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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best for a boxer’s fracture: Soles Neoprene Boxer Break Metacarpal Splint
- Best for a sprained finger: Copper Compression Finger Splint
- Best for mallet finger: Neo G Easy-Fit Finger Splint
- Best for trigger finger: Dr. Frederick’s Trigger Finger Splint
- Best waterproof finger splint: 3-Point Oval-8 Finger Splints Graduated Set
- Best for the thumb: Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer
- Best for kids: BodyMoves 5 Finger Splints
- Best for osteoarthritis: Dr. Arthritis Finger Splint
When you have an aching or injured finger, you’re usually advised to keep it still while it heals. But in the real world, life doesn’t stop for a sprained, jammed, or broken finger. Luckily, finger splints and finger braces are an inexpensive way to stabilize and support injured joints.
We looked at what products are available to effectively stabilize your fingers.
We chose splints for this guide based on the following criteria:
- Does it work? We evaluated clinical trials and hundreds of customer reviews to make sure that these splints are appropriate for what they claim to do.
- What is it made of? Some splints are only intended to be used for a couple of days or weeks, while others are meant to be more durable. We aimed to highlight splints that are made to last.
- Do healthcare professionals support it? We considered what occupational therapists, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and surgeons had to say about various types of splints and splinting regimens.
Pricing guide
Finger splints are relatively inexpensive, ranging from around $7 to upwards of $30 for the priciest ones.
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
Best for a boxer’s fracture
Soles Neoprene Boxer Break Metacarpal Splint
- Price: $$
- Material: neoprene
- Size: one size, adjustable
A boxer’s fracture can happen when you hit a hard object with a closed fist. This can cause a fracture at the base of your finger, typically your pinky or ring finger. Splinting this type of injury may help you avoid getting a cast or surgery.
This splint is designed to keep your pinky and ring finger still, while your thumb and forefingers can move freely. It’s made of soft neoprene, so it cushions while it stabilizes, and it’s adjustable with two straps. This particular brace is reversible, so you can use it on either your left or right hand.
Some reviewers with smaller hands say that this brace is too long, and there is no way to adjust its height. Since it only comes in one size, make sure you read the product reviews carefully when deciding if it will fit you.
Pros
- Medical-grade neoprene is soft and breathable.
- Its effectiveness at immobilizing enabled some reviewers to avoid getting a real cast.
Cons
- It only comes in one size, which might be too big for some hands.
Best for a sprained finger
Copper Compression Finger Splint
- Price: $$$
- Material: copper-infused nylon
- Size: one size (adjustable)
This copper-infused nylon splint is geared toward helping sports injuries, like jams and sprains, to heal. The compression strap fits around your wrist. You can adjust the splint to your finger’s width, even on your pinky finger.
Reviewers say it’s super durable, it can be reused repeatedly, and it’s soft enough to wear all day during your regular activities.
This might not be the best brace to wear overnight for arthritis or trigger finger relief, as the strap can easily loosen while you’re sleeping.
If later on the Velcro stops working, you can use double-sided Velcro tape to extend the life of the product.
Pros
- Copper infusion makes the material antimicrobial, which can protect against infection
- Full refund guarantee if it doesn’t work to stabilize your finger while you heal
Cons
- Velcro sometimes stops working before reviewers would like it to
- Not the best for overnight wear
Best for mallet finger
Neo G Easy-Fit Finger Splint
- Price: $
- Material: aluminum and neoprene
- Size: small, medium, large, extra-large
Mallet finger, also called baseball finger, involves the tip of your finger or thumb becoming injured. It can typically be treated without surgery. A splint to correct mallet finger needs to reach to the very top of your fingertip to completely stabilize the affected joint.
You can slip this splint onto your finger, where it holds at the base. Comfortable padding stabilizes up to the fingertip.
It’s important that the length of this splint matches the finger where you intend to use it. This splint is available in small, medium, large, or extra-large. You can use the measurement chart to help find your fit.
Pros
- It’s considered an affordable pick compared with other splint options.
- It molds comfortably to your finger, which makes it more comfortable than some stiffer splints.
Cons
- After molding it to one finger and using it for a few days, it’s unlikely you can keep reusing it for other injuries on other fingers.
- You’ll probably need to use some sort of adhesive to keep it securely on your finger.
