Mallet Finger: When a Finger Won't Straighten
A jammed fingertip that won't straighten may be a mallet finger — an injury to the tendon that straightens the finger. Prompt care improves the chances of full recovery. Dr. Jesse Dashe provides urgent evaluation in San Leandro.
Do these symptoms fit you?
Finger tip droops and won't straighten on its own
Swelling or bruising after a direct blow to the fingertip
Pain at the tip of the finger
Finger looks bent even at rest
When to see a surgeon
Immediately after a sports injury or jammed finger
If splints or urgent care visits haven't helped
If the droop persists after initial treatment
What Dr. Dashe does differently
Urgent evaluation — same- or next-day
Direct surgeon care — Dr. Dashe guide you through splinting or surgery personally
Follow-up until healed — ensuring your finger regains motion
Treatment options
Non-surgical
Continuous splinting for 6–8 weeks
Surgical
Pinning or tendon repair if bone fragments or instability present
Recovery timeline
Splinting requires strict adherence but works well for many cases
Surgical cases: splinting and therapy afterward, return to activity in weeks to months
What to bring
ER or urgent care records
Insurance card and medication list
Details about how the injury occurred
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Don't wait weeks to see a specialist.
Also see Carpal Tunnel and Trigger Finger for related conditions.