Mallet Finger: Treating “Baseball Finger” Injuries

By Dr. Kristen Ploetze

It’s officially baseball time in Tennessee!

Collegiate baseball and softball are heading into their post seasons, the Knoxville Smokies are settling into their new home, and youth summer leagues across the city are just getting started. It’s a great time to grab your ball and glove!

Unfortunately, players, parents, and coaches can all fallen victim to the mallet finger or “baseball finger” injury.

Mallet finger occurs when a ball or object strikes the tip of the finger and forcibly bends it down, tearing the tendon on the top of the finger that straightens the finger. The tendon may even pull off a piece of bone with it when it tears. The key finding is a fingertip that “droops” or cannot straighten on its own.

If you are concerned you or your family member has sustained a mallet finger injury, we recommend prompt medical evaluation. Mallet finger is a treatable condition and most injuries can be treated without surgery. Early intervention and appropriate splinting are the keys to prevent long term deformity.

Here at KOC, we have hand and wrist specialists available at each of our locations to evaluate and treat conditions like mallet fingers. If you or your loved one has an injured, swollen, or crooked finger, click here to request an appointment with one of our hand experts. We have same day availability for acute injuries.

Play ball and keep those hands “safe!”