Exercises to Strengthen Healed Mallet Finger: The Key to Full Recovery Revealed
Injuries to the extensor tendon in the finger, commonly known as mallet finger, may occur due to a sports injury, accidental trauma, or unexpected force to the fingertip. These injuries, if left untreated, can lead to long-term complications and hinder the ability to perform daily activities. But with proper medical attention and consistent rehabilitation, individuals can recover and regain strength and functionality in their finger.
In light of this, we present a comprehensive guide to exercises designed to strengthen healed mallet finger, allowing those affected to make a full recovery.
1. Passive Range of Motion (PROM) Exercises:
- Start by gently bending the affected finger at the knuckle joint using your other hand.
- Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, ensuring you feel a mild pull but no pain.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing the number of repetitions over time.
- Perform PROM exercises several times a day, increasing the intensity as the condition improves.
2. Active Range of Motion (AROM) Exercises:
- Begin by placing the hand palm-down on a flat surface.
- Slowly lift the affected finger, extending it upwards as far as possible.
- Hold the extended position for a few seconds and then lower it back down.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing the number of repetitions as tolerated.
- Perform AROM exercises multiple times throughout the day to improve strength and flexibility.
3. Finger Flexion Exercises:
- Start with your hand placed palm-down on a flat surface.
- Gradually bend the affected finger at the middle joint, trying to touch the fingertip to the base of the affected finger.
- Hold the bent position for a few seconds before straightening the finger.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing repetitions and intensity over time.
- Incorporate finger flexion exercises into your daily routine to regain the full range of motion.
4. Finger Extension Exercises:
- Place the hand palm-down on a flat surface, with the affected finger resting comfortably.
- Gradually lift the unaffected fingers while keeping the affected finger still.
- Hold the lifted position for a few seconds before lowering the fingers back down.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing repetitions as strength improves.
- Perform finger extension exercises regularly to strengthen the extensor tendon and regain functionality.
5. Grip Strengthening Exercises:
- Hold a soft stress ball or a therapy putty in your affected hand.
- Squeeze the ball or putty for 3-5 seconds, exerting enough pressure to feel a mild resistance.
- Release the grip and repeat the exercise 10-15 times, gradually increasing the holding time.
- Incorporate grip strengthening exercises into your routine to improve overall hand strength and dexterity.
It's important to note that before undertaking any exercise regimen, individuals with healed mallet finger should consult with their healthcare provider or a certified hand therapist. These professionals can provide guidance and tailor the exercises to the specific needs of the individual, ensuring a safe and effective recovery process.
In addition to performing regular exercises, it is crucial to follow the recommended treatment plan provided by healthcare professionals to optimize healing and prevent re-injury. This may include splinting the affected finger, taking pain medication, and frequently icing the area.
Recovering from mallet finger requires patience and commitment to the rehabilitation process. By incorporating these exercises into one's daily routine and under the supervision of medical professionals, individuals can expect a progressive improvement in finger strength, flexibility, and functionality.
In light of this, we present a comprehensive guide to exercises designed to strengthen healed mallet finger, allowing those affected to make a full recovery.
1. Passive Range of Motion (PROM) Exercises:
- Start by gently bending the affected finger at the knuckle joint using your other hand.
- Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds, ensuring you feel a mild pull but no pain.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing the number of repetitions over time.
- Perform PROM exercises several times a day, increasing the intensity as the condition improves.
2. Active Range of Motion (AROM) Exercises:
- Begin by placing the hand palm-down on a flat surface.
- Slowly lift the affected finger, extending it upwards as far as possible.
- Hold the extended position for a few seconds and then lower it back down.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing the number of repetitions as tolerated.
- Perform AROM exercises multiple times throughout the day to improve strength and flexibility.
3. Finger Flexion Exercises:
- Start with your hand placed palm-down on a flat surface.
- Gradually bend the affected finger at the middle joint, trying to touch the fingertip to the base of the affected finger.
- Hold the bent position for a few seconds before straightening the finger.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing repetitions and intensity over time.
- Incorporate finger flexion exercises into your daily routine to regain the full range of motion.
4. Finger Extension Exercises:
- Place the hand palm-down on a flat surface, with the affected finger resting comfortably.
- Gradually lift the unaffected fingers while keeping the affected finger still.
- Hold the lifted position for a few seconds before lowering the fingers back down.
- Repeat this exercise 10 times, gradually increasing repetitions as strength improves.
- Perform finger extension exercises regularly to strengthen the extensor tendon and regain functionality.
5. Grip Strengthening Exercises:
- Hold a soft stress ball or a therapy putty in your affected hand.
- Squeeze the ball or putty for 3-5 seconds, exerting enough pressure to feel a mild resistance.
- Release the grip and repeat the exercise 10-15 times, gradually increasing the holding time.
- Incorporate grip strengthening exercises into your routine to improve overall hand strength and dexterity.
It's important to note that before undertaking any exercise regimen, individuals with healed mallet finger should consult with their healthcare provider or a certified hand therapist. These professionals can provide guidance and tailor the exercises to the specific needs of the individual, ensuring a safe and effective recovery process.
In addition to performing regular exercises, it is crucial to follow the recommended treatment plan provided by healthcare professionals to optimize healing and prevent re-injury. This may include splinting the affected finger, taking pain medication, and frequently icing the area.
Recovering from mallet finger requires patience and commitment to the rehabilitation process. By incorporating these exercises into one's daily routine and under the supervision of medical professionals, individuals can expect a progressive improvement in finger strength, flexibility, and functionality.
