Did you suddenly notice that the tip of your finger is drooping and won’t straighten fully? You might be dealing with Mallet Finger — a common but often underestimated finger injury that needs proper care to heal well.

What is Mallet Finger?

Mallet finger (also called baseball finger) is an injury to the tendon that straightens the end joint of your finger. It usually happens when something strikes the tip of the finger, forcing it to bend further than it should — like getting hit by a ball or jamming your finger during everyday activities.

This injury causes the tendon to tear or pull away from the bone, leaving the fingertip unable to straighten on its own.

Common Symptoms:

• Drooping fingertip that can’t be straightened

• Mild swelling or bruising

• Tenderness at the top of the finger

• Sometimes, a small fracture may be present

Treatment Options:

✅ Splinting:
Most cases of mallet finger are treated with a custom splint worn full-time for 6 to 8 weeks, keeping the fingertip straight while the tendon heals.

✅ Surgery (in some cases):
If there is a large fracture or the joint is misaligned, surgical repair may be necessary.

✅ Rehabilitation:
Gentle hand therapy after healing helps restore strength and flexibility.