What can be done for multiple fingertips that will not straighten?

Q: My grandmother has multiple fingertips that will not straighten all the way.  She says that they do not bother her but they look stuck.  Should I take her to the doctor?  What could they do for her?

A: It seems you are describing mallet finger-- a condition where the tendon that helps to straighten your fingertip ruptures.  Typically treatment is only sought if it becomes an aesthetic issue or interferes with your ability to do something.  In your Grandmother's case it seems that she is not bothered by her fingers. Depending on when the injury occurred, a physician or physical therapist  may put her in a special finger splint for anywhere from 6 to 14 weeks.  If this conservative treatment does not give her the results she wants there are surgical options however splinting is currently considered the best option.

Reference: Nina Suh, MD, Scott W. Wolfe, MD. Soft Tissue Mallet Finger Injuries With Delayed Treatment. In Journal of Hand Surgery . September, 2013. Vol 38A. Pp. 1803-1805.

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