Anyone here had Mallet (aka Hammer) Finger?

[WordInYourShellLike]

How did it go when you finally removed the splint after 6 weeks? Tomorrow is my 6 week date and I'm quite nervous about removing it and how I'm going to be able to use my right hand again properly (I am right handed and it's the middle finger of my right hand). I will phone Minor Injuries for advice before going ahead but hoping to hear from people who've actually been through this themselves!

[WordInYourShellLike]

No-one? I thought it might be quite common because it happened stupidly easily - I caught my finger in the bedding while making the bed! It's usually sport related though.

[earlydoors42]

I caught my finger in a sheet and it was my middle finger too! My friend did it trying to wipe a slug trail off the carpet when she was pissed! It used to be called something like housemaid's finger as catching it in bedding was the main cause!

When I took my splint off, I was really relieved as my finger was straight! I was worried it would still flop. But then I couldn't bend it and it felt weird to try. But each day it bent a bit more and now is good as new. It just doesn't fold quite as tight when I make a fist.

Good luck!

[Subordinateclause]

I did but it wasn't that bad. It's totally fine now, can't even be certain I remember which finger it was.

[HouseOfSticks]

DH did it pulling his trousers up. He was fine afterwards but was worried it was permanent. His finger nail was so long and gross when he took the splint off 🤮🤢

[dinodiva]

Yeah I had one years and years ago, got it playing netball. I think it was okay once the splint was removed, but I honestly can’t remember. The knuckle is bumpier than my other hand and it sometimes aches when it’s cold!

[WordInYourShellLike]

Ah thanks everyone, that's reassuring. Also good to know I'm not the only one who injured myself in such a mundane way! Although cleaning a slug trail off the carpet while pissed was pretty unexpected!

I'm a musician and I teach music too so I've been really worried as it's quite an important finger in terms of my playing. I did check a couple of days ago when I had to take the splint off for cleaning (being so close to the 6 week point) and the end of the finger is still dropping slightly. I still need to phone the minor injuries unit so I can ask about it then - bit worried it might never fully straighten... Did anyone keep the splint on for longer than 6 weeks, not just at night?

[earlydoors42]

I would keep going with the splint for longer if it isn't fully straight. I didn't keep mine on longer but would have if it hadn't quite worked yet. I tested mine a week or so before the 6 weeks and it was still a bit floppy - the extra week gave it enough time to work.

[MrsMigginsPie]

My DS has done this twice! I seem to remember that when taking off the splint they recommended removing it gradually (increasing amounts of time during the day),but keeping it on at night for a few more weeks.

[Punxsutawney]

Ds did this playing basketball. From what I remember he was okay when the splint came off after 6 weeks, I think Mrs is right though and Ds was advised to have it on at night for longer. I'm pretty sure too he went back for a second xray appointment before they advised to take it off.

[sueelleker]

In the late 70's I tripped up a step at work and caught my little finger on the wall. Despite a 6 week splint, the finger still droops now. It doesn't hurt, but there's a 45 degree droop to it. My doctor said I'd stretched the ligament.

[Mckmck123]

I have a mallet finger and the splint I use
Really annoys me
I keep getting it wet and taking it off ( keeping my finger straight) does anyone have suggestions of a comfortable splint or waterproof cover
I use a marigold when I temember

[Itstheprinciple]

My DD got this from netball. I was worried it wouldn't go straight as it wasn't diagnosed immediately and we had to go back to the hospital a week or so later so there was a delay in it being splinted. I seem to remember she had to keep the splint on at night for a couple of weeks longer in case she bent it awkwardly in the night but otherwise it was fine. If you look at her fingers closely you can still tell which one it was but not unless you are looking for it iyswim and she has full movement in it.