Hand Therapy – Mallet Finger Injury

What is a mallet finger?

A mallet finger is when the end joint of the finger is injured causing it to remain bent towards the palm. This is due to a tear to the extensor tendon which straightens the joint. It is often caused by catching the finger end while playing sports, or when completing simple tasks such as tucking in bed sheets.

There are 2 types of mallet finger.  A soft tissue mallet injury is when the tendon alone is injured.  A bony mallet injury is when a small piece of bone is pulled off the joint when the tendon is injured. This is called an avulsion fracture.

How long might my recovery take?

You will be referred to the Hand Therapy Team within 2 weeks of your injury being diagnosed.  This will help your rehabilitation and improve your finger’s long term function (movement and strength). 

The Hand Therapist will guide you through each stage of the healing process. This can take approximately 12 weeks.

The Hand Therapist will provide you with:

• Exercises to complete regularly. This will help achieve your normal movement once again in your injured finger.

• A splint and taping, which must be continuously worn for 

6 weeks for a bony mallet, or 8 weeks for a soft tissue mallet. 

Following this, the splint must only be worn at night for a

2 week period.

You will be advised on how and when to change the splint taping. When you change the taping remember to keep your finger flat on a table.  You may need a friend or family member to help you with applying the splint and tape, as it can sometimes be difficult.

• Advice about any swelling you may have. Swelling is normal around the area of injury, and should reduce over time. Elevating (raising) your hand above your heart when resting and following the exercises given can reduce your swelling.

• Advice on how to check and care for your skin as it may become red, dry or blistered. 

Please be aware that your splint may no longer fit you if your splint is damaged or your hand changes shape or size.

How should I care for my splint?

You can wash your splint in cool water and detergent (soap) when you have been advised to take your splint off. 

You must not:

• Leave your splint near a heat source, such as radiators.

• Put your splint in hot water as this may cause the splint to change shape.

• Alter the splint yourself.

Contact number

if you need any further advice regarding:

• Your appointment with the consultant.
• The surgery you may have had.
• Your wound, dressing or cast.

Please contact your local Orthopaedic Outpatient Department.

University Hospital of North Tees

Orthopaedic Outpatient Department

Telephone: 01642 624473

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Hand Therapy:

Please contact the Hand Therapy Team if:

• You have any concerns or questions regarding your exercises.
• If your splint is rubbing, uncomfortable or damaged.

Hand Therapy Team

Telephone: 01429 522471

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

You will be asked to attend either:

Hand Therapy

1st Floor, North Wing

University Hospital of North Tees

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

University Hospital of Hartlepool

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 Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

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

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, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]