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Mallet Finger

Posted , 4 users are following.

Roz_F
Roz_F

I sustained an injury to my left little finger seven weeks ago whilst helping to unsaddle a horse. Someone came up the other side and removed the saddle while my finger was still in the stirrup leather! The pain was intense but I hoped it would go away as I had a busy day ahead. I have read all the experiences on the site and in common with many it took me a while to realize the severity of the injury. Two hours later I noticed I couldn't straighten my finger. I managed to get an appointment at my local surgery for that evening but could not see my own doctor. The doctor I saw said the tendon was damaged and I should ideally be fitted with a mallet splint which I should wear for 2 weeks. The surgery did not have such a splint but the nurse managed very well with a throat swab and some tape. As this became increasingly uncomfortable I went to Boots and bought a packet of finger bandages. I then inserted the throat swab (which I washed regularly) between the layers and it worked quite well. I also saw a Physiotherapist privately as I am self employed and it was affecting my work - she told me 3 weeks splinting should be adequate as she did not think the tendon was ruptured. Bad mistake as I then went riding again and removed the splint afterwards for a few hours. 3 days later I went to the Fracture Clinic at my local hospital and was told it should be kept splinted for 6 weeks and not allowed to straighten. They gave me a proper mallet splint but I was between sizes and both caused itching and swelling, so I compromised by using them in the shower and then reverting to my home made splint. I know now I should have started the splinting period again at this point. I have since done a lot of reading up on websites all over the world and I am convinced that the key thing is to keep the finger straight for 6 weeks which I did not manage to do owing to incorrect initial advice. After 7 weeks I returned to the hospital to see a Hand Specialist but ended up with the Registrar who told me to remove the splint completely even at night. I went back to the Physiotherapist and she showed me how to do flexing exercises in warm water. For those people who say it is painful trying to bend it - this is key. I actually have reasonbaly good movement but my finger still looks bent - not only downwards but also inwards. I am wondering if I should re-start the splinting process. I seriously considered going to an Orthotics clinic to be fitted with a custom made ring splint. These are available as standard in the USA. I think the ring splint would have been much easier and more comfortable and also allowed the PIP and PCP joints (further down the finger) to bend. Does anyone have experience of this type of splint?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I have just snapped the tendon in my middle finger left hand for the SECOND time albeit last time it was on my right hand. I did it in exactly the same way in exactly the same room as last time. I did it by scrubbing stains off a carpet with a cloth over my fingers.

    Last time the finger was held in a splint for 8 weeks and then splinted at night for another month.

    Because it has happened before and I know the drill I didnt bother going to the hospital When the splint is removed the finger does still feel strangely numb and weak but this does improve with time.

  • john23462
    john23462 Roz_F

    Posted

    I have Mallet Finger. I was advised by the GP to buy a splint and fit it myself. There was no advice on the size of splint or that it needed to be held in place by tape. Nor was I warned of the danger from removing it and bending my finger even for a moment. I had to find out all of this by myself.

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