If you’ve ever experienced your finger locking, catching, or snapping when you bend it, you may have a condition called trigger finger.
A recent study featuring Dr. David Kirschenbaum looked at a simple, non-surgical treatment option: splinting—and the results may surprise you.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that helps bend your finger becomes irritated and swollen. This makes it harder for the tendon to glide smoothly, leading to:
- Pain in the finger or palm
- A clicking or snapping sensation
- The finger getting “stuck” in a bent position
It’s a common condition, affecting about 2–3% of the population.
How does splinting help?
Splinting works by keeping the affected finger still, which allows the irritated tendon to rest and heal.
Instead of using injections or surgery, a splint can be worn for several weeks to reduce inflammation and improve movement.
What the research found
This study reviewed multiple clinical trials and found that splinting is highly effective in the short term:
- Success rates were reported as high as 97% in some studies
- Most patients had less pain and improved finger movement
- Many avoided injections or surgery altogether
In fact, splinting performed about as well as steroid injections, but without risks like infection or skin changes.
Does the type of splint matter?
Yes. The study compared different types of splints and found that one stood out:
- PIP joint splints (which limit movement in the middle joint of the finger)
- Provided better pain relief
- Improved function more effectively
- Were more comfortable and easier to wear
Because they are smaller and less noticeable, patients were more likely to wear them consistently, which improved results.
Why consistency is key
One of the biggest takeaways is that wearing the splint regularly makes a big difference:
- Best results came when splints were worn most of the day (or even 24 hours)
- Typical treatment lasted 6 to 10 weeks
- Patients who wore their splints longer had better outcomes
When is splinting a good option?
Splinting may be a great first step if you:
- Want to avoid injections or surgery
- Have mild to moderate symptoms
- Can commit to wearing the splint consistently
If symptoms don’t improve, other treatments like injections or minor surgery may still be considered.
What this means for patients
The good news is that trigger finger often can be treated without surgery.
This research supports using splints as a safe, effective, and non-invasive first-line treatment—especially for patients who prefer a more conservative approach.
Dr. Kirschenbaum’s Contribution
Dr. Kirschenbaum contributed to this research to better understand how non-surgical treatments like splinting can help patients recover while avoiding more invasive procedures.
Read the Full Article
Efficacy of Splinting in Managing Adult Trigger Finger: A Systematic Review of Short-Term Outcomes