What are the most effective techniques for splinting a broken finger. How can proper splinting aid in recovery and prevent further injury. When should you use buddy taping versus a fixed splint. What are the potential complications of finger splinting and how can they be avoided.

Understanding Finger Injuries and the Importance of Splinting

Finger injuries, particularly sprains and fractures, are common occurrences that can significantly impact daily activities. Proper splinting is crucial for promoting healing and preventing further damage. But why is splinting so important?

Splinting serves several key purposes in the recovery process:

• Immobilizes the injured finger to prevent further damage
• Reduces pain and swelling
• Promotes proper alignment of bones or ligaments during healing
• Protects the injury from external forces
• Facilitates faster and more effective recovery

Understanding the basics of finger anatomy can help appreciate the importance of proper splinting. The fingers consist of three phalanges (bones), except for the thumb which has two. These bones are connected by joints and supported by ligaments. When an injury occurs, whether it’s a sprain (ligament damage) or a fracture (bone damage), proper support is essential for optimal healing.

Types of Finger Splints: Choosing the Right Support

There are various types of finger splints available, each designed for specific injuries and purposes. The most common types include:

1. Stack splints: These fit over the fingertip and are ideal for distal phalanx injuries.
2. Aluminum and foam splints: Versatile and adjustable, these can be used for various finger injuries.
3. Custom-molded splints: Made by healthcare professionals for specific injuries or deformities.
4. Dynamic splints: Allow for some movement while providing support, often used in rehabilitation phases.

How do you choose the right splint? The decision depends on several factors:

• The type and severity of the injury
• The specific finger affected
• The stage of healing
• Recommendations from a healthcare professional

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying a Fixed Finger Splint

Applying a fixed finger splint correctly is crucial for effective treatment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Clean and dry the affected finger thoroughly.
2. If using a pre-made splint, adjust it to fit the injured finger. For custom splints, follow the healthcare provider’s instructions.
3. Place a thin layer of padding (like gauze) between the splint and the finger to prevent skin irritation.
4. Position the splint on the injured finger, ensuring it extends beyond the fingertip and past the nearest joint.
5. Secure the splint with medical tape, starting at the tip and working towards the base. Avoid wrapping too tightly to maintain circulation.
6. Check for proper fit: the splinted finger should be immobilized but not uncomfortably tight.

Remember, if you’re unsure about the process or if the injury is severe, always seek professional medical help.

Buddy Taping: An Alternative Support Method

Buddy taping is another effective method for supporting an injured finger, particularly useful for milder sprains or as a transition from more rigid splinting. This technique involves taping the injured finger to an adjacent healthy finger for support.

Here’s how to perform buddy taping:

1. Clean and dry both fingers thoroughly.
2. Cut strips of medical tape to a length that will wrap around both fingers 1.5 times.
3. Place a small piece of gauze between the fingers to prevent skin irritation.
4. Wrap the tape around both fingers above and below the injured joint, allowing for some flexibility.
5. Ensure the tape isn’t too tight – you should be able to maintain circulation and some movement.

When is buddy taping appropriate? It’s typically used for:

• Mild sprains
• Later stages of recovery from more severe injuries
• Providing extra support during activities

The Healing Process: What to Expect During Recovery

Understanding the healing process can help manage expectations and ensure proper care during recovery. The healing timeline for finger injuries can vary depending on the severity and type of injury, but generally follows these stages:

1. Inflammation (0-3 days): Characterized by pain, swelling, and redness.
2. Proliferation (3-21 days): New tissue begins to form.
3. Remodeling (21 days to 6 months or more): Tissue continues to strengthen and adapt.

During recovery, it’s important to:

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully
• Keep the splint clean and dry
• Monitor for signs of complications
• Gradually increase finger mobility as advised
• Attend follow-up appointments to assess healing progress

Potential Complications and How to Avoid Them

While splinting is generally safe and effective, there are potential complications to be aware of:

• Skin irritation or breakdown
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Delayed healing due to improper splinting

How can these complications be avoided? Here are some tips:

1. Ensure proper splint fit and application
2. Keep the splinted area clean and dry
3. Follow instructions for splint wear and removal
4. Perform prescribed exercises to maintain flexibility and strength
5. Monitor for signs of infection or poor circulation
6. Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

While minor finger injuries can often be managed at home with proper splinting, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. When should you seek help from a healthcare provider?

