Body Works Physiotherapy in Scarborough specializes in physiotherapy-led treatments for mallet finger injuries. Our expert team is dedicated to your recovery, aiming to restore your finger’s full function and flexibility. We strive to ensure your return to daily activities without pain.

Understanding Mallet Finger

Mallet finger , also known as baseball finger, is a common injury that affects the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) of the finger. This injury occurs when the extensor tendon, which helps straighten the finger, is damaged. The damage can range from a simple strain to a complete tear or even a fracture where the tendon attaches to the bone.

Causes of Mallet Finger

  • Sports Injuries: The most frequent cause, occurring when the finger is forcibly struck by a ball or other object.
  • Accidental Trauma: A sudden, forceful impact to the fingertip can happen in various scenarios, not just sports.
  • Repetitive Strain: Although less common, continuous stress on the finger can lead to a mallet finger over time.

Symptoms of Mallet Finger

  • Drooping Finger: The tip of the finger cannot be straightened voluntarily, leading to a characteristic drooping appearance.
  • Pain and Swelling: The injury is often accompanied by immediate pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising around the joint.
  • Limited Movement: Difficulty in extending the fingertip without assistance.

Personalized Physiotherapy for Mallet Finger Treatment 

Our physiotherapy approach at Body Works Physiotherapy is at the forefront of mallet finger treatment. We provide a tailored treatment plan, focusing on reducing pain, swelling, and restoring the range of motion and strength to the affected finger.

Initial Assessment

A thorough assessment by our physiotherapists is the first step. We evaluate the extent of your injury and its impact on your functionality. This detailed evaluation helps us craft a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Rehabilitation Exercises 

After assessment, we introduce specialized rehabilitation exercises aimed at restoring strength and flexibility. Our physiotherapists will work with you through exercises tailored to your stage of recovery, focusing on:

  • Flexibility exercises to gently stretch the tendon and improve range of motion.
  • Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle strength around the finger and hand.
  • Functional exercises to restore your ability to perform daily tasks with ease.

Pain Management and Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Pain Relief Strategies: Utilization of modalities such as ice and heat therapy to manage any pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Activity Modification: We provide advice on adjusting your daily activities to avoid further strain on your injury, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
  • Ergonomic Advice: Tailored recommendations to modify your work and living environments, supporting your rehabilitation and preventing future injuries.

Why Choose Body Works Physiotherapy for Mallet Finger Treatment in Scarborough

Opting for Body Works Physiotherapy means choosing a path to recovery that is guided by experienced physiotherapists who are committed to:

  • Effective Care: Employing physiotherapy treatments for mallet finger, ensuring you receive the most effective care.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Recognizing the unique nature of each injury, we tailor our approach to meet your specific recovery goals.
  • Holistic Support: Our care extends beyond physical treatment, incorporating advice on lifestyle and ergonomic adjustments to promote overall well-being.

Comprehensive Treatment Services

At Body Works Physiotherapy, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive treatment services, extending well beyond physiotherapy. Our services are designed to address a wide array of conditions, ensuring holistic recovery and prevention of future injuries.

Remove Pain From Your Life

Suffering from a mallet finger injury in Scarborough doesn’t have to limit your life. Body Works Physiotherapy is here to support your recovery every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options and start regaining full function and strength in your finger. Let’s work together to achieve a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Wrist and Hand Conditions We Treat

  • Skier’s Thumb Treatment (Gamekeeper’s Thumb)
  • Mallet Finger Treatment
  • Scaphoid Wrist Fractures Treatment
  • Wrist Osteoarthritis Treatment
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment
  • Wrist Tendinitis Treatment
  • Trigger Finger Treatment (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
  • Ganglion Cysts Treatment
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Mallet Finger Treatment Scarborough FAQs

What Is the Typical Recovery Time for Mallet Finger?

The recovery time for mallet finger varies depending on the severity of the injury and the client’s adherence to the treatment plan. Typically, a period of a few weeks is necessary for the tendon to heal properly. However, for more severe injuries, the recovery may extend to several months. Rehabilitation exercises are crucial for regaining strength and flexibility, which may take additional weeks or months. Consistent follow-up with your physiotherapist and adherence to prescribed exercises are key factors in speeding up the recovery process.

How Can I Prevent Mallet Finger Injuries?

Preventing mallet finger injuries primarily involves taking precautions during activities that pose a risk, such as sports. Using protective gear, like gloves and guards, can help shield the fingers from direct impacts. For athletes, proper technique and awareness during play are crucial. In daily life, being mindful of situations where your fingers might be at risk, such as catching or striking objects, can reduce injury chances. Strengthening and flexibility exercises for the hands and fingers can also improve their resilience against injuries.

Can Mallet Finger Heal Without Treatment?

Without proper treatment, a mallet finger can lead to permanent deformities and loss of function. While the initial pain and swelling might reduce over time, the inability to straighten the fingertip can persist, affecting grip and manual dexterity. Untreated mallet finger can also result in a swan-neck deformity, where the finger bends too much at the middle joint due to an imbalance in the muscles and tendons. It’s crucial to seek professional treatment to avoid long-term complications and ensure the finger heals correctly.

Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Mallet Finger?

If treated promptly and correctly, most individuals recover from mallet finger without long-term effects. However, in some cases, even with treatment, you may experience some degree of stiffness, slight bending at the joint, or difficulty in fully straightening the finger. These outcomes largely depend on the injury’s severity, the treatment’s timeliness, and the client’s compliance with the rehabilitation protocol. Regular physiotherapy sessions and diligently following your therapist’s advice can minimize these long-term effects and restore the finger’s functionality.

Our Clinic Locations in Scarborough:

Location 1:
Body Works Physiotherapy Brimley Scarborough
Location: Unit C, 3333 Brimley Road, Scarborough, ON M1V 2J7
Phone: (416) 291-0002

Location 2:
Body Works Physiotherapy Ellesmere Scarborough
Location: Unit 114, 2100 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1H 3B7
Phone: (416) 439-0533

Our Clinic Location in Pickering:

Location 3:
Body Works Physiotherapy – Pickering
Location: 1101 Kingston Rd Suite #240, Pickering, ON L1V 1B5, Canada
Phone: (905) 839-2422