What happens if you leave a mallet finger untreated?
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What happens if you leave a mallet finger untreated?
Mallet finger leads to an imbalance in the distribution of the extensor force between the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and DIP joints. If left untreated, mallet finger leads to a swan neck deformity from PIP joint hyper extension and DIP joint flexion.
How do you know if you have a mallet finger?
What are the symptoms of mallet finger?
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Redness.
- An inability to straighten your fingertip.
- Tenderness.
- A detached fingernail.
- Redness under the fingernail bed.
Does mallet finger ever straighten?
Mallet finger is an injury to the end of your finger that causes it to bend inwards towards your palm. You will not be able to straighten the end of your finger because the tendon connecting the muscle to the finger bone is stretched or torn.
When should I see a doctor for mallet finger?
If you have injured your finger and it is painful, swollen, or difficult to straighten, see your doctor right away. Delaying treatment can cause permanent damage or may make your injury more difficult to fix. In most cases, your doctor may tell you to put ice on the injury to prevent swelling.
What is the most common closed tendon injury of the finger?
Mallet Finger This is the most common closed tendon injury.
What is a staved finger?
What is a sprained finger? A sprained finger involves torn or stretched soft tissues, such as a ligament, in your finger. These soft tissues connect bones to other bones and supports your joints. Finger sprains are common. They tend to be caused by sports injuries or trauma (such as a car accident or fall for example).
How do I know if my finger is sprained or fractured?
While jammed fingers are less serious than a fracture, you will still experience bruising and swelling; and even with a broken bone, you may have a limited range of motion. If you injured your hand and are experiencing swelling and bruising, the best way to know for sure is to get an x-ray of your fingers.
Does mallet finger need physical therapy?
Rehabilitation for Mallet Finger Rehabilitation exercises for Mallet Finger can often be done at home as directed by your healthcare provider. Extreme cases of Mallet Finger may require additional physical or occupational therapy.
Can mallet finger fully heal?
If your tendon is only stretched, not torn, it should heal in 4 to 6 weeks if you wear a splint all the time. If your tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, it should heal in 6 to 8 weeks of wearing a splint all the time. After that, you will need to wear your splint for another 3 to 4 weeks, at night only.
Does mallet finger need an xray?
Posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs centered at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the affected finger are required. These radiographs are used to differentiate between a bony mallet injury (see the first image below) and a tendinous one.
Will my mallet finger ever straighten?
