Mallet finger injury... NOOOO!!!

[Chubbs]

Last night I busted my finger (mallet finger) playing dodgeball. Now I have to wear a splint for 6-8 weeks. Looks like I'm going to be taking a bit of a golf break, unfortunately. Has anyone ever dealt with a mallet finger before? It's on my right ring finger. I'm guessing swinging a club is near impossible, and not advisable (i'd rather have it heal correctly than try and sneak in a driving range session). But I'm guessing I might be able to putt and do small chips?

Ugh, what a pain in the ass.
Fortunately, the driving range nearest me is closed until April 1 due to construction, and most of the courses around here are still too soggy to be enjoyable. Maybe I can focus on revamping my equipment

[senorchipotle]

sorry, but what exactly is a ''mallet finger?''

[natp0wers]

"Mallet finger is a deformity of a finger caused when a certain tendon (the extensor tendon) is damaged. When a ball or other object strikes the tip of the finger or thumb, the force damages the thin tendon that straightens the finger. The force of the blow may even pull away a piece of bone along with the tendon. The finger or thumb is not able to be straightened. This condition is also known as baseball finger.

The finger is usually painful, swollen, and bruised. The fingertip may droop noticeably. Occasionally, blood collects beneath the nail. The nail can even become detached from beneath the skin fold at the base of the nail."


Google is your friend

[Chubbs]

It's (typically) where the tendon on the end knuckle (near your fingernail) either breaks, or the bone has a tiny break where the tendon attaches (which is the lesser severe of the two scenarios, since bone heals faster). I have the bone on. It causes the tip of your finger to droop, and you have to wear a splint to straighten your finger while it heals. Do a google image search, and you'll see it.

Doesn't hurt, just annoying.

[senorchipotle]

It's (typically) where the tendon on the end knuckle (near your fingernail) either breaks, or the bone has a tiny break where the tendon attaches (which is the lesser severe of the two scenarios, since bone heals faster). I have the bone on. It causes the tip of your finger to droop, and you have to wear a splint to straighten your finger while it heals. Do a google image search, and you'll see it.

ok, i've seen that before. doesn't sound too pleasant. get well soon.

[colin007]

do you know who Ronnie Lott is? CUT IT OFF!!!!!

[microcrayfish]

I've done it twice on the same finger, both times playing rugby. I feel for you, it's a really irritating injury to have. I didn't play golf when I had the injury but you might be able to get away with it. As long as you get a splint that is molded to your finger and not just come crappy production line one (which I highly recommend regardless, golf or no) your finger should be fine swinging a club. Your grip might not be great because you can't wrap that finger right around but I'd think that it would be safe enough to swing - the splint should still keep it straight. It's probably best to ask your doctor/specialist though and keep getting regular check ups.

Unfortunately once the splint comes off you're not done yet. Having stayed straight for so long your finger stiffens up (for lack of the proper medical term) so you're looking at another couple of weeks getting the movement back. It'll be then that you really want to avoid golf.

[woodzie264]

...Unfortunately once the splint comes off you're not done yet...

True, depending on your doc, it may be closer to 12 weeks. As a rule, in our office one is in the splint for 6 weeks at all times, then transitioned to night-time splinting only for another 6 weeks. Most folks do well...may have to work on the feel of the putter for a few months...