Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Mallet finger
A finger injury where the tip droops and cannot be straightened, from damage to the tendon at the fingertip — usually treated with a splint worn continuously.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Mallet finger?
Mallet finger is a common injury in which the tip of a finger (the end joint) droops down and cannot be straightened actively. It happens when the tendon that straightens the fingertip is damaged — usually when the tip of the finger is forcibly bent, for example by a ball striking the end of the finger (common in sports like cricket or netball), catching the finger, or a knock.
- How it is treated: Most mallet fingers are treated without surgery, using a special splint that holds the fingertip straight continuously while the tendon heals.
- Self-care: The key is wearing the splint continuously (day and night) for the full recommended period, keeping the fingertip completely straight even when cleaning the finger or changing the splint — any bending can disrupt healing.
- When to seek help: See a doctor, minor injuries unit or hand clinic promptly for a finger tip that droops and cannot be straightened after an injury, so it can be assessed (often with an X-ray) and splinted correctly — proper treatment prevents a permanently bent fingertip.
What it is
Mallet finger is a common injury in which the tip of a finger (the end joint) droops down and cannot be straightened actively. It happens when the tendon that straightens the fingertip is damaged — usually when the tip of the finger is forcibly bent, for example by a ball striking the end of the finger (common in sports like cricket or netball), catching the finger, or a knock. Sometimes a small fragment of bone is pulled off where the tendon attaches. Straight after the injury, the fingertip is bent down, cannot be straightened by the person (though it can usually be pushed straight passively), and there may be pain, swelling and bruising. It is not usually serious, but it needs proper treatment, because without it the fingertip may remain permanently bent. It is diagnosed from the typical appearance, often with an X-ray to check for a bone fragment.
How it is treated
Most mallet fingers are treated without surgery, using a special splint that holds the fingertip straight continuously while the tendon heals. The crucial point is that the splint must be worn all the time — typically for several weeks (often around 6–8 weeks) — without letting the fingertip bend at all during this period, as even briefly bending it can disrupt the healing and mean starting again. Guidance is given on how to keep the finger straight even when changing or cleaning the splint. With correct, consistent splinting, most people regain good function, though a slight droop or bump can remain. Surgery is only needed in certain cases — for example some injuries with a large bone fragment, or when splinting has not worked — and is decided with a specialist. Following the splinting instructions carefully is the key to a good result. The reassuring message is that mallet finger usually heals well with continuous splinting, provided the fingertip is kept straight throughout.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Mallet finger
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
The key is wearing the splint continuously (day and night) for the full recommended period, keeping the fingertip completely straight even when cleaning the finger or changing the splint — any bending can disrupt healing. Following the instructions carefully gives the best result.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor, minor injuries unit or hand clinic promptly for a finger tip that droops and cannot be straightened after an injury, so it can be assessed (often with an X-ray) and splinted correctly — proper treatment prevents a permanently bent fingertip.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Mallet finger: frequently asked questions
What is mallet finger?
It is an injury where the tip of a finger droops and cannot be straightened, from damage to the tendon that straightens the fingertip — usually after the tip is forcibly bent (such as by a ball). It needs proper treatment to avoid a permanently bent tip.
How is mallet finger treated?
Usually with a splint that holds the fingertip straight continuously for several weeks — worn all the time, without letting the tip bend, as even brief bending disrupts healing. Surgery is only needed in certain cases. Following the splinting carefully is key.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Mallet finger
- British Society for Surgery of the Hand guidance
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