Mallet Finger Treated in Arlington, VA

Sometimes referred to as baseball finger, mallet finger is a painful condition caused by an injury to the thin extensor tendon that allows the end joint of a finger or thumb to straighten. This type of injury can occur when an unyielding object, such as a baseball, strikes the tip of a finger or thumb, forcing it to bend backward beyond its normal limit and causing the tendon to tear. When the extensor tendon is torn, the tip of the affected finger or thumb cannot be fully straightened. The long, ring and pinkie fingers of the dominant hand are most susceptible to mallet finger injuries.

Symptoms of Mallet Finger

A mallet finger injury can cause pain, swelling and bruising in the affected finger. The fingertip may noticeably droop and can be straightened only if manually pushed upward. If blood is visible underneath the nail or the nail is detached, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. These are possible signs of a cut in the nail bed or an open fracture, both of which present a risk of infection and require prompt treatment.

If you have a mallet finger injury, you can consult with Dr. Cassie G. Root, an experienced hand and wrist specialist who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Root is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who has earned a Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, as well as the trust and respect of many patients and peers.

Treatment Options for Mallet Finger

In most cases, a mallet finger injury can be treated conservatively. For instance, a splint can be worn to hold the fingertip straight (in extension) until the tendon heals. Additionally, if there is a bone fragment in the joint or the joint is misaligned, Dr. Root may suggest a surgical procedure to place pins that will hold the bone pieces together during the healing process. If left untreated, a mallet finger injury can lead to permanent stiffness in the affected fingertip.

If you would like to learn more about mallet finger, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Root in Arlington, VA.