Swan Neck Deformity

SWAN NECK DEFORMITY

Swan Neck Deformity is a finger condition characterized by the middle knuckle bending backwards beyond the normal range (hyperextending) and the fingertip bending down towards the palm (flexing). As the middle knuckle bends backwards, it may be difficult to get your finger to bend when you try to make a fist. This problem is commonly seen in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, where inflammation (swelling) weakens the tissues that protect the joints and keeps them stable.

Swan Neck Deformity may also result from an untreated Mallet Finger where the loss of the ability to straighten the end of the finger eventually affects the middle knuckle as well.

Those with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic condition that affects the connective tissue, experience Swan Neck Deformity in their fingers due to the hyper-flexibility common in the disease.

For more information on Swan Neck Deformity, check out our blog - What Is A Swan Neck Finger Deformity?

SYMPTOMS OF SWAN NECK DEFORMITY

• Your middle knuckle bends backward (hyperextends) and the fingertip bends down towards your palm

• Difficulty bending the middle knuckle when you make a fist

• You may have pain in the middle knuckle and difficulty using your hand

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT SWAN NECK DEFORMITY?

Wearing a finger splint that stops the middle knuckle from bending backwards allows you to more easily bend and straighten your finger. A properly fit finger splint that prevents the tissues around the joint from overstretching may also prevent the deformity from getting worse.

As in most conditions, early treatment of a Swan Neck or a Mallet Finger is important to avoid complications that may result in the need for surgery.

OVAL-8 FINGER SPLINT FOR A SWAN NECK DEFORMITY

(Click on the image below for more information)

WATCH OUR VIDEO

"How to Treat Swan Neck Deformity with an Oval-8 Finger Splint"