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Trigger finger splints are specially designed straps that keep a finger straight and stop it from moving around and causing more pain.
A quick look at six of the best trigger finger splints
- Best slip prevention: Vive Trigger Finger Splint
- Best adjustable: Dr. Frederick’s Original Trigger Finger Splint
- Best flexible shell: Neo G Finger Splint
- Best for either left or right hand: Mcvcoyh Finger Splint
- Best stabilizing: BRMDT Finger Splint
- Best universal fit: BodyMoves Finger Splint
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which the sheath surrounding the flexor tendons in the finger or thumb becomes inflamed or thickened. It can cause pain and stiffness. A person may find that strapping the affected finger to a trigger finger splint provides some relief from this discomfort.
This article looks at how splints can help relieve pain associated with trigger finger and how to use finger splints. It also lists six products that people can try and suggests some alternative treatment options.
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Below are some trigger finger splints for a person to consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best slip prevention: Vive Trigger Finger Splint
- List price: around $10
- Pros: made with lightweight, breathable fabric and provides support
- Cons: may not suit smaller hands
The Vive Trigger Finger Splint uses lightweight and breathable neoprene to help wick away moisture. It also has an aluminum brace to provide support.
Vive claims that its universally sized splint will fit any finger and stay in place during wear. A person can also take advantage of fasteners that allow them to tighten or loosen the fit a little.
Vive provides a 60-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
Individuals can adjust the fasteners on this product to fit fingers up to 3 inches (in) wide and prevent slippage.
Best adjustable: Dr. Frederick’s Original Trigger Finger Splint
- List price: around $15
- Pro: padded and can fit both hands
- Con: only wearable on the index, middle, and ring fingers and may be prone to slipping
Dr. Frederick’s Original Trigger Finger Splint features soft padding for added comfort. It offers a universal fit, with adjustable Velcro straps to help provide the best fit. A person can wear it on the middle, ring, or index finger.
The company claims that this product is doctor-designed and lasts for months. It comes with a money-back guarantee in case a person is unsatisfied with their purchase.
This splint is in two pieces, making it fully adjustable.
Best flexible shell: Neo G Finger Splint
- List price: around $8
- Pros: FDA-registered class 1 medical device, lightweight, and firm
- Cons: limited durability and not easy for everyone to use
The Neo G Finger Splint comes in four different lengths and can fit both the left and right hand. It has a flexible shell that can bend into the required shape.
It also contains a soft cushion for comfort and grip. The materials — aluminum, neoprene, and polyurethane — may add support and ventilation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has registered this splint as a
Best for either left or right hand: Mcvcoyh Finger Splint
- List price: around $10
- Pros: aluminum support, adjustable, lightweight, and suitable for frequent use
- Cons: will only fit an index, middle, or ring finger, and the aluminum can poke through
The Mcvcoyh Finger Splint offers a universal size, with fasteners to adjust the fit. The splint features aluminum for support.
This splint comes in different versions for the right and left hand, which can help enhance the fit and usability of the product.
The drawback is that it only works for the middle three fingers.
Best stabilizing: BRMDT Finger Splint
- List price: around $9
- Pros: has adjustable, comfortable padding and is lightweight
- Cons: reviews suggest that the edges are very sharp, the splints slide off, the splints are difficult to put on, and even the small size is too long
The product uses a lightweight aluminum brace for support and a soft sponge for comfort.
Designed for individual fingers, the product consists of an assortment of three splints in small, medium, and large sizes.
Best universal fit: BodyMoves Finger Splint
- List price: around $9
- Pros: aluminum support bar, breathable, available in six different colors, and adjustable for a secure fit
- Cons: reviewers claim that the splints do not stay on smaller fingers
The BodyMoves Finger Splint encases the full finger. It offers a universal fit and two straps to adjust the tightness. It can work on any finger.
The splint contains breathable materials and is fully washable. It also comes in a variety of colors, which may make it more appealing to some people.
The manufacturer states that one size is suitable for men, women, children, and older adults and that it fits all fingers with up to a 3.5-in circumference.
This product comes in packs of two, three, four, and 12.
Older research has shown statistically significant improvements in triggering events and perceived pain in people who use trigger finger splints.
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) suggests that splinting during sleep is useful in preventing pain. When a person lies down, fluid often builds up in the arms and hands. This additional fluid can cause swelling, which can increase the likelihood of pain and the finger locking during sleep.
Wearing a trigger finger splint can help prevent pain during the night, allowing a person to sleep. However, the ASSH also warns that on waking, a person may need to spend more time warming up their finger for movement.
A person may wish to consider several factors when looking for a trigger finger splint. These include:
- Materials: Plastic splints may provide firmer support and limit mobility a little more, but they might not be as comfortable as splints made with cotton and other softer materials. A person may also wish to consider looking for splints made with breathable materials.
- Size: A person should look for splints that will best fit their hand and finger size.
- Price: A person should consider their budget and check customer reviews and experiences to make sure that the product is worth the money they plan to spend.
- Fingers the splint is suitable for: Many splints are only designed to fit the middle three fingers. If a person has trigger finger in their thumb or pinky finger, they should find a product that can accommodate their needs.
The below table compares the products in this article.
| Vive Trigger Finger Splint | Dr. Frederick’s Original Trigger Finger Splint | Neo G Finger Splint | Mcvcoyh Finger Splint | BRMDT Finger Splint | BodyMoves Finger Splint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | about $10 | about $15 | about $8 | about $10 | about $9 | about $9 |
| Best | for slip prevention | adjustable | flexible shell | for either left or right hand | stabilizing | universal fit |
| HSA/FSA | yes | unspecified | unspecified | unspecified | unspecified | unspecified |
Some alternative treatments for trigger finger include:
- Injections: A doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection in the affected tendon. This injection can help reduce swelling within a few days to weeks.
- Surgery: In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon will cut through the pulley or the sheath around the tendon.
- Medication: A doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Stretching exercises: A doctor may recommend stretches and exercises for the hand or suggest working with a physical therapist. However, some sources note that no universal or widely accepted exercise routine exists for trigger finger.
Some additional treatment options include massage, heat therapy, and changes in activity.
Below are the answers to some common questions relating to finger splints
How do you splint a finger for trigger finger?
To splint a finger for trigger finger, extend the finger, and apply the splint. This promotes healing by limiting the use of the tendon, reducing irritation and inflammation.
The ASSH states that splinting a trigger finger during sleep could help reduce the pain and locking associated with the condition.
Which splint is best for trigger finger?
The best splint for an affected finger will depend on various factors, including:
- the size of a person’s hands
- the affected finger or fingers
- the pain severity
- the amount of support necessary
- how sensitive the skin is
- how active a person is
Are finger splints good for trigger finger?
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that a trigger finger splint could help hold an affected digit in a straightened position during sleep, which may prevent discomfort.
A person with trigger finger may benefit from wearing a splint on their finger to keep it straight and prevent it from moving. This may minimize pain and be particularly helpful during sleep.
A person may wish to check that they are buying a splint made from breathable materials, especially if they intend to wear it for extended periods.
A person should also consult a doctor if they think they have trigger finger, as further treatment may be necessary. Splinting may not be a good long-term solution.