Hand wearing a small finger splint that keeps the ring finger straight

Trigger Finger: Do Splints Help and How Should You Wear One?

Short answer: yes, splinting is one of the first treatments recommended for trigger finger. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists resting the hand and wearing a splint at night to keep the affected finger or thumb straight among the initial non-surgical options. Holding the finger straight stops the swollen tendon from catching repeatedly in its tunnel, which gives the irritation a chance to settle. It works best for mild, recent cases. Give it three to six weeks. If the finger still locks, a corticosteroid injection or a small release procedure is highly effective.

What is trigger finger?

The tendons that bend your fingers glide through a series of snug tunnels (pulleys) in the palm and fingers. In trigger finger, the tendon or the first pulley at the base of the finger becomes thickened and inflamed, so the tendon catches as it passes through. You may notice:

  • A tender lump at the base of the finger or thumb on the palm side.
  • Clicking, catching or popping when you bend and straighten the finger.
  • Stiffness, often worst first thing in the morning.
  • In more advanced cases, the finger locking in a bent position and needing the other hand to straighten it.

It is more common in women, in people aged 40 to 60, in those with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and after periods of repeated or forceful gripping. The ring finger and thumb are affected most often.

How does a trigger finger splint help?

Most of us sleep with our fingers curled, so the tendon sits bunched in the pulley all night and is at its stiffest in the morning. A splint keeps the finger extended, so the tendon rests in a position where it does not catch. Fewer triggering episodes means less irritation, and the swelling can gradually settle.

How should I wear a trigger finger splint?

  • At night, every night, for at least three to six weeks. This is the most important time.
  • During the day as well if the finger is locking often, or during activities that provoke it.
  • Position. The splint should hold the finger straight or almost straight, particularly at the knuckle joint at the base of the finger, while leaving the other fingers free.
  • Snug, not tight. No throbbing, numbness or colour change at the fingertip.
  • Move it daily. Remove the splint a few times a day and gently bend and straighten the finger so it does not stiffen. Do not force it through a painful click.

See finger and hand supports in our hand and wrist range.

What else helps trigger finger at home?

  • Rest from gripping. For a few weeks, cut back on forceful or repeated gripping, pinching and the use of vibrating tools. Use padded or wider handles.
  • Warmth. Soaking the hand in warm water in the morning loosens the finger. Compression gloves provide gentle warmth during the day. See Do arthritis gloves work?
  • Gentle tendon gliding. Slowly move from a straight hand to a hook fist, a full fist and a flat fist, several times, within comfort.
  • Massage the tender area at the base of the finger lightly.

Trigger finger or carpal tunnel?

They often occur together but feel different. Trigger finger is a mechanical catching and a sore lump in the palm. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, especially at night. We cover that in wearing a wrist brace at night for carpal tunnel.

When should I see a doctor about trigger finger?

See a doctor if the finger locks and you cannot straighten it, if symptoms have not improved after about six weeks of splinting and rest, if several fingers are involved, or if you have diabetes. See a doctor urgently if the finger is hot, red and swollen, which can indicate infection. A steroid injection resolves many cases, and a brief release procedure under local anaesthetic is very successful when needed.

Key takeaways

  • Trigger finger is a tendon catching in its tunnel at the base of the finger.
  • A night splint that holds the finger straight is a recommended first treatment.
  • Wear it nightly for three to six weeks and ease off forceful gripping.
  • Warm water and gentle gliding exercises reduce morning stiffness.
  • Persistent locking responds well to an injection or a minor procedure.

Sources

This article is general wellness information and is not medical advice. It does not replace an examination by a qualified healthcare professional. If your pain is severe, sudden or getting worse, please see a doctor.

Finger splints and hand supports for less: PainRelief Care+ members pay 20% less on every product and get free shipping on every order. See how Care+ works.

Back to blog