Splinting Thumb or Finger
Finger Sprains
How is a finger sprain treated? Finger sprains are often splinted or buddy taped for a short period of time. So long as there was no fracture or dislocation, most finger sprains should be allowed to move within about a week.
Splinting the sprained finger during sports can help protect the injury, but unnecessarily splinting the finger cause cause it to stiffen up.
Other treatments for sprained fingers
Other treatments for a finger sprain include:
- Ice the injured finger
- Elevate if there is swelling
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication
- Gently move the finger to prevent stiffening
Thumb Sprains and Splinting
Thumb sprains may require a longer period of immobilization, especially if there is concern that a ligament was torn. One injury in particular, often referred to as “Gamekeeper’s thumb,” requires immobilization, and occasionally surgery. This particular injury is important because chronically injured ligaments at this joint affect our ability to pinch.
