Finger Splints

Which finger splint do you need?

• Mallet finger splint: for a fingertip that droops and can't straighten after being hit, often by a ball. The splint keeps the end joint straight.
• Trigger finger splint: holds the finger straight, usually overnight, when a finger catches or locks as you bend it.
• Aluminum finger splint: padded metal strips you can bend and cut to size for sprains or for support after medical treatment.
• Buddy tape: taping an injured finger to its neighbour gives gentle support for minor sprains and jammed fingers.

Wearing a mallet finger splint correctly

Mallet finger needs the fingertip kept straight all the time, usually for six to eight weeks, and even one bend during that period can undo the healing. Keep the finger flat on a table while you change or clean the splint. A doctor should confirm the diagnosis, ideally with an X-ray, as a small bone fragment may be involved.

Getting the size right

Measure the finger, or choose a set with several sizes. A splint should be snug but not tight: if the fingertip turns pale, blue or numb, loosen it. Check the skin daily for redness or sores, and keep it dry.

Finger cot

A finger cot is a small sleeve that covers a fingertip to keep a dressing clean and dry while you cook or wash. Latex-free versions are available for people with latex allergy.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if a finger looks bent or deformed, you can't straighten or bend it, there is severe swelling or bruising, the finger is numb or cold, or there is a deep cut. Some finger fractures and tendon injuries need treatment within days to heal properly.

After a finger injury heals, gentle exercises help restore movement; a physiotherapist can show you which ones to do.