Hand Therapy – Exercises following Extensor Tendon Injury of the Finger Zones 1-2 (Mallet Deformities)

What exercises should I do after my mallet injury?

You should only do the exercises your Hand Therapist has advised. Making other movements may cause further damage to your finger.

Weeks 0 to 6/8:

Your splint should be worn at all the times, including while doing the exercises.

Your exercises will be progressed at different weeks depending if you also have a fracture.

Exercise 1

Bend your injured finger down to touch your palm and then straighten it.

Repetition: x5    Hold: 5 seconds   Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Week 6/8

Exercise 2

Gently bend your fingers to your palm to make a full fist.

Repetition: x5    Hold: 5 seconds   Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Week 8/10

Exercise 3

Use your thumb, index and middle finger of your good hand, to support the middle joint of your injured finger.

Then bend the end joint of your injured finger up and down.

Repetition: x5   Hold: 5 seconds   Complete: Every 1 to 2 hours

Contact number

Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:

• You have any concerns or questions

• If your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522 471

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1^st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital North Tees

Hardwick Road, Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Holdforth Road, Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

References

• Warren, R.A, Norris, SH and Ferguson, D.G, 1988. Mallet finger: a trial of two splints. The Journal of Hand Surgery: British & European volume, 13(2), pp.151153.

• Valdes K’Naughton N, Algar L.2005. Journal of Hand Therapy.2015. Conservative treatment of mallet finger: A systematic review. Jul- Sep; 28(3):237-45.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]