Why is my Finger Drooping?
- baysidehandtherapy
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Causes and when to Seek Help
If you have noticed one of your fingers is not straightening properly, it may be a sign of a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
In this post, we’ll explain the most common causes of a drooping finger and when to seek professional help.
Common Causes of a Drooping Finger
Mallet finger injury
One of the most common causes of a dropped fingertip is an injury to the tendon which is responsible for straightening the last joint of the finger. This is known as mallet finger. A mallet finger injury usually results from something forcing the finger into a bent position, such as a ball hitting the end of the finger or the finger striking against a hard surface. In this instance there will be immediate pain and there is likely to be swelling and bruising around the injured joint. You may be able to straighten the last joint of your finger with the help of the other hand but the end of the finger will not be able to straighten/ lift properly by itself.
The tendon can be disrupted in one of two ways. The tendon itself may snap (tendinous mallet) or the part of the bone where the tendon attaches may fracture, resulting in a bony mallet.
Will a mallet finger heal?
A mallet finger will not recover without appropriate treatment. Fortunately almost all cases of mallet finger can be successfully treated without surgery, but in some cases where there is a large fracture component, surgery may be required.
An x-ray should always be taken to determine whether you have a bony mallet or tendinous mallet and to rule out that surgery is not required.
How is mallet finger treated?
In order to allow the ruptured tendon or avulsion fracture to heal, the affected joint (DIP joint) needs to be held in a straight position for 6-8 weeks. While this is frustrating, the results will be worth the effort. Off-the-shelf splints seldom fit properly, and a poorly fitting splint will result in the finger still drooping. Treatment for a mallet finger (or mallet thumb) is best provided by a hand therapist. Our hand therapists will fit you with a custom-made plastic splint which is less bulky than commercial options, allows the middle joint (PIP joint to bend freely) and still allows you to feel the tip of your finger. We also have waterproof finger covers for keeping your finger dry.
Our hand therapists will also help you to gradually regain flexion (bending) of the finger after the period of splint wear, to ensure both good flexion and extension is restored.
When is it too late to treat a mallet finger injury?
Bony mallet injuries need to begin treatment within a few weeks of injury to get a good result but tendinous mallet injury may have the capacity to heal for up to about 3 months post injury.
Other Causes of a Bent Fingertip
In older adults, the tip of one or more fingers may begin to droop without any trauma. This may be a sign of osteoarthritis, especially if the joint looks a little thick, develops slight “lumps” on the sides or the joint starts to turn sideways. Osteoarthritis in the hands often begins in the joints closest to fingertip (DIP joints) . The pain tends to come and go , rather than being constant. You may also notice the affected fingers feel stiff, particularly in the morning. Unfortunately you cannot correct the droop in the fingertip if it is due to arthritis, however wearing a pair of arthritis gloves to bed may help to reduce pain and stiffness in the fingers in the mornings. Our hand therapists can also fabricate custom-made fingerstalls to help cushion the finger from painful bumps, show you exercises and discuss ways to manage your pain.
Let's Get Your Finger Moving Again
Whilst a drooping finger may not seem very serious it is not something to ignore. If you have had a recent injury which has resulted in a fingertip which won’t straighten, don’t risk permanent deformity. The sooner you get it assessed and treated, the better the outcome.