Stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexors of the fingers, commonly called "trigger finger," is a disease that painfully blocks the joints of the fingers of the hand or produces a snap each time the knuckle flexes. Although injections and even surgery are used to treat this disorder, doctors often recommend splinting the affected finger to allow the tendon to heal. You can splint your finger yourself by following one of several recommended methods, but always under close medical supervision.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Confirm the Diagnosis and Treat the Snap Finger
Step 1. Go to your family doctor
If you hear or feel a snap or crackle when you try to straighten your finger or thumb, then you may be suffering from stenosing tenosynovitis. However, it is vital that the condition is confirmed by a doctor, especially if you have never suffered from it in the past. You absolutely must rule out other more serious diseases with certainty.
- The fingers stretch and bend at the level of the joints thanks to the tendons, flexible strings that contract and stretch to move the bones to which they are anchored. Tendons are protected and lubricated by their own sheaths (tubes in which they can slide). If the sheath becomes inflamed (due to a repetitive movement or another pathology), its lumen (or diameter) is reduced and the tendon generates friction on its internal walls, sometimes even remaining stuck. When this happens, the person feels a snap, a crackle in the knuckle, or the finger may get stuck. All of these are typical trigger finger symptoms.
- Women, those over 40, individuals with diabetes, and those with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop this disorder. However, the people who most complain of trigger finger symptoms are those who perform repetitive movements to grab objects, such as carpenters, farmers, workers and musicians.
- It is vital to go to the doctor to get a formal diagnosis, because sometimes a fracture or dislocation is confused with trigger finger. The family doctor is able to assess the severity of the situation and establish the right treatments, as well as rule out other potentially dangerous infections that can develop at the site of the inflammation.
Step 2. Discuss the various solutions
Trigger finger treatments range from rest to surgery, depending on the severity of the situation. Typically, the first approach is to apply a splint, especially in milder cases.
- Studies indicate that using the splint for a period of about six months is nearly as effective as injecting cortisone into the joint, which is another method of treating the trigger finger.
- There are several models of splints and braces (you can find a description later in this article), which are used day and night or only at night. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the most suitable treatment for your case.
Step 3. Consult your doctor to make sure you can apply the splint yourself
Before you do the following, get your doctor's permission to use the splint. Self-treatment is never recommended without professional supervision.
- The instructions that you will be able to read in the next sections are also useful for a temporary splint bandage, in case of a finger injury and while waiting for medical treatment. Always avoid keeping this device on your own for a long time.
- Improper application of the splint causes joint damage, restricts blood supply, and could trigger skin infections.
Method 2 of 5: Provide Support with a Healthy Finger
Step 1. Know when to do this type of wrapping
It is often used in cases of snap toes when the ligament is stretched or the joint is dislocated. However, it is not suitable for fractures or unstable joints.
- This procedure involves joining two fingers with medical adhesive tape that is applied upstream and downstream of the affected knuckle.
- Note: Call your doctor before splinting a possible trigger finger or one with another condition for a long time.
Step 2. Prepare the materials you need
Here's what you'll need:
- Two tongue depressors or popsicle sticks. Any wooden stick that can provide some support is fine. You can find tongue depressors at the pharmacy; just make sure they are as long as your finger.
-
Medical or kinesiology tape. This allows you to attach the wooden stick to your fingers. The breathable one is easy to use and gentle on sensitive skin. If you want a product with great adhesive power, choose the surgical one.
If you do not have adhesive tape available, you can use strips of fabric about 10-12 cm long to fix the stick; however, kinesiology tape is generally preferred. Buy it at the pharmacy, take a canvas model and about 1, 5 cm wide
- Scissors to cut the ribbon.
Step 3. Determine which finger to use as a support to attach to the "sick" one
If the index finger is not broken or injured, do not use it. This is the most useful finger on your hand and you don't have to block its functionality unless you need to. If the trigger finger is the middle finger, join it with the ring finger.
