Mallet Finger

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help ease the pain. Use a heating pad (set on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• For the first 48 hours, keep your arm lifted above the level of your heart whenever possible to reduce pain and swelling.
• If you are given a finger splint, continue to wear it until your doctor says you no longer need it.
  • You may remove the splint each day to wash your finger.
  • When your splint is off, do not try to bend the tip of your finger.
  • Put the splint back on as soon as possible. If your finger is numb or tingling, the splint is probably too tight. You can loosen it for comfort.
• Several times a day, move the part of the finger not covered by the splint.
• Over-the-counter medications may be used for pain.
• If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the shot. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The pain or swelling is getting worse.
• The finger becomes more swollen and turns very red.
• The finger feels numb, tingly, or cold, or turns white or blue.
• You lose your splint.