• If you suspect a fracture or dislocation
• If there’s severe pain, swelling, or discoloration
• If you’re unable to move the finger
• If there’s an open wound or signs of infection
• If symptoms don’t improve or worsen despite proper care
• If you’re unsure about the severity of the injury or proper treatment

A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatment, and monitor your recovery to ensure optimal healing.

Rehabilitation and Strengthening Exercises

As your finger heals, rehabilitation exercises become crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, and function. When should you start these exercises? Typically, your healthcare provider will advise when it’s safe to begin, usually after the initial acute phase of healing.

Here are some common rehabilitation exercises for finger injuries:

1. Finger flexion and extension: Gently bend and straighten the affected finger.
2. Finger abduction and adduction: Spread your fingers apart and then bring them together.
3. Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft ball or putty.
4. Finger slides: Slide your fingertips down a flat surface towards your palm.
5. Finger pinches: Pinch a small object between your thumb and each finger.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercises as your finger heals. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to avoid re-injury.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

For more complex injuries or slower recovery, physical therapy can play a crucial role. How can a physical therapist help with finger injuries?

• Provide personalized exercise programs
• Use specialized techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Teach proper use of splints and taping techniques
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
• Offer guidance on returning to normal activities safely

Working with a physical therapist can significantly enhance recovery outcomes and help prevent long-term complications.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Fingers from Future Injuries

While not all finger injuries can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. How can you protect your fingers from future injuries?

1. Use proper protective equipment during sports and high-risk activities
2. Practice good ergonomics at work and during repetitive tasks
3. Strengthen your hands and fingers through regular exercise
4. Be cautious when using tools or machinery
5. Maintain overall health and bone strength through proper nutrition and exercise

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of finger injuries and maintain optimal hand function.

The Importance of Hand Safety in Various Occupations

Certain occupations carry a higher risk of finger and hand injuries. Which professions are most at risk?

• Construction workers
• Manufacturing personnel
• Healthcare professionals
• Chefs and food service workers
• Athletes in contact sports

If you work in a high-risk profession, it’s crucial to follow all safety protocols, use appropriate protective equipment, and stay vigilant about potential hazards. Regular safety training and awareness can significantly reduce the risk of workplace finger injuries.

Advancements in Finger Splinting Technology

The field of finger splinting continues to evolve, with new technologies and materials improving treatment outcomes. What are some recent advancements in finger splinting?

• 3D-printed custom splints
• Smart splints with sensors for monitoring healing progress
• Advanced materials that are lighter, more durable, and more comfortable
• Biodegradable splints for environmental sustainability
• Splints with built-in stimulation for promoting healing

These innovations are making finger splinting more effective, comfortable, and tailored to individual needs. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more improvements in the treatment of finger injuries.

The Future of Finger Injury Treatment

Looking ahead, what might the future hold for finger injury treatment? Some promising areas of research and development include:

1. Gene therapy for accelerated ligament healing
2. Nanotechnology in splint materials for enhanced healing properties
3. Virtual reality rehabilitation programs for improved engagement and outcomes
4. Artificial intelligence for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
5. Regenerative medicine techniques for severe injuries

While many of these technologies are still in development, they offer exciting possibilities for improving the treatment of finger injuries in the future.

As we continue to advance our understanding of finger injuries and develop new treatment technologies, the importance of proper splinting remains paramount. Whether you’re dealing with a minor sprain or a more severe fracture, following proper splinting techniques and seeking professional guidance when needed can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term hand function.

Guide on How to Tape a Sprained Finger

Aiding Recovery Buddy Taping Splinting Complications Safety

Learning how to tape or splint a sprained finger is one of the most effective ways to promote long-term healing. As this injury is so common, finding the right techniques for supporting your injured finger is a must. Keep reading to learn more about how to tape or splint a sprained finger.

How Bracing Can Aid Recovery

When ligaments are overstretched and result in a sprain, they typically require a period of rest for healing. Movement can be painful, cause further injury, or aggravate swelling initially. Bracing can help prevent unnecessary use of the finger; which can be difficult since we are so used to using our hands all day, every day. Here are just a few of the benefits of finger bracing with tape or a splint:

• Decreased overall pain
• Better swelling management
• Promoting necessary rest time in the acute phase of injury
• Possible restoration of stability to the affected finger joint (if instability is a concern)
• A great adjunct to other home treatment options for optimizing recovery 

Buddy Taping

Buddy taping is a great way to offer additional support to a sprained finger, with a simple process anyone can learn.