You must ensure maximum mobility of the hand. If you can use your ring finger or little finger for support, do so. You will have less difficulty in your daily activities if your index and middle fingers are free to move
Step 4. Put the splint under the trigger finger
Make sure it supports it along its entire length. After placing a tongue depressor (or similar tool) under your finger, place the second on top of it. Basically, the finger is in a wooden "sandwich".
- You can also simply block the injured finger with the unaffected finger using only duct tape, but structural support makes the bandage stronger and more effective.
- Splint only the diseased finger: the support one must remain as it is.
Step 5. Get the medical tape
Cut two 10-inch segments using scissors. Below you can read the instructions for wrapping your finger:
- Wrap the first strip around the trigger finger, on the joint between the first and second knuckles.
- Bring the tape around your healthy finger and continue wrapping it relatively tightly until you have used up the entire strip.
- Repeat the same operation with the second piece of tape, but this time wrap it on the joint between the second and third knuckles and then around both fingers. If the affected finger is the little finger, you will need to bandage the tip with the point between the second and third knuckles of the ring finger.
Step 6. Check the blood circulation of both the support finger and trigger finger
Pinch the nail of each finger for about two seconds. If it returns to its normal pink color within a couple of seconds, circulation is good. At this point, you have finished the bandage.
If the nail takes more than two seconds to return to normal color, it means that the blood supply is insufficient due to the bandage being too tight. Take it off and reapply it to best solve this situation
Step 7. Wear the splint for 4-6 hours a day or as advised by your doctor
In some cases, the trigger finger takes only 2-3 weeks to heal. However, the average recovery time is slightly longer and depends on the severity and extent of the tendon inflammation.
- If you are lucky, your doctor will advise you to wear the splint only at night or when you rest; this is certainly the most comfortable solution.
- Regardless of whether you have to wear the splint all day or just for a few hours, try to use the affected hand (especially the finger) as little as possible; immobilization is essential for rapid recovery.
- When the stick or tape becomes dirty or loose, replace it with a new one.
- If your finger shows no signs of improvement at the end of this treatment, ask your doctor again for advice. He will evaluate the situation again and develop a different therapy.
Method 3 of 5: Using a Static Splint
Step 1. Know when to use a static splint
This model supports, protects and straightens the trigger finger thanks to its conformation; it is, in fact, a flat piece of plastic or metal that fits on the finger itself. It is used in trigger finger cases when the joint needs to be held in place, regardless of whether it is slightly bent or completely out of alignment. Since one of the main factors is the perfect adherence and fit of the splint on the finger, it is important to accurately measure both the length and the diameter of the injured one, before proceeding with the purchase.
- Static splints are available in pharmacies and non-prescription orthopedic shops. They are constructed of metal, plastic and foam rubber.
- Note: You should always consult your doctor before using a static splint for any purpose other than short-term protection. Your doctor will help you choose the right size, model and shape for your ailment, as well as giving you a range of professional advice.
Step 2. Put the splint on the trigger finger
Straighten it with the help of your other hand and slide the splint under it until it is in the correct position.
Make sure the splint fits snugly and that your finger is really straight. If it is bent slightly forward or backward, ulcers may form on the knuckles
Step 3. Cut two 25 cm long strips of medical tape
Wrap the first one tightly around the joint between the first and second knuckles until it is exhausted.
Repeat the same operation with the second strip, but this time wrap the phalanx that is between the second and third knuckle. Continue wrapping until you have finished the entire second piece of tape
Step 4. Check the blood circulation in the affected finger
Pinch the nail for about two seconds and then release it; if it returns to its normal pink color within a second or so, the blood supply is sufficient.
If it takes more than two seconds, then circulation is not good due to the bandage being too tight. Remove it and apply it again to solve the problem better
Step 5. Hold the splint for 4-6 weeks
This is the average time it takes for the trigger finger to heal. Some people regain finger function within a couple of weeks; however, this depends on the severity and extent of the inflammation of the tendons. Remember to change the duct tape twice a day or as needed.
- Depending on the condition of your finger and your doctor's advice, it may be sufficient to wear the splint only when you rest. This, of course, is the most comfortable solution, but applying the bandage throughout the day provides better protection and accelerates healing.
- When the medical tape and splint get dirty, replace them with new ones.
