Introduction

Mallet finger is an injury to the end of the finger that causes it to bendin the direction ofthe palm.

You won't be able to straighten the end of the finger because the tendon connecting the muscle to the finger bone is stretched or torn.

The finger will also be painful and swollen. Sometimes a small fragment of bone breaks off with the tendon.

Mallet finger is most often caused by a minor injury, such as catching the finger on clothing or bedding.

It's also a common Sports injuries , particularly in sports where a ball or another object can strike the end of a finger.

In some cases, mallet finger can be caused by a cut to the end of the finger on the side of the nail.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 7 Mar 2016