1. Find some tape to apply to the fingers. Ideally, medical cloth tape (often found in a first aid kid) is used. Other options may include athletic tape or even kinesiotape. 
2. Cut the tape so that it will wrap around the fingers approximately 1.5 times. If you need to, you can split the tape as well to make it narrower. 
3. Tape above and below the injured finger joint and one of the neighboring fingers. This will allow both fingers to still bend and extend for simple moves like gripping. Yet, it will limit more complex moves that might cause aggravation. 
4. Monitor your symptoms, circulation (make sure the tape isn’t too tight), and skin integrity to minimize complications.

• Don’t completely limit function of the finger joints. You should still be able to bend your fingers and grip items. 
• Try not to get the tape wet to avoid skin irritation. Replace the tape as needed.
• Remove the tape and give the skin time to breath as needed to prevent irritation.
• When removing the tape, pull gently (NOT like a bandaid) to preserve skin integrity
• Do not pull on the tape as you wrap it around the fingers, as this can compromise circulation. Simply lie it flat on the skin as you wrap it around.
• You might combine this technique with splinting (see below) if your sprain is more serious and painful.
• Buddy taping may also be useful with a mild broken finger that is stable

Splinting

Splints are a more restrictive option that are most beneficial for moderate (or potentially even severe) cases of a finger sprain. Learn more about finger splinting here.

• When to Splint

  Splints are meant to completely restrict finger motion to allow more rest and reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor may prescribe one or you can pick up a standard adjustable one at a pharmacy. Alternatively, if you have a specific finger dysfunction that needs to be addressed you might be referred to a hand specialist for a custom made splint.

Option one:

1. Buy a premade splint.
2. Cut or adjust the metal wings to fit your finger
3. Keep the finger splint on as prescribed by your doctor or as needed (this varies with your needs and injury)

Option two:

1. Find a stiff object for splinting the finger, such as a popsicle stick or tongue depressor.
2. Locate some medical tape to secure the splint to the injured finger.
3. Place the stick against the entire finger (especially across the sprained joint) and secure it with 2 to 3 strips of tape. Typically placement on the palm side is recommended but it’s ultimately up to you.

• How to Splint Effectively

  How often you will need to wear your splint depends on the extent of damage to your finger. With moderate injuries, 5-7 days of continuous wear will probably do the trick. However, it may be recommended to take your finger out of the splint for short periods of time throughout the day to maintain skin health and allow gentle finger range of motion to prevent excessive stiffness.

  The balance of rest and movement is a delicate one, so you can work with a physical therapist or pay close attention to your symptoms as a guide. For moderate sprains, try taking your splint off at least 3 times per day for 10-20 minutes. For more severe sprains, you may keep it on continuously (even for sleep) if instability is a concern. With time, you may find you only need to wear the splint with more advanced movements of the hand and then transition to no use at all within 3-6 weeks.

Splinting and Taping Complications

Anytime movement is restricted at a joint, there is a risk of excessive stiffness and loss of strength and coordination. Additionally, splints or tape can leave the skin feeling vulnerable, so keep an eye out for sores from excessive pressure, poor circulation due to too tight of taping, or even infection if it is left unmanaged.

If you don’t start to notice positive improvements in symptoms in 1-2 weeks, consider discussing your options with your doctor. You may need a round of physical therapy or have other injuries ruled out like a finger fracture with further assessment.

If your fingers are feeling stiff or weak, try a few finger exercises to keep them working right.

Supporting a Sprained Finger Safely

Finger splinting and buddy taping are great solutions for supporting a healing finger injury. As long as you pay attention to your skin health, your symptoms should gradually improve with time until you can start returning to some form of normal hand and finger function. If you are unsure during the healing process or experience an aggravation of symptoms, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible to prevent complications.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-buddy-tape-a-finger-1298212

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320450

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Is My Finger Sprained or Broken?

8 Best Finger Splints for Recovery

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• Best for a boxer’s fracture: Soles Neoprene Boxer Break Metacarpal Splint
• Best for a sprained finger: Copper Compression Finger Splint
• Best for mallet finger: Neo G Easy-Fit Finger Splint
• Best for trigger finger: Dr. Frederick’s Trigger Finger Splint
• Best waterproof finger splint: 3-Point Oval-8 Finger Splints Graduated Set
• Best for the thumb: Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer
• Best for kids: BodyMoves 5 Finger Splints
• Best for osteoarthritis: Dr. Arthritis Finger Splint

When you have an aching or injured finger, you’re usually advised to keep it still while it heals. But in the real world, life doesn’t stop for a sprained, jammed, or broken finger. Luckily, finger splints and finger braces are an inexpensive way to stabilize and support injured joints.

