Concern Regarding My Middle Finger Deformity
Greetings, medical professionals, I am a 22-year-old male residing in India. Approximately six months ago, I sustained an injury to the middle finger of my right hand, specifically at the tip joint. Since that time, the fingertip has been persistently bent downwards, and I am unable to fully extend it. Fortunately, there is no accompanying pain, but the bent position is constant. Recently, I discovered that my condition might be related to Mallet Finger or some form of tendon injury. Is it possible to treat this condition after such a long period? Would using a splint at this stage be beneficial, or is surgical intervention necessary? I appreciate your guidance on the most effective steps to take. Thank you very much!
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 2:40:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your middle finger deformity. Given that six months have passed since your injury and you are experiencing a persistent bent position without pain, your situation may indeed relate to Mallet Finger or a tendon injury where the tendon that straightens the finger (the extensor tendon) is affected.
Explanation
Mallet Finger occurs when the tendon is damaged or detached at the fingertip, leading to the inability to extend the finger. Early treatment often involves splinting, which can help align the finger correctly. However, since significant time has passed since your injury, the healing process might have already initiated a change in the position of the tendon, or scar tissue may have formed.
Next Steps
-
Assess Functionality: Monitor how the finger functions in daily activities. If you notice that it inhibits your work or daily tasks, this is an important factor to consider.
-
Use a Splint: Although it's been several months since the injury, using a splint can still be beneficial. A splint could help maintain the finger in a more extended position, allowing any possible remaining tendon recovery and improve alignment. Aim for a splint that allows the joint to stay straight for several weeks, usually around 6-8 weeks.
-
Gentle Exercises: Start gentle finger stretching exercises at the end of the splinting period to gradually restore mobility. Focus on extending the finger as much as possible without causing pain.
-
Follow-Up Evaluation: While surgery is sometimes necessary for long-standing issues or severe deformities, consider a follow-up examination with a hand specialist. They can assess the need for surgical options or other interventions tailored to your specific condition.
-
Monitor and Adjust: Pay attention to any changes or improvements. If you do not see progress or if the finger begins to hurt, further interventions or imaging studies may be required.
Reassurance
Remember, while it has been some time since your injury, many people find improvement with continued care and appropriate interventions. Take these steps gradually, and assess how your finger responds. If you need more guidance or specific recommendations about exercises or splinting options, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Visual Disturbances: Seeking Guidance
Overview: I’ve been experiencing some ongoing visual disturbances that have prompted me to seek advice. To provide some background, I am a 21-year-old white male in the United States, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing slightly over 170 pounds (though I’m not sure about the precise figure, I know it’s no more than 180). For about seven years, I neglected the need for corrective lenses and found myself spending excessive time in front of screens. Given these circumstances, I’m wondering whether I should consult an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or my general practitioner. What could be the potential causes of these symptoms? They have persisted for quite a while, possibly even years.
Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings everyone. I’m a 22-year-old woman seeking some guidance. For as long as I can recall, I have noticed these "lumps" on my scalp. They generally match my skin tone and appear stable, showing no signs of growth or change in size. Their height ranges from approximately 1/32 to 1/16 of an inch, if measured generously. I’m curious to know if these should raise any red flags for me. Thank you for your input!
Inquiry About Childhood Chiropractic Experience
Hello Reddit! I’m reaching out to seek insights regarding an experience from my adolescent years, roughly between the ages of 12 and 14. I’m currently 25 years old (female). To give you a bit of context, I encountered a troubling incident while bending down to access my locker; suddenly, my neck locked in a position to the side, rendering it completely immobile. The pain was unbearable. In response, my father thought it best to take me to a chiropractor, which seemed to provide some relief, yet I continued to endure significant pain and noticed an unusual odor that lingered for nearly a week. Unfortunately, this episode recurred a few months later, and I underwent the same routine; once again, I experienced that odd smell and extreme discomfort. Since those two occurrences, I have faced similar issues on only a couple of occasions, during which I opted for hospital care instead of chiropractic treatment. The medical professionals provided muscle relaxants, which effectively alleviated my pain without any bizarre lingering odor. Since those formative experiences, I have been left with a constant discomfort in my right shoulder, which feels strained frequently, and I find that my head tends to tilt towards one side. What could have caused this neck locking issue during my youth, and could my decision to visit a chiropractor instead of a physician have led to ongoing complications? I'm eager to understand what happened during those situations!
Frustration Over Medical Error: My Child's X-Rays Were of the Wrong Foot
[Patient: A healthy 2.5-year-old boy, average height and weight] I could really use some support right now. A couple of days ago, my toddler injured his foot while playing on a slide at the park. Since then, he hasn't been able to walk without pain or put weight on that foot, only managing to take a few steps at best. We visited his pediatrician, who performed an examination and concluded that the issue was with his left foot. She requested x-rays for that specific foot. After the x-rays were taken, the results indicated no fractures, merely suggesting a soft tissue injury that would require rest. However, after watching him struggle to move today, I've realized that he's actually favoring his left foot, while it’s his right foot that he's avoiding! They took x-rays of the wrong foot! 🤦♀️ As a parent, I feel absolutely devastated that this error occurred. I find myself overwhelmed with guilt for putting him through unnecessary radiation exposure. They captured around eight pictures of a foot that isn’t injured at all. The financial aspect—having spent $600 on those x-rays—feels secondary to the worry about the radiation and the continued uncertainty regarding whether there’s an actual injury. I'm feeling extremely upset and incompetent as a mother. Maybe someone could help me understand the radiation risk better? I’m really struggling with this situation.
Should I Be Worried? Firm Lump on Thigh with Expanding Swelling
I’m seeking guidance regarding a concerning issue. A solid lump emerged on my inner thigh just two days ago and has enlarged to about a centimeter in size within the day. It seems as if there are two adjacent abscesses. While it isn’t painful, I noticed some swelling yesterday, which has since increased. I am a 25-year-old trans man, standing at 5'10" and weighing around 170 lbs. I have a history of skin infections, including multiple occurrences of cellulitis and shingles that I experienced when I was 11. Additionally, I sometimes get pimples on my inner thighs. Currently, I receive 0.5mL testosterone injections weekly and take 200mg of sertraline daily. I have also recently begun iron supplements.