Hammer toe is a deformation of the finger caused by the rupture of the tendon of the last phalanx which causes it to bend. In the United States it is also called "baseball player's finger", as it is a very common injury among these sportsmen. However, anything that forces the phalanx to bend more than its natural range of motion can lead to hammer toe. You can even get hurt by making the bed.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Provide First Aid
Step 1. Diagnose the injury
First you have to try to determine if you are facing a hammer toe or not. If you suffer from this problem, the last phalanx of the finger (the one closest to the nail) should hurt you; furthermore it should be bent down and remain immobile, impossible to straighten.
Step 2. Apply ice
The cold reduces swelling and pain in the joint. However, you shouldn't rub ice directly on your skin. Wrap the cube in a cloth or take a bag of frozen vegetables and place them on your finger.
Step 3. Take medication to manage pain
If you are in a lot of pain, know that there are medications that can alleviate the ailment. These include paracetamol, naproxen or ibuprofen. Take them during the healing process if the pain continues.
Step 4. Put on a temporary splint
You should go to the doctor to get a prescription for a splint specially designed for this type of injury; but until you can do it, you can improvise a support to straighten your finger. Take a paper clip or similar straight object (a popsicle stick or plastic spoon is also fine) and place it on your finger. Wrap it all up with masking tape to provide some padding to your finger and keep the makeshift splint snug.
If your finger is completely bent, the recovery may take a little longer. Any object is suitable for turning into a splint as long as it is solid enough to block the finger. It is also essential that the adhesive tape is tight, so as not to bend your finger
Part 2 of 2: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. Go to the doctor or emergency room immediately
The sooner you visit, the sooner you can use a specific splint that will allow you to heal faster. You should have your finger referred to a doctor within a week of the injury. The doctor will take x-rays and will be able to tell if the tendon has really torn, taking a fragment of bone with it. You will also be prescribed a therapy or treatment that typically involves the use of a splint or brace.
In the rare cases where the use of the splint prevents the patient from carrying out his normal work duties, as happens for example for surgeons, a pin can be inserted into the finger to keep it straight
Step 2. Choose the brace
There are different types and each alters the range of motion in different ways. Explain your habits and work duties to the doctor so that he can understand which solution is best for your needs. Among the possibilities at your disposal we find the Stax brace, the aluminum splint and the oval "8" models. The last two cover only the final part of the finger and are generally less invasive.
Step 3. Wear the brace correctly
It must fit snugly on the fully straightened finger; otherwise, painful sores may be generated caused by the pressure on the knuckle. Don't stretch the duct tape so much that it hurts or turns your finger purple.
Step 4. Hold the brace constantly until your doctor tells you otherwise
While it can be quite uncomfortable, it is vital that your finger always stays straight. If it bends, the healing tendon could rupture, and if so, you should start the treatment all over again.
You may be tempted to remove the splint especially during the shower. One of the advantages of the "8" oval model is that it can be exposed to water. If you are using a different brace, wrap your finger in a plastic bag or wear a glove
Step 5. Go for follow-up visits at the doctor's office
After about 6 to 8 weeks, the orthopedist may change the treatment. If your finger is progressing, you may be allowed to remove the splint and perhaps only wear it at night.
Step 6. Undergo surgery
This is a rather remote solution as far as hammer toe is concerned. However, if the x-rays show a bone fracture, then you will need to enter the operating room, while in other cases this procedure is not recommended. The results obtained with surgery are usually no better and sometimes even worse than conservative care such as bracing.