We looked at what products are available to effectively stabilize your fingers.

We chose splints for this guide based on the following criteria:

• Does it work? We evaluated clinical trials and hundreds of customer reviews to make sure that these splints are appropriate for what they claim to do.
• What is it made of? Some splints are only intended to be used for a couple of days or weeks, while others are meant to be more durable. We aimed to highlight splints that are made to last.
• Do healthcare professionals support it? We considered what occupational therapists, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and surgeons had to say about various types of splints and splinting regimens.

Pricing guide

Finger splints are relatively inexpensive, ranging from around $7 to upwards of $30 for the priciest ones.

• $ = under $10
• $$ = $10–$20
• $$$ = over $20

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Best for a boxer’s fracture

Soles Neoprene Boxer Break Metacarpal Splint

• Price: $$
• Material: neoprene
• Size: one size, adjustable

A boxer’s fracture can happen when you hit a hard object with a closed fist. This can cause a fracture at the base of your finger, typically your pinky or ring finger. Splinting this type of injury may help you avoid getting a cast or surgery.

This splint is designed to keep your pinky and ring finger still, while your thumb and forefingers can move freely. It’s made of soft neoprene, so it cushions while it stabilizes, and it’s adjustable with two straps. This particular brace is reversible, so you can use it on either your left or right hand.

Some reviewers with smaller hands say that this brace is too long, and there is no way to adjust its height. Since it only comes in one size, make sure you read the product reviews carefully when deciding if it will fit you.

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Pros

• Medical-grade neoprene is soft and breathable.
• Its effectiveness at immobilizing enabled some reviewers to avoid getting a real cast.

Cons

• It only comes in one size, which might be too big for some hands.

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Best for a sprained finger

Copper Compression Finger Splint

• Price: $$$
• Material: copper-infused nylon
• Size: one size (adjustable)

This copper-infused nylon splint is geared toward helping sports injuries, like jams and sprains, to heal. The compression strap fits around your wrist. You can adjust the splint to your finger’s width, even on your pinky finger.

Reviewers say it’s super durable, it can be reused repeatedly, and it’s soft enough to wear all day during your regular activities.

This might not be the best brace to wear overnight for arthritis or trigger finger relief, as the strap can easily loosen while you’re sleeping.

If later on the Velcro stops working, you can use double-sided Velcro tape to extend the life of the product.

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Pros

• Copper infusion makes the material antimicrobial, which can protect against infection
• Full refund guarantee if it doesn’t work to stabilize your finger while you heal

Cons

• Velcro sometimes stops working before reviewers would like it to
• Not the best for overnight wear

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Best for mallet finger

Neo G Easy-Fit Finger Splint

• Price: $
• Material: aluminum and neoprene
• Size: small, medium, large, extra-large

Mallet finger, also called baseball finger, involves the tip of your finger or thumb becoming injured. It can typically be treated without surgery. A splint to correct mallet finger needs to reach to the very top of your fingertip to completely stabilize the affected joint.

You can slip this splint onto your finger, where it holds at the base. Comfortable padding stabilizes up to the fingertip.

It’s important that the length of this splint matches the finger where you intend to use it. This splint is available in small, medium, large, or extra-large. You can use the measurement chart to help find your fit.

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Pros

• It’s considered an affordable pick compared with other splint options.
• It molds comfortably to your finger, which makes it more comfortable than some stiffer splints.

Cons

• After molding it to one finger and using it for a few days, it’s unlikely you can keep reusing it for other injuries on other fingers.
• You’ll probably need to use some sort of adhesive to keep it securely on your finger.

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Best for trigger finger

Dr. Frederick’s Trigger Finger Splint

• Price: $$
• Material: adjustable velcro straps made of durable materials; designed to last for at least a few months
• Size: one size, adjustable

When you have trigger finger, the affected tendons become too inflamed for you to bend your finger at the joint. Splints can help keep your fingers stable while the inflammation goes down. This set of two-finger splints is designed to be adjusted for your ring finger, index finger, or middle finger.

Reviewers are particularly impressed with the design because it does not have any sharp edges, making it more comfortable to sleep with than competing splints. This splint is also made of durable materials and is meant to last a few months or more.

Even though its Velcro straps are completely adjustable, the splint might not fit as snugly as you’d like if your hands get sweaty. Consider using a piece of adhesive tape, such as medical tape, underneath the splint to make it stay on without slipping.

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Pros

• It’s great for long-term use as well as wearing through the night.
• It comes in a pack of two, with a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for you.

