Splint for a pinky finger: what works for the smallest finger
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- Buddy loops sized for the ring and pinky fingers. Best for: A jammed or sprained pinky. See options on Amazon
- Small-size finger splint for the pinky. Best for: Holding one pinky joint straight after a clinician has checked it. See options on Amazon
- Small padded aluminum finger splint. Best for: A first aid kit, to steady a pinky on the way to care. See options on Amazon
Finger or hand bone? Why it matters for the pinky
Pinky injuries fall into two groups, and they are splinted differently:
- Injuries in the finger itself, such as a jammed joint or a break in one of the small finger bones.
- A break in the hand bone that leads to the pinky, called a boxer's fracture. Cleveland Clinic describes it as a break in the neck of the fifth metacarpal, the bone connecting the pinky to the wrist. AAOS OrthoInfo says fifth metacarpal fractures account for about one-third of all hand fractures in adults.
Cleveland Clinic lists signs of a boxer's fracture: pain and swelling, tenderness and bruising, difficulty using the hand, and the pinky crossing over or behind the ring finger when you try to bend it. That last sign, a rotated finger, needs a clinician, not a store splint.
Pinky splint options compared
| Option | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buddy taping to the ring finger | Jammed or sprained pinky; short-term support while waiting to be seen | Cleveland Clinic says providers tape a sprained finger to its neighbor to increase stability |
| Small finger splint | Holding one pinky joint straight | Needs a pinky-sized splint; adult sizes often slip |
| Ulnar gutter splint | A break in the hand bone below the ring or pinky finger, such as a boxer's fracture | Merck Manual describes it for fractures of the 4th or 5th metacarpal. Cleveland Clinic describes it as starting at the forearm, covering the wrist and wrapping the ring and pinky fingers. A clinician fits it |
AAOS notes that a doctor may also splint the fingers next to a fractured one for extra support. For the other splint types, see our finger splint guide; for shaping aluminum splints, see metal finger splint.
Buddy taping the pinky well
- Take rings off the hand first. The NHS advises removing rings from the injured hand.
- Ask the clinician who checks the finger to show you where the tape or loops go and whether to put padding between the fingers. Reapply them the same way each time.
- Check the pinky after taping. Cleveland Clinic lists discoloration, numbness, changes in feeling, and worsening swelling as reasons to contact your provider.
- Replace tape that gets damp or loose, keeping the fingers in the same position.
The NHS suggests taping the injured finger to the one next to it to keep it still while you wait to see a doctor.
How long recovery takes
- Jammed pinky: A mild jam usually settles in one to two weeks, while a severe sprain needs three to six weeks or more, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Broken finger bone: AAOS says a splint on a fractured finger is usually worn for about 3 weeks. Per the NHS, most finger breaks take 6 to 8 weeks to mend.
- Boxer's fracture: Cleveland Clinic says immobilization usually lasts three to six weeks, the bone regains full strength in about six weeks, and most people can resume physical activity after eight weeks, after checking with their provider.
When to get urgent care
Go straight to the emergency department, the NHS says, when a finger sits at an odd angle, turns blue, goes numb, or has bone visible through a wound. Cleveland Clinic advises seeing a provider as soon as possible if you think you have a boxer's fracture, and going to the emergency room for intense pain, a hand that looks changed, or being unable to move the hand or fingers normally. A jammed pinky that is worse a day or two (24 to 48 hours) after the injury also needs a provider, per Cleveland Clinic.
What to look for when you buy
Buddy loops sized for the ring and pinky fingers
Best for: A jammed or sprained pinky
The ring finger acts as the splint. Cleveland Clinic says providers tape a sprained finger to its neighbor to increase stability, and loops are easier to reapply than tape.
Watch out: Too loose and the pinky drifts; too tight and the tip goes pale. Check color after fitting.
See options on AmazonSmall-size finger splint for the pinky
Best for: Holding one pinky joint straight after a clinician has checked it
A splint sized for the smallest finger stays in place better than an adult index-finger size and holds a single joint.
Watch out: Measure first. Many sets size by finger and a too-large splint slips.
See options on AmazonSmall padded aluminum finger splint
Best for: A first aid kit, to steady a pinky on the way to care
Foam-lined aluminum can be cut short and shaped to a small finger, then taped in place.
Watch out: Not a fix for a rotated pinky or a suspected boxer's fracture; those need an exam.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can you buddy tape a broken pinky?
- The NHS suggests taping an injured finger to the next one to keep it still while you wait to see a doctor. Whether that is the full treatment depends on the break, which needs an X-ray.
- Should I tape my pinky to my ring finger?
- For a jammed or sprained pinky, yes, that is the usual buddy pairing. Ask your clinician to show you how to place the tape.
- What is a boxer's fracture?
- Cleveland Clinic describes it as a break in the neck of the fifth metacarpal, the hand bone that connects the pinky to the wrist. Cleveland Clinic says most people need it immobilized for three to six weeks.
- How do I know if my pinky is broken?
- A fracture is more likely with bruising, severe pain, a finger you cannot move, or a misshapen finger, according to Cleveland Clinic. A pinky that crosses over the ring finger when you bend it also needs an exam.
- How long does a jammed pinky take to recover?
- Usually one to two weeks for a mild jam. Cleveland Clinic says a severe sprain takes at least three to six weeks.
Sources
- Boxer's Fracture: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Finger Fractures (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Finger Splint: Types, Uses & Choosing the Right One (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Jammed Finger: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Broken finger or thumb (nhs.uk), NHS
- Metacarpal Neck Fractures (merckmanuals.com), Merck Manual Professional Edition