Trigger finger is a medical condition that causes the tendons of the hand to become inflamed as a result of injury or physical trauma. You'll know it's the trigger finger if there's a click whenever you try to open your hand. The first stage of treatment for this condition is immobilization of the injured finger with a splint to prevent further injury to the finger. To begin this process, start with Step 1 below.
Step
Method 1 of 4: With a Buddy Splint
Step 1. Know when to use a buddy splint
This splint technique is often used for trigger finger when the finger ligaments are pulled or when the joint is dislocated. Buddy splints are not suitable for unstable joints and/or broken fingers.
Buddy splints hold two fingers together by gluing them together, like two friends. The finger is attached to a point above and a point below the injured joint
Step 2. Prepare the necessary equipment
Here is what you will need:
- Tongue depressor or popsicle stick (2 pieces). Any wood thick enough to support a finger will do. Usually, tongue depressors can be purchased at any local pharmacy - just make sure they can support the entire length of the finger.
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Medical plaster. This is to glue right after you place the splint under the injured finger. Micro pore plaster (Micropore) is light and gentle for sensitive skin. If you want a very sticky tape, you can buy Medipore or Durapore.
If you don't have tape, you can use a thin strip of cloth about 10.2-12.7cm long to secure the splint; however, be aware that medical plaster is preferred. You will need a 1.3 cm cloth tape which can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy
- You will also need scissors for cutting.
Step 3. Decide which finger to attach the buddy splint to along with the trigger finger
If the index finger is not broken or injured, avoid picking it; they are the most useful fingers and you don't want them to be blocked by the splints if you don't have to. If the middle finger has a trigger finger, choose the ring finger as a buddy.
You will want to keep your hands as wide as possible. If you can choose your ring or little finger as your buddy, do it. You will have more freedom if your index and/or middle fingers are free
Step 4. Place the splint under the trigger finger
Be sure to cover the entire length of the injured finger. After placing one tongue depressor (or similar device) under your finger, place another one on top of your finger as well. Both must be parallel to each other.
- You can make a buddy splint with just a bandage, but using a “splint/support” makes it more sturdy and reduces anxiety about the splint's effectiveness.
- Place the splint/support only on the injured finger - buddy's finger is not necessary.
Step 5. Take the plaster
Using scissors, cut the tape in half, 25 cm each. Here's how to bandage your finger:
- Take the first piece of tape and wrap it once between the first and second knuckles of the trigger finger.
- Bring a bandage along to bandage your buddy's finger and wrap it tightly until the plaster wears off.
- Repeat between the second and third knuckles of the injured finger. If the little finger is injured, put a bandage over the tip of the finger, which will be at the level between the second and third knuckles of the ring finger.
Step 6. Check the blood circulation of the buddy's finger and the injured finger
Pinch the nail area of each finger for 2 seconds. Does it turn pink again in two seconds? If yes, great. Blood circulation is not disturbed. The splint has been installed.
If the nail area takes more than 2 seconds to turn pink again, the splint (or tape) may be too tight; the finger is not getting enough blood. Removing and reattaching the buddy splint is the best course of action in this situation
Step 7. Wear the splint for 4-6 weeks
In certain cases, it may only take 2-3 weeks to heal. However, on average, the time is slightly longer. Ultimately, it depends on the size of the area and the severity of the inflammation in the tendon of the injured finger. To be absolutely sure, consult a doctor.
- As much as possible, avoid using the injured hand. Immobilization is the key to fast healing.
- When the splint (and tape) is dirty or loose, replace it with a new one.
- If after this period the trigger finger doesn't seem to be improving, see a doctor. The doctor will do further examination and treat your finger properly.
Method 2 of 4: With Static Splint
Step 1. Know when to use a static splint
A static splint is used in the case of trigger finger to hold the joint in place, whether the joint is slightly bent or completely misaligned. Be sure to first measure the diameter of the injured finger using a tape measure before going out to buy to get a splint that fits your finger.
Some of these splints can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies or supermarkets. These splints are made of base metal, plastic, and foam
Step 2. Place the splint on the trigger finger
Straighten the injured finger by supporting it with your other hand. Gently slide the static splint on the trigger finger until it is fully seated.
Make sure the static splint is fully snug and the finger is completely straight. If the finger is slightly bent forward or backward, it can cause pain in the knuckle
Step 3. Cut the plaster into 2 pieces, each 25 cm long
Take the first piece of tape and wrap it tightly between the first and second knuckles of the trigger finger until it's finished.