Cons

• Due to the thick padding, it might feel hot and uncomfortable if your hands tend to get sweaty.

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Best waterproof finger splint

3-Point Oval-8 Finger Splints Graduated Set

• Price: $$$
• Material: plastic
• Size: small, medium, and large, which are all included in one set

This lightweight set of splints comes with three sizes. You can wear them in different ways, so you can play around with what works best for you. They’re waterproof and do not require any straps or adjustment. You can keep them on in the shower and even wash dishes while wearing them.

These splints probably won’t provide enough firm support if you’re healing from a fracture or sprain. Trigger thumb or mallet finger are the conditions these splints are most recommended for.

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Pros

• It can provide support while you’re in the shower or doing light housework.
• Different sizing options and flexible plastic provide lots of different options for wear.

Cons

• It’s not firm enough to use for a fracture or a sprain.
• Some reviewers say that the hard plastic slips off too often for the splint to be useful.

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Best for the thumb

Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer

• Price: $$
• Material: nylon/polyester
• Size: one size, adjustable

This brace is specifically designed for your thumb. You can use this highly rated thumb brace on both your left and right hand, and it’s adjustable so it will fit most hands. You can wear it while you’re sleeping to help reduce arthritis-related inflammation of your thumb joint.

This splint is made with a high percentage of nylon, so it may become itchy or uncomfortable over time. The brace itself has antimicrobial protection, which keeps away bacteria, fungi, and other germs. But that doesn’t mean that it can keep your skin dry or keep the area free from irritation or infection.

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Pros

• Reviewers recommend it for carpal tunnel and arthritis to keep the tendons in your thumb stabilized.
• Three adjustable straps make it a firm fit for almost anyone.

Cons

• It’s not firm enough for every type of injury to your thumb and the surrounding tendons.
• It can get sweaty and degrade quickly due to the high percentage of nylon in the material.

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Best for kids

BodyMoves 5 Finger Splints

• Price: $$
• Material: nylon and neoprene
• Size: includes two sizes — finger + pinkie

Kids who get jammed fingers or overuse injuries may benefit from splinting, but it can be tricky to find a splint that will stay put on smaller hands. This set of finger splints from BodyMoves comes with five colorful splints, each with two fully adjustable Velcro straps. As a bonus, this set comes with a pinky-size splint that can fit on even the littlest fingers.

The full-size splints in the pack may be too long for some kids’ fingers.

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Pros

• Reviewers give these splints high marks for comfort and efficiency for little kids who have jammed a finger.
• They’re reusable if you need them to be.
• Bright colors can boost kids’ mood even as they recover from an injury.

Cons

• They may not be short enough for some kids’ fingers, and there’s no way to adjust the length.
• If your child has an injury like a fracture or break, you should speak with their doctor before using a splint as the treatment.

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Best for osteoarthritis

Dr. Arthritis Finger Splint

• Price: $
• Material: nylon, spandex, and copper
• Size: S/M or L/XL

This padded finger splint can be used on any of your fingers and offers gentle compression as well as stability. It’s meant to treat pain from trigger finger, osteoarthritis, and other tendon-related conditions. You can adjust the Velcro straps to make the splint more comfortable, which is a big plus when you’re trying to sleep with a splint on. It also comes with a short handbook with tips for using the product.

This splint comes in two sizes, but many reviewers say that it runs larger. Since you need the splint to fit snugly, take a close look at product reviews before you purchase to make sure that it will fit.

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Pros

• The copper infusion helps keep microbes to a minimum and cools your finger while you sleep.
• It can be used daily for pain relief from chronic conditions.

Cons

• It runs a bit big, so even the smaller size might not fit your finger snugly.

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Name	Price	Best for	Material	Size
Soles Neoprene Boxer Break Metacarpal Splint	$$	boxer’s fracture	neoprene	one size; adjustable
Copper Compression Finger Splint	$$$	sprained finger	copper-infused nylon	one size; adjustable
Neo G Easy-Fit Finger Splint	$	mallet finger	aluminum and neoprene	S, M, L, XL
Dr. Fredrick’s Trigger Finger Splint	$$	trigger finger	adjustable velcro straps made of durable materials	one size; adjustable
3-Point Oval-8 Finger Splint Graduated Set	$$$	waterproof	plastic	one set; S, M, L
Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer	$$	thumb	nylon/polyester	one size; adjustable
BodyMoves 5 Finger Splint	$$	kids	nylon and neoprene	includes 2 sizes–finger and pinkie
Dr. Arthritis Finger Splint	$	osteoarthritis	nylon, spandex, and copper	S/M or L/XL

Splinting is an effective and low-risk treatment for injuries related to the tendons in your finger. Think of finger splints as temporary casts for your finger. They’re more flexible than a cast and easy to put on and take off for everyday use.

