How to splint a finger: matching the splint to the injury
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- Stack splint set in several sizes. Best for: A drooping fingertip, once a clinician has confirmed mallet finger. See options on Amazon
- Reusable buddy straps or loops. Best for: Jammed or mildly sprained fingers. See options on Amazon
- Padded aluminum finger splint. Best for: Short-term support you can shape to the finger. See options on Amazon
- Finger splint with a soft wrap closure. Best for: Holding a sore finger straight for a short period. See options on Amazon
Match the splint to the injury
| Injury | Splint often used | Typical wear time from sources |
|---|---|---|
| Mallet finger: fingertip droops and will not straighten | A fingertip splint that holds the end joint straight; AAOS says several types are used | Full time for 6 to 8 weeks, then weaning over about 3 to 4 weeks (AAOS) |
| Jammed or sprained finger | Buddy taping to the next finger, or a small splint for a short time | Most jammed fingers recover within one to two weeks; severe sprains take at least three to six weeks (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Broken finger | Splint or cast chosen by a clinician; sometimes the next finger is splinted too | About 3 weeks in a splint (AAOS); a break usually mends within 6 to 8 weeks (NHS) |
| Trigger finger | Night splint that keeps the finger straight | See our trigger finger splint guide |
The main splint types
Cleveland Clinic describes these finger splint types:
- Stack splint: fits over the fingertip, covering the tip, palm side and sides.
- Gutter splint: a stiff U-shaped or half-circle piece under and around the finger.
- Ulnar gutter splint: starts at the forearm and wraps the ring and pinky fingers. See our pinky finger splint page.
- Two-finger (buddy) splint: the injured finger is held to its neighbor with tape, a bandage, or a small metal or plastic piece.
- Dynamic splint: has a spring or hinge that allows supported movement, helpful when your provider recommends stretches or movements as part of recovery.
Cleveland Clinic says splints are usually metal or plastic with foam or fabric padding. For foam-lined aluminum splints that are cut and bent to shape, see our metal finger splint guide.
When to get care before you splint
The NHS says to go to A&E (the emergency department) if the finger is pointing at an odd angle, looks blue or feels numb, or has an open wound with bone showing. Do not drive yourself. While you wait to be seen, the NHS suggests keeping the finger still by taping it to the finger next to it.
For a drooping fingertip, AAOS advises seeing a hand surgeon as soon as possible, ideally within a week of the injury, and getting immediate care if there is blood under the nail or the nail has come off. Cleveland Clinic says broken fingers need immediate treatment, and to see a provider if a jammed finger gets worse 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
Wearing a finger splint well
- Wear it as long as you are told. Cleveland Clinic says taking a splint off too often can cause reinjury or slow recovery.
- Mallet finger is strict. AAOS says the fingertip must stay straight whenever the splint is off for cleaning. If it droops, AAOS says healing is disrupted and you will need to wear the splint for longer.
- Ease swelling. The NHS suggests keeping the hand raised and using an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and taking rings off the injured hand.
- Adjust as swelling changes. Cleveland Clinic notes many splints use hook-and-loop straps, fabric straps, or tape, so the fit can be adjusted as needed.
Warning signs while wearing a splint
Cleveland Clinic lists these reasons to contact your provider: severe pain, swelling that is getting worse, discoloration or bruising, and numbness or changes in feeling in the finger. Loosen tape or straps first, then call. The NHS notes it can take 3 to 4 months for full hand strength to return after a broken finger, so some weakness after the splint comes off is expected.
What to look for when you buy
Stack splint set in several sizes
Best for: A drooping fingertip, once a clinician has confirmed mallet finger
A stack splint covers the fingertip and holds the end joint straight, the position AAOS says must be kept full time for 6 to 8 weeks.
Watch out: Fit is critical. Too loose lets the tip droop; too tight can mark the skin.
See options on AmazonReusable buddy straps or loops
Best for: Jammed or mildly sprained fingers
Buddy taping uses the neighboring finger as a support, which Cleveland Clinic says increases stability. Straps are easier to reapply than tape.
Watch out: Not for a suspected break until it has been checked.
See options on AmazonPadded aluminum finger splint
Best for: Short-term support you can shape to the finger
Cleveland Clinic says splints are made of a rigid material like metal or plastic with foam or padded fabric. Foam-lined aluminum is a metal version that can be shaped to hold a finger in a set position.
Watch out: Cut edges are sharp; cover them with tape.
See options on AmazonFinger splint with a soft wrap closure
Best for: Holding a sore finger straight for a short period
Cleveland Clinic says a plastic splint or finger brace can keep a jammed finger straight for a short time while it recovers.
Watch out: Check the closure does not pinch circulation as swelling changes.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How long should I keep a finger splint on?
- It depends on the injury. AAOS says about 3 weeks for many finger fractures and 6 to 8 weeks of full-time wear for mallet finger. Cleveland Clinic says splints are usually worn a few weeks, sometimes a month or longer.
- Can I splint a finger myself?
- You can buddy tape a finger to steady it while you wait to be seen, as the NHS suggests. A finger that is bent, numb, blue, or open needs urgent care first.
- Is buddy taping as good as a splint?
- For a jammed finger it is often what a provider uses. For mallet finger or many fractures, a splint that holds a specific joint is needed.
- How do I know if my finger is broken or jammed?
- Cleveland Clinic says bruising, severe pain, inability to move the finger, and a deformed shape point to a fracture. An X-ray can help tell a sprain from a fracture.
- Can I take my finger splint off to shower?
- Only if your provider says it is safe, per Cleveland Clinic. For mallet finger, AAOS says the tip must stay straight even while the splint is off.
Sources
- Finger Splint: Types, Uses & Choosing the Right One (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Mallet Finger (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Finger Fractures (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Jammed Finger: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Broken finger or thumb (nhs.uk), NHS