Hey sports fans! If you love sports—whether it’s baseball, cricket, basketball, or volleyball—you know the thrill of the game. But what happens when a sudden impact leaves you with a painful, drooping fingertip that just won’t straighten?

Sounds familiar? You might be dealing with mallet finger—also known as “baseball finger.” Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with the top seven things you need to know about this common sports injury, including how to treat it and when to see a doctor.

What Is Mallet Finger?

Mallet finger happens when the tendon at the tip of your finger snaps due to a forceful impact. Imagine reaching for a fastball, only for it to smash right into the tip of your finger.

Ouch! Your fingertip bends unnaturally, and suddenly, you can’t straighten it on your own. That’s mallet finger.

Why Do Athletes Get Mallet Finger So Often?

This injury is most common in sports involving fast-moving balls—like baseball, cricket, football, and volleyball. Any sudden impact on the fingertip can tear the tendon or break a small piece of bone. It’s a risk for athletes who frequently catch, throw, or block balls.

Symptoms: Is It Mallet Finger or Just a Sprain?

If you’ve just had an awkward hit on your finger, watch out for these symptoms:

• Pain and swelling at the fingertip
• A drooping fingertip that won’t straighten
• Bruising or redness around the joint

Don’t ignore these signs! Left untreated, mallet finger can lead to a stiff, deformed finger that affects function.

Diagnosis: Do You Need an X-ray?

Yes! Your doctor will likely order an X-ray to check if only the tendon is torn or if there’s a small fracture where the tendon attached.

What’s the Best Treatment for Mallet Finger?

The good news? Most cases of mallet finger don’t require surgery. The best treatment is a specialized splint that keeps your finger straight while the tendon heals. Here’s what you need to know:

• Wear the splint for 6-8 weeks (day and night) without bending your finger (even when showering!)
• Only remove it for cleaning—bending it too soon can reset the healing process
• If there’s a bone fracture or severe injury, surgery may be needed to repair the damage

Will Mallet Finger Affect Your Sports Performance?

Yes—if left untreated. A weak, stiff finger can hurt your grip, throwing accuracy, and ball-handling skills. The sooner you treat it, the better your chances of getting back to peak performance.

The key to recovery? Follow your treatment plan and don’t rush back into action too soon

How Can You Prevent Mallet Finger?

While accidents happen, you can reduce the risk of mallet finger with these quick tips:

• Strengthen your fingers with grip and resistance exercises
• Wear protective gloves in high-impact sports
• Stay alert and use proper catching techniques to avoid direct finger hits

Got Finger Pain? We’ve Got Your Back!

If your finger won’t straighten or you’re dealing with pain and swelling, don’t ignore it! Early treatment is key to a full recovery.

Book an appointment today and let our specialists help you get back in the game—pain-free and stronger than ever!