- If the disorder does not resolve within 4 to 6 weeks, see your doctor again for further evaluation and other treatment.
Method 4 of 5: Using a Stack Tutor
Step 1. Know when to use this type of splint
This is a special orthosis that is used to treat snap toes when the affected knuckle is closest to the nail (called the distal interphalangeal joint), or when you cannot straighten yourself.
- Stack braces are available in different sizes; they are designed to cover and adhere to the distal interphalangeal joint to prevent it from bending while still allowing mobility of the other knuckle (proximal interphalangeal joint).
- They are made of plastic material with holes for ventilation. You can buy them at a pharmacy or orthopedics store, where you can also try them on to find the correct size.
- Note: Regardless of the availability and relative convenience of these devices, you should always seek medical advice before using a Stack brace to treat trigger finger or other similar conditions (such as hammer toe).
Step 2. Put the orthosis on the finger
To do this, straighten your knuckle while supporting it with your other hand. Slowly slide the splint over your fingertip until it fits snugly.
Make sure the brace is fully snug and your finger straight. If this is bent slightly forward or backward, ulcers may form on the knuckles. If the model you purchased has adjustable straps, you can use them to secure the splint in place of the kinesiology tape
Step 3. Use medical tape if needed
Take a pair of scissors and cut two 10-inch strips of tape. Wrap it tightly around your finger and the splint behind the first knuckle.
Some models are equipped with adjustable straps, so it is not necessary to use medical tape
Step 4. Check the blood supply in the finger
Pinch the nail for a couple of seconds, this blocks the circulation and the nail turns white. Release the pressure and observe the nail: if it returns to its normal pink color within a second or two, the blood supply is normal and the splint is properly fixed.
If the blood takes more than two seconds to flush the nail again, the splint is too tight. The finger needs good circulation to heal; remove the orthosis and re-apply it by changing the tension of the straps or medical tape
Step 5. Wear the splint for 4-6 weeks
Unfortunately, the trigger finger takes quite a long time to recover. Mild ailments can heal in a couple of weeks; however, the main factors determining the duration of convalescence are the severity and extent of the tendon inflammation.
- Because it only blocks the fingertip, a Stack brace creates less discomfort than other braces. You can also wear it all day without major discomfort. Generally, this is the best way to heal properly, but you should always rely on your doctor's advice.
- It is vital that the joint remains immobile. To heal your trigger finger, avoid using it as much as possible.
- Replace and reposition the cue and duct tape when they get dirty, lose grip, or become too loose to be effective.
- See your doctor after 4-6 weeks (or sooner, as directed) if your toe hasn't healed. A second evaluation and other techniques may be needed to take care of the disorder.
Method 5 of 5: Understanding how the Dynamic Cue works
Step 1. Discuss dynamic splints with your doctor
These braces are the most complex of those available for trigger finger, because they are equipped with springs and must always be applied in a personalized way. This means that there is no universal model and must be verified by the doctor first. To splint your trigger finger with this kind of device, you need to go to the doctor.
- Unlike other orthoses, dynamic splints use tension to actively keep the joint straight and ensure the correct position of the affected finger. In practice, these are hand physiotherapy devices.
- Dynamic splints are worn only during rest and moments of inactivity, usually for a few hours at a time; allow muscles, ligaments and tendons to assume the right position and relax.
Step 2. Get customized and apply the splint
When your doctor recommends this treatment, they usually choose the correct model and size for your finger and apply it. Here's how it will proceed:
- You will be asked to straighten your trigger finger with the help of your other hand. In some cases, the joint must remain slightly bent, depending on the position to be corrected.
- Your doctor will insert the orthosis onto your finger until it fits snugly.
- Usually, subsequent evaluations are done to correct the position and alignment of the splint and finger. In addition, the heart rate is checked to make sure that blood circulation is optimal.
- The doctor will ask you to bend the affected finger. This should return to a straight position thanks to a series of springs connected to the dynamic splint.
Step 3. Make follow-up appointments
Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding when to use the splint. After the application is finished, make another appointment to check the trigger finger improvements.
