight when manipulated by another hand.
What are the current treatments for Mallet Finger?
Medical Examination
After receiving the injury, it is incredibly important to have your finger examined by a medical professional. This will inform you of the extent of the damage and ensure that you receive the most effective treatment.
You will most likely have an x-ray on the injured finger to assess whether the majority of damage has occurred to the tendon or the bone. The image will show whether there is a fracture within the bone and whether the bones have been pulled out of alignment. Each individual outcome can affect how effective each treatment will be.
It is highly important to receive the right treatment in order to regain full mobility of the finger and manage any deformities that may occur.
Surgery
In more extreme cases of mallet finger, you may require surgical repair. This usually occurs when the finger bone is subluxed. This means that the joint displaced, which may cause visual deformities and movement restrictions once healed. Surgery is also necessary when there are large fractures or if the tendon is serious damaged. A tendon graft will be performed to reattach the tendon and the bone to regain full use of the finger.
Non-surgical treatment
Some cases of mallet finger can be far less severe than others, or non-surgical treatment may be required in recovery of the surgery. This is to maintain the straightness of the finger and to ensure the tendon and bone heals in the correct placement.
The most common remedy for the condition is finger splints. There are several types of finger splints that may be required for different versions of the injury. You should discuss this when suggested by your medical professional.
A splint can be pivotal in the correct healing of mallet finger. They allow full restoration of motion if worn full time for around 8 weeks. In moments of removing the splint, most often for cleaning, the finger must remain extended and straight. If any damage or movement should occur before fully healed, the finger is susceptible to further injury and a longer recovery process.
How can Oval Splints help?
Medically provided finger splints can be uncomfortable, aesthetically offensive or restrictive of movement in the rest of the hand. Oval Splints have countered each of these problems with an effective and medically approved selection of finger splints.
Available in a variety of colours and sizes, Oval Splints provide specialist mallet finger splints as well as splints to treat trigger finger, swan neck, fracture protection and arthritis. Their products are versatile and generously priced.
With Oval Splints you receive an effective product that is discreet, blends into your skin colour, is waterproof and latex free. These splints tick so many boxes for a treatment that you have to live with for up to 8 weeks.
There are 32 splint sizes to chose from, ensuring you always have the perfect fit. Their handy size guide will ensure you receive the right support. Forget about your splints being too tight or so loose that they come off. Oval Splints have optimised a product that is frequently used by many sports players and individuals with joint problems alike.
Shirley Mist has been involved in fashion and design for many years. She has also written extensively for many online publications. She currently writes for The Tribune World and is a valued member of our team.