A 2011 study suggests that splints have the ability to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis. Other common issues that may need splints include:

• trigger finger
• jammed or injured fingers
• rheumatoid arthritis
• recovering from surgery on the tendons in your finger

When you’re looking for a splint, consider:

• Purpose. What health condition are you using this splint to treat? If it’s a chronic condition, you may need something that will be longer-lasting. If you plan to use the splint to treat a specific short-term injury, you can shop according to that.
• Materials. Some splints are made of materials that won’t hold up after weeks of repeated use. Common complaints with over-the-counter splints are that they fall apart or leave aluminum or wires exposed. Other splints have Velcro straps that lose their “stickiness” quickly. Most can’t be washed, or at the very least need to hang dry.
• Fit. Not every splint is designed to fit every finger. If you’re shopping online, read product descriptions carefully, and if you’re able to see the product in person before buying, take a look.

Splints are readily available over the counter at most pharmacies and department stores. If you’re able to visit a location in person, you can take a closer look at a splint that you’re considering. This will probably give you a better idea of if the materials are durable or not. If you have a physical therapist or orthopedist, consider asking them for recommendations.

Sometimes you can treat and diagnose a jammed finger on your own. If you suspect your finger is fractured, or if it is so swollen that you cannot straighten it, it’s time to consider seeing a professional.

See a healthcare professional for advice about finger splinting if you have:

• difficulty moving or bending your finger
• swelling that does not subside with rest and ice
• shooting pain in your finger that persists for hours
• a finger that you can’t move or that feels numb
• an injury that you suspect has broken or fractured your finger
• recurrent pain in your hands and fingers due to arthritis, carpal tunnel, or another condition

A finger splint may not work to correct a fracture, inflamed tendon, or manage osteoarthritis. If you’ve tried a splint and haven’t felt any difference in your pain level or range of motion, it may be time to consider another treatment option:

• Cortisone shots are sometimes used to treat tendinitis. These shots may not permanently resolve symptoms, but they can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapy can be effective to help you extend your range of motion, especially if your symptoms are caused by scar tissue or an old injury.
• Sometimes a splint won’t provide enough support for a fractured bone. In these cases, your doctor may recommend a finger cast for a short length of time.
• Surgery can become necessary to correct a broken or injured finger joint.
• Of course, resting your finger joints, if you’re able, is an ideal way to treat inflammation that can lead to other problems.

How long should you wear a finger splint?

It depends on why you are wearing the splint. If your doctor recommends a splint for healing from a sprain or fracture, you should follow their advice and not take the splint off before then. If you have recurring pain from a chronic condition, such as arthritis, you can use a splint for as long as you like to stabilize your joints and reduce pain. Just keep in mind that a splint is not a replacement for doctor-prescribed medication or physical therapy.

Can a splint work for a broken finger?

A splint can sometimes work to support a fractured bone in your finger while it heals. However, a medical professional needs to address fractures.

Your doctor may need to order an X-ray to confirm a hairline fracture and to see if other treatment options are necessary. With your doctor’s approval, you may be able to choose a splint from this list, or you may be advised to pick up a splint from a medical supply store that will offer the support that you need to heal properly.

How do you avoid needing a splint?

It’s not always possible to avoid needing a splint, especially if you’re using one to treat recurring pain from a chronic condition.

Following first-aid practices can help with finger injuries. If you jam a finger, you can treat it right away with ice and rest to see if the pain subsides. Don’t resume activities if you continue to have shooting pain in your finger, as it can be a signal that you need a doctor to assess the injury and prescribe the proper treatment.

After you purchase your splint, make sure that you’re following care instructions to keep it clean and hygienic. Even the most durable materials can become deposits of sweat and bacteria over time. Always wash and dry your hands before and after using your splint.

While you’re splinting, keep practicing any recommended strength and dexterity exercises. If possible, speak with a doctor or physical therapist about additional steps you can take to keep your hands healthy while you are splinting.

Kathryn Watson is a freelance writer covering everything from sleep hygiene to moral philosophy. Her recent bylines include Healthline, Christianity Today, LitHub, and Curbed. She lives in New York City with her husband and two children, and her website is kathrynswatson. com.

