A finger that won't straighten at the middle joint — often while the fingertip stays bent — can result from several underlying causes: uneven wear on the joint cartilage, ligaments weakened by inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, a traumatic injury such as a dislocation or fracture, osteoarthritis, or a deep cut near the joint.
The telltale symptom is that inability to extend the middle joint fully, usually with swelling and tenderness around it. Depending on the cause, symptoms can appear right after an injury or build gradually over one to four weeks.
Treatment usually starts conservatively. Splinting holds the finger in a straightened position — typically worn continuously for three to six weeks, then only at night as it improves — alongside stretching exercises to rebuild flexibility and strength. Where arthritis is the cause, anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections may also help.
When conservative treatment isn't enough, surgical options include releasing a tightened tendon, stabilising the joint with a screw or wire, or reconstructing the tendon with a graft from elsewhere in the hand. Surgical recovery runs around 12 to 14 weeks, with limited hand use during that time. Whatever the cause, earlier treatment gives the best chance of preserving full finger mobility.
