When should you wear a trigger finger splint?

When an individual suffers from trigger finger, the recommended first method of treatment is typically splinting. A trigger finger splint has been found to be effective when rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories have failed or become less effective.

What can I use as a finger splint?

Find a stiff object for splinting the finger, such as a popsicle stick or tongue depressor. Locate some medical tape to secure the splint to the injured finger. Place the stick against the entire finger (especially across the sprained joint) and secure it with 2 to 3 strips of tape.

How do you treat mallet fingers at home?

Mallet Finger Self-Care at Home

  1. If the finger is cut, clean the cut under running water for a few minutes. Then wrap the finger with clean gauze or a clean cloth.
  2. Apply ice to the injured finger joint to reduce swelling and tenderness. Wrap ice in a towel.
  3. Take care not to injure the finger even more.

What happens if you leave mallet finger untreated?

If a mallet finger is left untreated, your finger can become stiff. Or the finger may develop a swan neck deformity, where the joint bends the wrong way. A mallet finger in children involves an additional concern. The injury may affect the cartilage in the finger that controls bone growth.

Can I fix trigger finger on my own?

Trigger finger treatment can range from rest to surgery, depending on the severity of your condition. Resting your hands if possible, wearing a splint at night, stretching exercises and a steroid injection all can alleviate trigger finger without surgery.

Can splint makes trigger finger worse?

Sometimes, a special splint is worn to keep the finger extended for a few weeks, giving the tendon a chance to heal. A splint also prevents sleeping with the fingers and thumb in a fist, which can worsen the condition. Activity modification to rest the joint can also help ease pain.

Can you fix mallet finger years later?

Probably not. Most of the time, a mallet finger can be fixed by using an orthosis (or splint) that holds it straight for a several weeks; however, sometimes it can be more serious, which is why it is a good idea to have it professionally evaluated.