Physical Therapy for a Mallet finger

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Physical Therapy for a Mallet finger

What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger occurs when patients are unable to extend the joint at the end of the finger, either due to a tendon rupture or an avulsion fracture.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Mallet Finger
Mallet fingers occur in both traumatic and non-traumatic causes. Typically, patients will present with pain (though not always the case) and swelling around the end of the finger. The most common sign is the end of the finger is bent and cannot be straightened voluntarily. Typically, patients are able to fully extend their finger with assistance from their “good” hand or another person.

Treatment for Mallet Finger
Physical therapy will work on techniques to improve the mobility, strength and control of the joint at the end of the finger. In certain cases, splinting and/or surgery may be required.

Physical Therapy for Hand Fractures

With 27 bones in the hand, there are several different types of fractures in the hand. Symptoms typically include various combinations of swelling, bruising, tenderness, difficulty moving fingers and visible deformity. Some cases require surgery and others do not.

Physical Therapy for a Trigger Finger

Trigger finger happens when tendons, or their protective sheath, around your fingers or thumb swell up or thicken. The swelling makes it hard for your affected digits to move smoothly. Severe cases can “freeze” your fingers in a flexed position.

Physical Therapy for a Skier’s Thumb

Skier’s thumb occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), located on the inside of your thumb at the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, is stretched too much resulting in a sprain or tear.