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Mallet finger

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Mallet finger (also called baseball finger or drop finger) is a bent fingertip that can't be straightened. It is caused by a ruptured tendon at the base of the finger joint near the fingertip that occurs when a finger is bent with force, such as when you try to catch a ball and your fingertip is struck by the ball.

Symptoms of mallet finger include a:

  • Bent fingertip that can't be straightened.
  • Painful and swollen fingertip.

Treatment includes splinting the injured finger in a straight position for several weeks.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.