Elastic bandages for fingers — Articles — Official website of Intex

Medical bandage “Intex” for bandaging fingers is a woven elastic band made of latex, cotton and polyester fibers. To fix fingers and toes , as well as hands and feet, use a compression bandage 8 cm wide and 1.5-2 m long.

When properly applied, the elastic bandage not only fixes the fingers, but also applies distributed pressure to the hand, stimulating blood flow and the work of the lymphatic vessels. This improves the exchange in the tissues of the hand and foot, accelerating the recovery of damaged muscles, ligaments and joints, and also reduces post-traumatic and postoperative edema.

When are elastic bandages for fingers used?

Since the first finger is separated from the others and bears the greatest shock load, an elastic bandage is applied to the thumb to prevent sports injuries. This is necessary when practicing boxing, Muay Thai and other martial arts.
As a rule, 9 are used to prevent injuries.0003 High stretch elastic bandage which can stretch up to 150% of its own length. Elastic bandage on the finger of the hand (little finger, ring finger, middle or index finger) is used for dislocations and sprains of finger joints.
To fix the joints of the fingers , the most commonly used bandage is medium stretch, which is able to stretch but 100% of its own length. An elastic bandage is applied to all fingers of the hand in order to treat lymphatic edema after a mastectomy – an operation to remove a breast cancer. To avoid the spread of metastases, this operation removes the lymphatic vessels leading to the tumor. Because of this, lymphedema of the hands can develop – extensive lymphatic edema.
For the treatment of lymphatic edema, bandages of low extensibility are used, which stretch only 50% of their own length.

Rules for applying elastic bandages to fingers

1. The first two rounds (turns) of the bandage are made around the wrist.
2. Then the bandage is put on the palm and circled around the thumb in several rounds.
3. Then the bandage is passed between the thumb and the main part of the palm, returned to the palm and wound on the wrist. If it is required to fix only the thumb, the end of the bandage is fixed on the wrist and the bandaging ends.
4. If it is required to bandage all the fingers of the hand, repeat the steps until the entire hand is bandaged.

When are toe elastic bandages used?

Elastic bandage on the big toe is used for dislocations and injuries of the largest toe. They also fix the toes with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling after removing the splint or plaster in case of a broken toe. To fix the thumb, elastic bandages of low extensibility are used.

Rules for applying fixing bandages on the toes

1. Several rounds of the bandage are circled around the ankle (counterclockwise).
2. On the outer surface of the foot, the bandage is wrapped around the thumb, and 2-3 circular rounds of the bandage are made.
3. The bandage is passed between the big and second toe, crosses with the bandage band on the upper surface of the foot and is circled around the ankle. If it is required to fix only the thumb, the end of the bandage is fixed on the wrist and the bandaging ends.
4. If you want to bandage all the toes, you should repeat the steps until the entire foot is bandaged.

what to do, how to bandage, first aid, recovery time

Injury to the finger during injury is accompanied by pain and discomfort. A small dislocation or subluxation must be correctly diagnosed to rule out fracture and complications. Based on the results of the images, the traumatologist prescribes treatment, selects drugs and methods of rehabilitation.

Contents

1. Causes of injury
2. Clinical picture
3. How to distinguish from a fracture
4. Diagnosis
5. First aid
6. How to properly bandage
7. Methods of treatment
8. How to set the finger
9. Rehabilitation

Causes of injury

The finger is often knocked out at home or at work

Widespread injury to the fingers in most cases – consequence of household or industrial injury. When falling or hitting, a person instinctively defends himself or leans on his hand.

Among the main reasons:

• fight;
• sports injury;
• hit with a heavy object;
• non-compliance with safety regulations;
• habit of snapping fingers.

Valeriya

General practitioner

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No less common cause is degenerative processes in the joints. Arthritis and arthrosis lead to thinning, destruction of cartilage tissue, malnutrition and blood circulation. The articular bag does not hold the head of the phalanx, which leads to constant subluxations during active movements. 9Voted: 32,900 07

Clinical picture

Depending on the center of displacement several types of finger injuries are distinguished :

• rear;
• palmar;
• complete;
• incomplete.

If a person has knocked out the thumb on the hand, displacement may occur from the back or outside. The tendon of the long flexor is damaged, which is infringed by the proximal phalanx and metacarpal bone.

Knuckled out finger takes an unnatural position

Characteristic features include:

• finger takes an unnatural position;
• severe pain when trying to bend or unbend the arm into a fist;
• swelling around the joint;
• redness of the skin.

