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Mallet finger
Mallet finger (also called baseball finger or drop finger) is a bent fingertip that can't be straightened. It is caused by a ruptured tendon at the base of the finger joint near the fingertip that occurs when a finger is bent with force, such as when you try to catch a ball and your fingertip is struck by the ball.
Symptoms of mallet finger include a:
- Bent fingertip that can't be straightened.
- Painful and swollen fingertip.
Treatment includes splinting the injured finger in a straight position for several weeks.
How can you care for a mallet finger?
- If your doctor put a splint on your finger, wear the splint exactly as directed. Do not remove it until your doctor says that you can.
- Keep your hand raised above the level of your heart as much as you can. This will help reduce swelling.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Keep the splint dry.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Mallet finger in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child's finger is cool or pale or changes color.
- Your child's pain gets much worse.
- Your child has tingling or numbness in the finger.
- Your child has signs of infection. These include:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child has more pain and swelling than the doctor told you to expect.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.