Best for trigger finger
Dr. Frederick’s Trigger Finger Splint
- Price: $$
- Material: adjustable velcro straps made of durable materials; designed to last for at least a few months
- Size: one size, adjustable
When you have trigger finger, the affected tendons become too inflamed for you to bend your finger at the joint. Splints can help keep your fingers stable while the inflammation goes down. This set of two-finger splints is designed to be adjusted for your ring finger, index finger, or middle finger.
Reviewers are particularly impressed with the design because it does not have any sharp edges, making it more comfortable to sleep with than competing splints. This splint is also made of durable materials and is meant to last a few months or more.
Even though its Velcro straps are completely adjustable, the splint might not fit as snugly as you’d like if your hands get sweaty. Consider using a piece of adhesive tape, such as medical tape, underneath the splint to make it stay on without slipping.
Pros
- It’s great for long-term use as well as wearing through the night.
- It comes in a pack of two, with a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for you.
Cons
- Due to the thick padding, it might feel hot and uncomfortable if your hands tend to get sweaty.
Best waterproof finger splint
3-Point Oval-8 Finger Splints Graduated Set
- Price: $$$
- Material: plastic
- Size: small, medium, and large, which are all included in one set
This lightweight set of splints comes with three sizes. You can wear them in different ways, so you can play around with what works best for you. They’re waterproof and do not require any straps or adjustment. You can keep them on in the shower and even wash dishes while wearing them.
These splints probably won’t provide enough firm support if you’re healing from a fracture or sprain. Trigger thumb or mallet finger are the conditions these splints are most recommended for.
Pros
- It can provide support while you’re in the shower or doing light housework.
- Different sizing options and flexible plastic provide lots of different options for wear.
Cons
- It’s not firm enough to use for a fracture or a sprain.
- Some reviewers say that the hard plastic slips off too often for the splint to be useful.
Best for the thumb
Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer
- Price: $$
- Material: nylon/polyester
- Size: one size, adjustable
This brace is specifically designed for your thumb. You can use this highly rated thumb brace on both your left and right hand, and it’s adjustable so it will fit most hands. You can wear it while you’re sleeping to help reduce arthritis-related inflammation of your thumb joint.
This splint is made with a high percentage of nylon, so it may become itchy or uncomfortable over time. The brace itself has antimicrobial protection, which keeps away bacteria, fungi, and other germs. But that doesn’t mean that it can keep your skin dry or keep the area free from irritation or infection.
Pros
- Reviewers recommend it for carpal tunnel and arthritis to keep the tendons in your thumb stabilized.
- Three adjustable straps make it a firm fit for almost anyone.
Cons
- It’s not firm enough for every type of injury to your thumb and the surrounding tendons.
- It can get sweaty and degrade quickly due to the high percentage of nylon in the material.
Best for kids
BodyMoves 5 Finger Splints
- Price: $$
- Material: nylon and neoprene
- Size: includes two sizes — finger + pinkie
Kids who get jammed fingers or overuse injuries may benefit from splinting, but it can be tricky to find a splint that will stay put on smaller hands. This set of finger splints from BodyMoves comes with five colorful splints, each with two fully adjustable Velcro straps. As a bonus, this set comes with a pinky-size splint that can fit on even the littlest fingers.
The full-size splints in the pack may be too long for some kids’ fingers.
Pros
- Reviewers give these splints high marks for comfort and efficiency for little kids who have jammed a finger.
- They’re reusable if you need them to be.
- Bright colors can boost kids’ mood even as they recover from an injury.
Cons
- They may not be short enough for some kids’ fingers, and there’s no way to adjust the length.
- If your child has an injury like a fracture or break, you should speak with their doctor before using a splint as the treatment.
Best for osteoarthritis
Dr. Arthritis Finger Splint
- Price: $
- Material: nylon, spandex, and copper
- Size: S/M or L/XL
This padded finger splint can be used on any of your fingers and offers gentle compression as well as stability. It’s meant to treat pain from trigger finger, osteoarthritis, and other tendon-related conditions. You can adjust the Velcro straps to make the splint more comfortable, which is a big plus when you’re trying to sleep with a splint on. It also comes with a short handbook with tips for using the product.
This splint comes in two sizes, but many reviewers say that it runs larger. Since you need the splint to fit snugly, take a close look at product reviews before you purchase to make sure that it will fit.
