Trigger Finger Splints: What You Need to Know

Posted by Ian Pearce

If you’ve been experiencing pain, stiffness, or a locking or clicking sensation in your fingers, you may be dealing with a condition called trigger finger. This condition, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, can hinder daily activities and cause discomfort. Luckily, one effective solution for managing symptoms is using a trigger finger splint.

Here’s everything you need to know about trigger finger splints to aid in your recovery and improve your quality of life.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendons in your fingers or thumb become inflamed, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through its sheath. The exact cause of trigger finger is not always known, but research suggests repetitive gripping and inflammation are common factors. Trigger thumb is a similar condition that affects the thumb in the same way.

This condition can lead to a “locked” finger that catches or pops when moved. Ring fingers are commonly involved, but any finger can be affected. The problem can occur at various joints, including the dip joints, where the tendon movement is restricted.

Causes of Trigger Finger:

Trigger finger is primarily caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath, which can result from several factors.

Repeated gripping motions or forceful use of the fingers can lead to irritation and swelling.

To help reduce the risk of developing trigger finger, avoiding activities that involve repetitive gripping or forceful use of the fingers is recommended.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, including those in the hands and fingers.

This persistent inflammation can lead to swelling and thickening of the tendon sheath, which restricts the smooth movement of tendons and contributes to the characteristic finger locking and pain seen in trigger finger.

People with rheumatoid arthritis often experience joint stiffness and tenderness, making them more susceptible to tendon-related issues like trigger finger.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively is important not only for overall joint health but also for reducing the risk and severity of trigger finger symptoms.

Bent Position

Additionally, an imbalance between the flexor tendons and their protective sheath can contribute to the condition, causing the finger to lock in a bent position.

Occupational activities that involve repetitive hand movements or gripping can also exacerbate the symptoms of trigger finger.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger:

• Pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• Swelling or tenderness in the area.
• A clicking or snapping sensation when bending or straightening the finger.
• A finger that gets stuck in a bent position.

While it might seem minor, trigger finger can worsen over time if left untreated. The condition can progress and lead to more severe symptoms.

The inflammation of the tendon sheath may increase, causing the affected finger to become more frequently locked in a bent position.

This can result in increased pain, swelling, and tenderness, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.

The repetitive catching or snapping of the finger can also lead to further irritation and damage to the tendon, potentially requiring more intensive treatments such as steroid injections or even surgery.

Early intervention is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening and to maintain the function of the affected finger or thumb.

Benefits of Trigger Finger Splints for an Affected Finger

Splints are a popular non-invasive treatment option for trigger finger. They work by immobilising the affected finger and reducing strain on the tendons, allowing the inflammation to subside. A brace is a supportive device designed to treat finger conditions like trigger finger by providing support, reducing symptoms, and preventing the condition from worsening. Splints are used to treat trigger finger by providing support and reducing symptoms.

Benefits of using a trigger finger splint include:

• Gentle compression provided by some splints helps reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Splints help relieve pressure on the affected tendon, minimising discomfort.
• Well-designed splints prevent rubbing and skin irritation during extended wear.
• Choosing splints available in various sizes ensures a proper fit for different finger sizes, enhancing comfort and effectiveness.

Benefits of using a splint include:

Pain Relief:

• Splints promote rest by preventing repetitive movement, reducing irritation and easing discomfort.

Healing Support:

• Immobilising the trigger finger allows the tendon to heal naturally without further trauma.

Prevent Trigger Finger:

• Splints can stop the condition from progressing by limiting movement that triggers pain or stiffness.

Convenience:

• Splints are an affordable and effective treatment that can be used at home alongside other interventions.

For many patients, splints are a vital component of managing and recovering from trigger finger.

Choosing the Right Splint

Not all splints are created equal. Selecting the right splint for your trigger finger needs is crucial to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

Common types of splints include:

• Extension Splints: Keep the trigger finger straight to minimise movement and stress.
• Trigger Finger Rings: Compact and lightweight, these focus on restricting the movement of affected joints.
• Custom-Moulded Splints: Tailored to individual fingers for optimal fit and support.
• Dynamic Splints: Allow controlled movement of the finger, making them useful during daytime activities to maintain finger function while managing symptoms.

What to consider when choosing a splint:

1. Comfort: Look for splints with padding or soft materials to avoid skin irritation.
2. Size and Fit: Ill-fitting splints can compromise effectiveness. Check sizing guides or opt for adjustable designs.
3. Flexibility: Some splints can be worn during the day for activities, while others are better suited for nighttime use. Wearing a splint at night aligns with the body’s natural resting state and helps prevent finger curling.
4. Material: Lightweight and breathable materials are best for long-term wear. Some splints also provide support to the wrist, which can be beneficial for overall hand function.

Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable splint for your trigger finger needs.

Tips for Effective Splint Use

Types of Finger Splints

Finger splints are specially designed orthotic devices that provide essential support and stability to the fingers, making them a valuable tool in the treatment of trigger finger. When trigger finger symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or finger locking occur, using the right finger splint can offer significant pain relief and help promote recovery.

There are several types of finger splints available, each tailored to different needs and levels of severity:

• Static Splints: These splints hold the affected finger in a straight position, preventing any movement. By keeping the finger immobilised, static splints reduce strain on the tendon and allow inflammation to subside, which is crucial for pain relief and healing.
• Dynamic Splints: Unlike static splints, dynamic splints allow for controlled movement of the finger. This type of splint is often used when some mobility is needed to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness, while still providing enough support to reduce trigger finger symptoms.
• Hybrid Splints: Combining the benefits of both static and dynamic designs, hybrid splints offer adjustable support. They can be customised to provide firm support when needed or allow limited movement as recovery progresses.

When selecting a finger splint, it’s important to consider comfort, adjustability, and how severe your trigger finger symptoms are. A well-chosen splint can make daily activities more manageable, support the affected finger, and help you regain pain-free movement. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you find the most suitable splint for your needs, ensuring effective treatment and a smoother recovery.

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To get the most out of your splint, it’s important to use it correctly. Improper use can lead to discomfort or delays in healing. Splints are typically worn for several weeks to achieve optimal results.

Here are some tips to follow:

• Wear the Splint as Prescribed: Follow your doctor’s or therapist’s instructions regarding when and how long to wear the splint. In most cases, you may need to wear the splint for several weeks.
• Maintain Proper Hygiene: Clean the splint regularly to prevent skin irritation or infection.
• Adjust for Comfort: Avoid wearing splints that are too tight, as this could restrict blood flow. Loosen straps if necessary.
• Take Breaks: If recommended, remove the splint periodically to keep your hand and fingers mobile under supervision.
• Monitor Progress: Symptom improvement may be noticed within a few weeks or even a few months for mild cases, but full recovery can take several months, especially after surgery.

Other Treatment Options

Broken Fingers and Trigger Finger

Broken fingers and trigger finger are two different conditions that can both cause significant discomfort and limit hand function, but they require distinct treatment approaches. A broken finger is typically the result of a direct injury and needs immediate medical attention to ensure proper healing. In contrast, trigger finger is characterised by pain, finger locking, and difficulty moving the finger, especially at the middle joint, due to issues with the tendon sheath.

Interestingly, a broken finger can sometimes lead to the development of trigger finger symptoms. After an injury, inflammation or scarring in the tendon sheath may occur, increasing the risk of finger locking and pain. This connection highlights the importance of monitoring your recovery after a finger injury and being alert to any new symptoms of trigger finger.

Treatment for both broken fingers and trigger finger often involves immobilisation to allow healing, pain relief to manage discomfort, and physical therapy to restore movement. In severe cases, surgery may be required—either to repair a broken bone or to release a tight tendon sheath and relieve trigger finger symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a doctor or hand therapist, who can develop a personalised treatment plan to promote recovery and prevent further complications.

By understanding how injuries like broken fingers can contribute to trigger finger, you can take proactive steps to prevent trigger finger and seek timely, effective treatment if symptoms arise.

While splints can be highly effective in mild cases and are often used to treat trigger finger by providing support and reducing symptoms, they may not work for everyone or in more severe cases. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to explore alternative treatments. Injections, such as steroid injections, are commonly used to treat trigger finger when splinting is not effective.

Other treatment options include:

Physical Therapy:

• Guided exercises to improve hand strength and flexibility.

Medications:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids may help reduce swelling and pain.

Steroid Injections:

• Corticosteroid injections can provide more targeted and rapid relief.

Surgery (in severe cases):

• A surgical procedure may be necessary to release the tendon and alleviate symptoms if other treatments fail.

Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider to understand your options and determine the best course of action.

Take Charge of Your Recovery

Dealing with trigger finger doesn’t mean you have to live with constant discomfort.

Splints can provide relief, support healing, and prevent further damage, making them a valuable tool in managing this condition.

If you’re considering a splint, speak to your GP or orthopaedic specialist to find the best option for you.

With the right approach to treatment, you can restore function to the digits of your hands and get back to doing the things you love pain-free.