Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is a mallet Injury?
A mallet injury is usually caused by a sudden forceful bend of the fingertip. The tendon which straightens the finger has ruptured or a piece of bone attached to your tendon has been pulled away. You will be unable to straighten your finger with this injury and there maybe pain and swelling.
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to allow the injured tendon or bone to heal. This will allow the end joint to straighten again, however it is extremely common to have a slight droop to the end joint even when the bone and joint have fully healed.
The end of your finger will be placed in a plastic splint to keep it straight. The splint must be worn all day and night for 6 to 8 weeks. Keeping the finger straight will allow the tendon or bone to heal. It takes 12 weeks for your injury to become strong enough to complete heavy activity.
How to keep you finger and splint clean
Your splinted finger must be kept dry at all times otherwise your skin becomes sore.
You may remove the splint to clean the skin and splint; the finger must remain supported and straight at all time. Your therapist will show you how to safely remove the splint and clean your skin.
Activity and Exercise
While your finger is in the splint it is important to avoid gripping or lifting of heavy objects as this can put strain on your healing tendon or bone.
You should keep all the other joints of your hand moving fully to stop them getting stiff, especially the joint below your splint.
You are advised to check your insurance before driving with a splint on.
Problems you may encounter
- Swelling, either increasing or decreasing which affects the fit of your splint.
- Your skin may become damp, it then may become sore and breakdown.
If any of these problems occur please mention it to your therapist.
Are there any complications?
- You may be left with a small bump on the top of your joint where the tendon or bone has healed. This doesn’t affect the movement but can change the appearance.
- You may have a slight droop to the end of your finger; this is very common and doesn’t usually affect the function of the finger.
- It may take several months to regain full movement and function. There may be redness, swelling and tenderness of the joint for up to four months.
- Very occasionally, the tendon may fail to heal. The end joint will have a permanent droop but usually function is not affected. If this occurs, a consultation with a hand surgeon can be arranged.
Contact details
Hand therapy departments:
0300 6133396 for Frimley
0300 6140540 then Option 2 Wexham or Option 3 for Heatherwood
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Hand therapy
Reference:
UU/025
Approval date:
19 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.