Mallet Finger in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Mallet finger is a bent fingertip. It is caused by a fractured bone or torn tendon at the base of the finger joint near the fingertip. The injury can happen when your child's finger is bent with force, such as when trying to catch a ball and the fingertip is struck by the ball. It also is called baseball finger or drop finger.

Treatment includes wearing a splint for several weeks to keep the finger straight. Surgery may be needed if pieces of bone break off during the injury or if treatment with the splint does not work. Usually only a splint is needed.

It is very important for your child to wear and take care of the splint exactly as your doctor says so that the finger heals properly and is no longer bent. Wearing a splint may interfere with your child's normal activities. Have your child ask for help with daily tasks if needed.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If the doctor put a splint on your child's finger, make sure your child wears the splint exactly as directed. Do not let your child remove it until the doctor says it is okay.
• Keep your child's hand raised above the level of their heart as much as possible. This will help reduce swelling.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's finger for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin. Keep the splint dry.
• Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.