Exercise 1: Finger Tip Extension
- Using the unaffected hand, straighten the affected finger tip.
- Hold in the straightened position for 10 seconds.
- Repeat
- 10 times
- Hold
- 10 seconds
- Sets
- 3
- Per day
- 3 times
- All handouts
- Bones & Joints
- Wrist & Hand
Mallet Finger Exercises
Home exercises for a fingertip that droops and will not straighten after an injury to the back of the finger.
Mallet finger deformity is when the end joint in any of the fingers is bent or “drooping” due to an injury to the back of the finger. The finger will not move as it should, and you will not be able to straighten the tip of your finger. It is important to do exercises to prevent permanent deformity in the finger.
Exercise 2: Ball Squeezes
- Get a soft ball, putty or dough, or anything you can make into a soft ball (paper, a t-shirt, etc.).
- Place it in the palm of the affected hand and firmly squeeze.
- Repeat
- 10 times
- Hold
- 5 seconds
- Sets
- 3
- Per day
- 3 times
Exercise 3: Finger Tip Pinch
- Use putty, dough, foam, a sponge, or anything soft and squeezable.
- Place the affected finger and thumb on the putty or item and squeeze together in a pinching motion.
- Repeat
- 10 times
- Hold
- 5 seconds
- Sets
- 3
- Per day
- 3 times
Exercise 4: Rubber Band Finger Spreading
- Place your affected hand flat on a table, palm down.
- Place a rubber band around the affected finger and the finger beside it (either side). Only do this if it does not cause pain. You can do the motion without the rubber band if needed.
- Spread your fingers apart and hold.
- Repeat
- 10 times
- Hold
- 3 seconds
- Sets
- 3
- Per day
- 3 times
Tips
- Be gentle, not forceful.
- Keep your movements slow and controlled.
- Exercises may be slightly uncomfortable, but you should not push through pain to do movements.