Does finger splinting help trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)?

From the Guidelines

Finger splinting is a recommended treatment for trigger finger, as it can help reduce symptoms and prevent the finger from locking in a bent position. The goal of splinting is to immobilize the affected digit, allowing the inflamed tendon and tendon sheath to rest and heal. For mild to moderate cases, splinting the finger in a straight position, especially at night for 6-8 weeks, may reduce symptoms and prevent the finger from locking in a bent position during sleep 1. Some key points to consider when using finger splinting for trigger finger include:

• The most effective splints immobilize the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint while leaving the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint free.
• Custom-made or pre-fabricated aluminum and foam splints are commonly used.
• Splinting works by preventing the repetitive movement of the tendon through the narrowed sheath, reducing inflammation and allowing healing.
• However, splinting is generally considered a temporary measure and may not provide permanent relief for moderate to severe cases.
• For persistent symptoms, additional treatments such as corticosteroid injections or surgery might be necessary.
• Splinting is most effective when combined with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and modification of activities that aggravate the condition. It's worth noting that the evidence for finger splinting in trigger finger is not as strong as it is for other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery, but it can still be a useful adjunctive treatment 1.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Finger Splinting for Trigger Finger

• Finger splinting is a conservative treatment option for trigger finger, which is a condition characterized by the sudden release or locking of a finger during flexion or extension 2.
• The use of finger splinting, along with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections, has been studied in various research papers to determine its effectiveness in managing trigger finger 3, 4.
• A randomized controlled trial found that adding a static metacarpophalangeal joint splint to corticosteroid injection resulted in more reductions in pain and symptom severity, and a larger decrease in the stages of tenosynovitis, compared to corticosteroid injection alone 5.
• The study suggests that wearing a static metacarpophalangeal joint splint for 3 months following a single injection of corticosteroid can increase and stabilize the benefits of the treatment for trigger finger 5.

Comparison with Other Treatments

• Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for trigger finger, and research has shown that they can be effective in reducing pain and improving functional status 3, 6.
• However, the optimal dosage of corticosteroid injection is still unclear, and further research is needed to determine the most effective dosage 6.
• Finger splinting may be used in conjunction with corticosteroid injections to enhance the effectiveness of treatment, as suggested by the study that found improved outcomes with the combination of splinting and injection 5.

Key Findings

• Finger splinting can be an effective treatment for trigger finger, particularly when used in combination with corticosteroid injections 5.
• The use of a static metacarpophalangeal joint splint for 3 months can increase and stabilize the benefits of corticosteroid injection 5.
• Further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment protocol for trigger finger, including the use of finger splinting and corticosteroid injections 2, 6.