Question 1

Can I place the splint on the palm or fingertip side of my finger?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Mallet Pro can be placed on the back (top) of the finger, the side, or the palm (tip) side. This can be done because of skin irritation, comfort, or other reasons. Two Mallet Pro splints can even be used, with one placed on each side of the finger.

Question 2

How long do I need to wear the splint?

Accepted Answer

Most mallet finger injuries require 6-10 weeks of continuous splinting, depending on what type of mallet finger injury it is. It is always recommended to see a medical professional (doctor or advanced care provider like a PA or NP) with x-rays to evaluate for mallet finger variants that could need surgery. Anyway, after full time splinting (without allowing the finger to bend), it is usually recommended to do 4 more weeks of part-time wear (like at night or during activities). The exact timeline depends on your injury. Your doctor or provider can give you specific guidance based on your x-rays.

Question 3

Can I take the splint off to shower or wash my hands?

Accepted Answer

You need to keep your fingertip straight at all times during treatment - even a brief bend can restart the healing process. The Mallet Pro Kit is designed to allow you to shower with the splint on, and has several extras, so you can change into a clean and dry splint after you finish showering. When changing the splint or cleaning your finger, keep your fingertip flat against a table edge or hard surface so it never bends. The instructions included with your kit show you exactly how to do this safely.

Question 4

What happens if I accidentally bend my finger during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Bending the fingertip - even once - can disrupt healing and will require restarting your 6-10 week treatment timeline. This is why proper splint technique matters so much. If you bend your finger, restart treatment, and if it happens late in the treatment, contact your treating doctor, to see if there's any alternative treatments that they would recommend.

Question 5

What sizes does the splint fit?

Accepted Answer

The Mallet Pro Kit includes 8 splints that fit most adult fingers - from small pinkies to large thumbs. The aluminum core can also be gently shaped for a custom fit. Custom splint sizes can be made, and if you are interested, please contact info@malletpro.com to arrange fabrication - which usually is done same day.

Question 6

Why does the kit include 8 splints?

Accepted Answer

Splints wear out, get wet, get gross, or lose their shape over 6-10 weeks of continuous use. Having extras means you can swap in a fresh splint whenever needed without interrupting your treatment. Most people use 3-5 splints during their recovery. It is possible to need more splints, depending on how you are using them and what activities you do. If you need more, order them from Mallet Pro, here's the link.

Question 7

How do I know if my mallet finger is healing?

Accepted Answer

You typically won't feel much change during treatment - that's normal. The real test comes after splinting ends. When it is time to remove the splint, it's like a leap of faith, which is why we recommend still wearing it at night and for sports for another month after the initial splinting time. Signs of healing include your fingertip staying straight (or nearly straight) on its own when you remove the splint. Your doctor can confirm healing with an exam or x-ray.

Question 8

Do I need surgery for mallet finger?

Accepted Answer

Most mallet finger injuries heal well with splinting alone. Surgery is usually only considered when there's a large fracture fragment, the joint is unstable, or splinting has failed after proper use. Your doctor can tell you if surgery is necessary based on examination and x-rays.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions