If your finger is getting stuck in a bent position or if you hear a click or snap when you release your finger, you may be suffering from trigger finger.
Trigger finger is a condition where the sheath covering the flexor tendons of the thumb or finger becomes thickened or inflamed. Normally, your fingers should glide smoothly without any problems. However, the inflammation makes your tendons too swollen to adequately glide over the sheath. This can cause extreme pain and stiffness, making it difficult or impossible to bend the affected finger.
This article will cover how wearing a hand brace can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by trigger finger.
Does a Brace Help Trigger Finger?
Wearing a hand brace is one of the best at-home remedies for treating trigger finger. In fact, many studies have shown reduced triggering and pain with the use of a brace.
Braces immobilize the affected part by keeping the finger straight and preventing it from moving around. This ensures that the finger is extended for several weeks, making it easier for the tendons to heal. Braces also prevent you from sleeping with your fingers in a fist, which could worsen your condition.
How Do You Choose a Trigger Finger Brace?
Do you wish to buy a hand brace for your trigger finger? Here are some factors you should consider:
- Material: Opt for a material you are comfortable with because you will be wearing the brace for a few weeks. Plastic braces offer firmer support and prevent mobility more, but they are not as comfortable as cotton braces.
- Fingers the brace is designed for: Not all hand braces are created the same. Some braces only accommodate the middle three fingers, while others are designed to fit the pinky finger or thumb. Buy a product that is suitable for your specific condition and needs.
- Size: Buy a brace that best fits your finger size and hand. The fit should be firm, but without causing numbness or tingling.
- Price: Consider your budget before buying the product and check reviews from customers to ensure that you don’t waste your money.
How Long Should You Wear a Brace for Trigger Finger?
The recovery period when using a brace varies depending on the severity of the trigger finger. Your doctor may recommend wearing the brace at night, so your finger is in an extended position for an average of six weeks. In other cases, it may take only two or three weeks for trigger finger to heal.
These finger splints can be used on the index, middle, ring or pinky fingers.
Can be worn at night or during the day to provide pain relief post-injury or surgery.
What are the Care Instructions for Using a Hand Brace?
A hand brace helps to protect your fingers from further damage. Therefore, it is crucial to only remove the brace if your doctor says you should.
If your doctor allows you to remove your brace, make sure that the skin is completely dry before putting the brace back on. Avoid using lotions or oils near the brace. If the surrounding skin becomes sore, pad it with a soft material like moleskine.
If you aren’t allowed to remove your brace, you can blow cool air from a fan or hairdryer to reduce itching. Do not stick anything under your brace to scratch the affected area.
Many braces are adjustable. Your doctor will inform you when and how to adjust your brace. Do not miss any of your follow-up appointments just because you have a brace. Knowing your progress is an integral part of your treatment.
What Are Other Treatments You Can Do For Trigger Finger?
Fortunately, there are numerous methods to treat trigger finger, aside from wearing a hand brace. Some are more conservative than others, so you’ll need to address your condition with your doctor to find what remedy suits you best.
You can also perform hand exercises at home or visit a physical therapist to walk you through methods to improve your fingers mobility.
Additionally, you can choose to get steroid injections. This is the first type of treatment your doctor will most likely recommend when you visit them about your trigger finger. The affected finger or fingers are injected with steroids to reduce inflammation.
If these conservative options fail, a trigger finger surgery is recommended. The surgery releases the tendons and restores motion to your fingers.
Conclusion in Trigger Finger Brace
A wrist hand orthosis can be useful in the treatment of many conditions and injuries. If you’re considering using one for any of the conditions or injuries mentioned above, consult your physical therapist or doctor.
