Bent Finger Due to Mallet Finger or Fracture

If your finger won't straighten out, you may have an injury known as a mallet finger or a mallet fracture. This type of injury often occurs when your finger gets jammed. This may impact the finger tendon, a flexible band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.

This article explains the possible causes of a bent finger. It will also cover first aid, when to see a healthcare provider, as well as treatment options.

What Causes a Bent Finger?

In most cases, the reason a finger won't straighten out is that the tendon is stretched or torn. Sometimes, it's because the bone where the tendon is attached has broken off, which is known as an avulsion fracture.

The tendon can be damaged if it:

• Is stretched out and the tendon is still attached but now it's too long
• Is torn or cut and the tendon can't move like it's supposed to
• Has an avulsion fracture and the tendon is not necessarily stretched out, but the bone where it's supposed to be attached is broken
  

What Are Some Home Remedies for a Mallet Finger?

First aid for a mallet finger is similar to any other type of fracture. It needs to be rested and held still in the proper position. Immediate treatment should include rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This is known as the RICE method:

1. Protect it from further injury
2. Ice it to reduce swelling and pain
3. Elevate it to reduce swelling

When Should I See a Healthcare Provider for a Crooked Finger?

If you injure your finger and it won't straighten out within three days, you should see a healthcare provider. Kids especially need to see a healthcare provider if they get a mallet fracture because the part of the bone that controls growth could be affected. This might result in a deformed finger if not treated appropriately.

This type of injury isn't something that usually requires going to the emergency room unless you see blood under the fingernail or the fingernail is coming off. Blood under the nail or damage to it could mean a severe cut or a broken bone.

How Is Mallet Finger Treated?

Continue to ice the finger a few times a day until you can get to your doctor. Your doctor will likely give you a special finger splint, a device that keeps your finger in place while you heal. If the tendon is just stretched, keeping it straight will allow it to heal. If it's torn or if the bone is fractured, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery so your finger heals correctly.

Summary

A mallet finger may be caused by damage to the tendon, often from jamming your finger. To care for your injury at home, be sure to use the RICE method.

See your doctor if you can't straighten your finger out and it's been a few days. They may give you a splint to help your finger heal. Seek emergency care if you have blood under your nail, or your nail is coming off.