Repeat between the second and third knuckles of the injured finger until the plaster wears off
Step 4. Check the blood circulation of the injured finger
Do this by pinching the nail area for about 2 seconds. If the nail area returns to pink in 1-2 seconds, it means good blood circulation.
If it takes more than 2 seconds, blood flow may be interrupted because the splint is too tight. Removing and reinstalling the splint is the best course of action
Step 5. Wear the splint for 4-6 weeks
This is the average time it takes the trigger finger to heal. For some people, trigger finger takes only 2-3 weeks to heal; depending on the extent of the area and the severity of the tendon inflammation. Be sure to change the plaster twice a day or as needed.
- Rest and immobilization will greatly contribute to the healing of trigger finger.
- When the splint and plaster get dirty, replace it with a new one.
- If trigger finger does not heal after 4-6 weeks, you should see a doctor for further examination and management.
Method 3 of 4: With Stack Splint
Step 1. Know when to use stack splints
This special ready-to-use splint is used in cases of trigger finger to treat conditions in which the joint closest to the fingertip (called the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint) is injured or cannot straighten on its own.
- These splints are available in a variety of sizes and are designed to fit snugly over the DIP joint to prevent the joint from bending, while still allowing bending of the middle finger joint – the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
- Stack splints are usually made of plastic with holes for ventilation. These splints can be purchased at pharmacies or convenience stores, and you can fit them there before buying.
Step 2. Position the splint on the finger
To do this, straighten the injured finger by supporting it with your other hand. Gently slide the stack splint over the injured finger until it is fully seated.
Make sure the stack splint is fully snug and fingers are completely straight. If the finger bends slightly forward or backward, it can cause pain in the knuckle. If the stack splint comes with an adjustable strap, you can fasten it right away
Step 3. Take the plaster
Using scissors, cut the tape in half, 25 cm each. Take the first piece of tape and wrap it tightly between the first and second knuckles of the injured finger until it runs out.
- Repeat between the second and third knuckles of the injured finger until the plaster wears off.
- Some stack splints come with adjustable straps, so plastering is not required.
Step 4. Check the trigger finger's blood circulation
For only 2 seconds, pinch the nail area of the trigger finger. This will cut off the blood flow and turn the color white. Then let go. If the nail area returns to pink within 1-2 seconds, it means that blood circulation is good, and the splint is in place.
If it takes more than 2 seconds for blood to return to the area, the splint is too tight. Your finger needs adequate blood flow to heal. Remove and reinstall the splint, adjusting the tightness
Step 5. Wear the splint for 4-6 weeks
Unfortunately, the average trigger finger takes that long to heal. In mild cases, trigger finger can heal in as little as 2-3 weeks; however, it is highly dependent on the injury and the extent and severity of the inflammation in the trigger finger injury.
- Immobilization is mandatory. For the healing of your finger, try to avoid using it as much as possible.
- Replace the splint (and tape) when it becomes soiled, the tape begins to fall off, or when the splint becomes too loose to be effective.
- See a doctor if after 4-6 weeks your finger is still not healing. Your doctor will be able to give you the right management skills to treat your trigger finger injury.
Method 4 of 4: With Dynamic Splint
Step 1. Know when to use dynamic splints
Dynamic splints are the most complex of all finger splints as they are often spring-loaded and tailor-made for each individual. This means that this splint is not universal and requires further examination by a doctor first. To splint the trigger finger with this method, you need to go to the doctor.
Dynamic splints are used only at rest or do not move for about an hour or two. This allows for the correct positioning of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that need to be in a relaxed position
Step 2. Visit a doctor
Since this type of splint is a complex splint, it is best to seek the help of a doctor to splint the trigger finger. Here's the process:
- The doctor will ask you to straighten the injured finger while supporting it with your other hand. Some situations require the finger to be in a slightly bent position, depending on the corrected position.
- The doctor will now place a dynamic splint on the trigger finger until it is fully fitted.
- Further examination will be carried out by the doctor, such as correct positioning, alignment, and proper fitting. The doctor will also check the pulse to make sure the area is getting good blood circulation.
- The doctor will ask you to bend the injured finger. The finger should return to a straight position due to the spring in the dynamic splint.
Step 3. Schedule a follow-up inspection
Correct instructions will be given by the doctor regarding how long the dynamic splint should be used. Once that's all done, schedule a follow-up exam to check for any improvement in your trigger finger injury.
