Choosing the Right Finger Splint: A Guide to Types, Uses, and Benefits What is a finger splint and why should I use one?

A finger splint is a small medical device, not unlike a brace, that immobilises and supports an injured finger. There are many types of finger splints available, each one suiting a different injury or purpose. You should always seek advice from a medical professional to get the correct care for your injury, to find out which brace you need and for how long. The finger splint is one treatment that helps the finger heal and recover movement and strength.


What kind of finger splints does Total Patient Care offer?

Total Patient Care offers five different kinds of finger splints, each made a different way and suiting different patient needs:

1. Rolyan Sof-Stretch Extension Splint - These splints are ideal for relieving PIP joint tightness, contractures and boutonniere deformity.

2. Trigger Finger Resting Splint - This universal splint is ideal for patients suffering from finger stiffness, osteoarthritis, finger pain, clicking and popping, and catching or locking of the fingers. 

3. Secur Finger Extension Capener Splint - These capener splints are best suited for contractures up to 45° that feel elastic when stretched, as they provide dynamic extension while allowing flexion.

4. LMB Spring Finger Extension Splint - Like the Rolyan splint, this finger extension splint is ideal for patients struggling with PIP joint tightness.

5. Oval 8 Finger Splint - These splints are by far the most comfortable due to their lightness and smooth plastic material. They promote better hand function and can be worn full time or as needed.


Benefits of Using a Finger Splint

There are many benefits to wearing a finger splint apart from the obvious healing and support they offer to an injured digit. Due to their small size, they often take up less space on your hand than a cast would, allowing for the patient to resume their daily life as best they can with a sustained injury. Some splints also allow for removal during showering or are waterproof. Finger splints are also much easier to apply or remove than finger casts, and are often adjustable to the patient’s comfort and needs. While splints may not provide the same level of support or protection as a cast would, they are ultimately easier to use and obtain due to not being tailored to each individual.


Risks of Using a Finger Splint

There are some risks associated with using finger splints, primarily pressure sores if the finger splint is worn for longer than necessary and is exerting too much pressure on the skin. Nerve impingement (or a pinched nerve) can be a result of the same activity. When worn continuously, the finger splint may also result in an infection or even maceration. By discussing with a medical professional when and how long to wear your finger splint, these low risks can almost always be avoided.


How do I choose the right size splint?

Our Trigger Finger Resting Splint is a universal size, meaning it is suitable for almost all patients. The Oval 8 finger splint size is determined by the joint circumference of your injured finger. Measure around the joint of your affected finger using a flexible measuring tape and compare with the table below. However, a precise fit is required to assure optimal treatment results so we recommend being sized by a healthcare provider or medical equipment specialist.

For all other finger splints, the size of the injured finger is taken into account. To determine what size splint you need, measure from the distal palmar crease to the distal finger crease while the finger is extended. The full lists of sizes are available on each product page on our website.

 

When should I call my doctor?

You should always seek advice from your GP or medical professional prior to purchasing a splint to be certain you are receiving the correct care for your injury. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any symptoms such as increased or severe pain, stinging, tightness or numbness, finger swelling that is getting worse, discolouration or bruising, or a bad smell coming from the splint.

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