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Mallet finger

Overview

Open all pages about Mallet finger

The main symptom of mallet finger is not being able to straighten the end of your finger. The finger may also be painful and swollen.

If you think you have mallet finger, keep the hand raised to reduce swelling until you get medical help. You can use painkillers to relieve the pain.

Mallet finger is treated by wearing a splint on the end of the finger while it heals.

It usually takes a few months to fully recover from mallet finger. You will need a finger splint for the first 6 to 8 weeks.

Mallet finger is an injury to the end of the finger. It's treated by wearing a splint for around 8 weeks.

Page last reviewed: 02/08/2023
Next review due: 02/08/2026