Monthly Archives: May 2014

When Can I Return to Baseball If I Have Mallet Finger?

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Mallet finger is a condition in which patients can no longer extend their finger fully due to having a blunt force on the very tip of the finger that causes a tear to the tendon. It’s often referred to as “baseball finger” because the impact of catching a baseball is a common cause for this condition.

If you have been diagnosed with this condition and are anxious to get back to playing baseball, be careful! Injuries like this can often be aggravated by repetitive motions and you don’t want to run the risk of permanently damaging your finger.

In most instances, mallet finger can be treated through physical therapy and wearing a splint that allows the tendon to heal. Typically splints are worn for up to 6 weeks to allow for proper healing, and you should not return to play until you have been cleared by your doctor to do so.

Every injury is different, so it’s important to get advice from your doctor in order to determine how serious your injury is and how long your rehabilitation will take. In some cases, mallet finger may require surgical repair, and only an x-ray can help determine the extent of the damage.

Before you head back to the ballpark, contact our team for a full checkup and diagnosis. Our hand therapists are certified experts in dealing with conditions like mallet finger!

How is a Ganglion Cyst Treated?

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A ganglion cyst is a tumor or swelling that occurs on top of a joint or tendon. The cyst is a sac filled with a thick, clear colorless jelly-like substance. When you touch the cyst it may feel firm or spongy, depending on the size; it generally occurs along the hand and/or wrist. These types of cysts are not harmful and may go away on their own.

Some common types of discomfort that occur when you have a ganglion cyst include:

  • Pain
  • Weakness in fingers/hand
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness

These discomforts usually occur if the cyst is hitting a nerve or tendon. Ganglion cysts that are located in alternative areas generally produce no pain and are more of an eyesore than anything. If you suspect that a cyst may be developing on your wrist or hand – DO NOT self-diagnose! While this condition can be common, especially in women, there is a chance it may be something more serious.

The most common treatments for dealing with ganglion cysts include:

  • Aspiration. This form of treatment removes the cyst’s contents usually using a needle to draw the liquid out. The patient is then injected with a steroid compound to decrease inflammation. Once this procedure is complete, the patient will wear a splint for stabilization.
  • Surgery. Surgical removal is generally the option chosen when the cyst falls under one or more of the following – it is painful, it interferes with normal function or it is causing numbness or tingling.

As we mentioned before, do NOT attempt to self-diagnose and treat – this can result in long-term challenges. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rehman and her team to help determine a treatment plan.