With a palmar bruise, the little finger or thumb changes length, becomes shorter, displacement can be observed simultaneously in two joints.

How to distinguish from a fracture

During a visual examination, the doctor pays attention to the localization of the displacement. If a person has knocked out a finger, the deformation occurs only in the joint area. In case of a fracture, the following symptoms may be observed:

• it is impossible to move a finger, nail phalanx;
• internal hematomas may be observed;
• in a comminuted fracture, fragments are felt under the skin, an open wound may occur.

Valeria

General practitioner

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If the finger is broken, it can maintain its normal position. Swelling and redness occurs not only near the phalanx: the blood supply to all tissues and tendons is disrupted. But in any case, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics in order to exclude damage to blood vessels, nerve endings, which can lead to complications.

Diagnosis

The main diagnostic method is X-ray

Outwardly, even for an experienced traumatologist it is difficult to correctly determine the cause of the displacement, to exclude internal damage. Therefore, the victim is assigned x-ray. The picture shows:

• degree of separation of the head from the cavity;
• displacement of the surfaces of the metacarpophalangeal joint;
• damage to the distal phalanx;
• dorsal or lateral dislocation;
• epiphyseal injury.

If a tendon or head avulsion is suspected, the doctor may order a CT or MRI scan. Diagnostic procedures are necessarily prescribed for degenerative processes in the joint bag. The technique effectively shows the degree of destruction of the cartilage lining, the presence of inflammatory exudate, pinched nerve endings.

In case of complications, pain and discomfort that does not disappear during treatment, doctors refer the patient to ultrasound examination of the hand . The method shows the state of tendons and ligaments in dynamics, allows you to evaluate their activity, internal hematomas.

First Aid

Fixation of fingers in case of dislocation

Closed type injury is often accompanied by displacement, pinching of the tendons. It is not recommended to set a knocked out finger yourself : A fracture and dislocation may look the same on the outside, but require different treatment. Incorrect actions can lead to rupture of the articular bag and other complications.

In most cases, the index, thumb and ring fingers are knocked out. In case of deformity and pain, it is necessary to provide first aid :

• immediately remove jewelry from the broken finger until swelling appears;
• apply ice wrapped in a clean towel or handkerchief;
• fix the fingers in one position with a homemade splint from a wooden ruler, stick;
• Carefully tie the injured joint to the healthy finger, secure the hand to increase immobility.

If the patient is in severe pain, pain medication can be given. It is not recommended to apply ice directly to the skin, so as not to provoke damage to the epidermis. The patient must be urgently taken to the emergency room.

How to properly bandage

The bandage will prevent re-dislocation and help accelerate tissue regeneration

If a slight deformity or frequent subluxation occurs, patients can set the finger on their own. immobilization of the knocked out phalanx helps to exclude re-damage. Main tasks of the fixing bandage:

• reduction of the load on injured fingers and joints during movements;
• prevention of complications, stretching and rupture of the joint capsule;
• acceleration of regeneration of tissues, capillaries and ligaments;
• elimination of hematoma and swelling.

After applying the dressing, the pain decreases, which allows the patient to do household chores, take care of himself in everyday life. You can use an elastic or regular medical bandage to fix your finger.

Bandaging algorithm:

• fasten the beginning of the tape around the wrist in several turns;
• pass the bandage from the outside of the hand around the nail phalanx, through the interdigital space;
• circle the fabric one more time around the finger, return it to the palm, wrap it around the wrist;
• continue to bandage, fix the end on the wrist joint.

Bandaging for a sprained thumb

How to properly wrap a dislocated finger, the traumatologist in the hospital will show you. If necessary, a tire or special bandages are additionally used.

Methods of treatment

In case of damage to , conservative methods of treatment are used in 90% of cases . The finger can be straightened under local anesthesia, after which it is fixed with an orthosis or a plaster cast. To reduce pain, analgesics based on ibuprofen and diclofenac are prescribed.

In case of tendon rupture, operation is performed to suture the joint capsule or osteosynthesis. This prevents complications, restores mobility and nutrition of soft tissues. Sometimes surgery is prescribed for chronic injuries.

How the finger is inserted

The procedure must be carried out experienced traumatologist : self-treatment can cause fracture and pinching of nerve endings.

In field conditions it is necessary to set the finger as follows:

• grasp the wrist with one hand, clasp the injured finger with the other;
• with a precise and accurate movement, pull the joint forward until a characteristic click;
• after straightening, apply a bandage, anesthetic ointment Diclofenac, Fastum gel.