Pros
- The copper infusion helps keep microbes to a minimum and cools your finger while you sleep.
- It can be used daily for pain relief from chronic conditions.
Cons
- It runs a bit big, so even the smaller size might not fit your finger snugly.
| Name | Price | Best for | Material | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soles Neoprene Boxer Break Metacarpal Splint | $$ | boxer’s fracture | neoprene | one size; adjustable |
| Copper Compression Finger Splint | $$$ | sprained finger | copper-infused nylon | one size; adjustable |
| Neo G Easy-Fit Finger Splint | $ | mallet finger | aluminum and neoprene | S, M, L, XL |
| Dr. Fredrick’s Trigger Finger Splint | $$ | trigger finger | adjustable velcro straps made of durable materials | one size; adjustable |
| 3-Point Oval-8 Finger Splint Graduated Set | $$$ | waterproof | plastic | one set; S, M, L |
| Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer | $$ | thumb | nylon/polyester | one size; adjustable |
| BodyMoves 5 Finger Splint | $$ | kids | nylon and neoprene | includes 2 sizes–finger and pinkie |
| Dr. Arthritis Finger Splint | $ | osteoarthritis | nylon, spandex, and copper | S/M or L/XL |
Splinting is an effective and low-risk treatment for injuries related to the tendons in your finger. Think of finger splints as temporary casts for your finger. They’re more flexible than a cast and easy to put on and take off for everyday use.
A
- trigger finger
- jammed or injured fingers
- rheumatoid arthritis
- recovering from surgery on the tendons in your finger
When you’re looking for a splint, consider:
- Purpose. What health condition are you using this splint to treat? If it’s a chronic condition, you may need something that will be longer-lasting. If you plan to use the splint to treat a specific short-term injury, you can shop according to that.
- Materials. Some splints are made of materials that won’t hold up after weeks of repeated use. Common complaints with over-the-counter splints are that they fall apart or leave aluminum or wires exposed. Other splints have Velcro straps that lose their “stickiness” quickly. Most can’t be washed, or at the very least need to hang dry.
- Fit. Not every splint is designed to fit every finger. If you’re shopping online, read product descriptions carefully, and if you’re able to see the product in person before buying, take a look.
Splints are readily available over the counter at most pharmacies and department stores. If you’re able to visit a location in person, you can take a closer look at a splint that you’re considering. This will probably give you a better idea of if the materials are durable or not. If you have a physical therapist or orthopedist, consider asking them for recommendations.
Sometimes you can treat and diagnose a jammed finger on your own. If you suspect your finger is fractured, or if it is so swollen that you cannot straighten it, it’s time to consider seeing a professional.
See a healthcare professional for advice about finger splinting if you have:
- difficulty moving or bending your finger
- swelling that does not subside with rest and ice
- shooting pain in your finger that persists for hours
- a finger that you can’t move or that feels numb
- an injury that you suspect has broken or fractured your finger
- recurrent pain in your hands and fingers due to arthritis, carpal tunnel, or another condition
A finger splint may not work to correct a fracture, inflamed tendon, or manage osteoarthritis. If you’ve tried a splint and haven’t felt any difference in your pain level or range of motion, it may be time to consider another treatment option:
- Cortisone shots are sometimes used to treat tendinitis. These shots may not permanently resolve symptoms, but they can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Physical therapy can be effective to help you extend your range of motion, especially if your symptoms are caused by scar tissue or an old injury.
- Sometimes a splint won’t provide enough support for a fractured bone. In these cases, your doctor may recommend a finger cast for a short length of time.
- Surgery can become necessary to correct a broken or injured finger joint.
- Of course, resting your finger joints, if you’re able, is an ideal way to treat inflammation that can lead to other problems.
How long should you wear a finger splint?
It depends on why you are wearing the splint. If your doctor recommends a splint for healing from a sprain or fracture, you should follow their advice and not take the splint off before then. If you have recurring pain from a chronic condition, such as arthritis, you can use a splint for as long as you like to stabilize your joints and reduce pain. Just keep in mind that a splint is not a replacement for doctor-prescribed medication or physical therapy.
Can a splint work for a broken finger?
A splint can sometimes work to support a fractured bone in your finger while it heals. However, a medical professional needs to address fractures.
Your doctor may need to order an X-ray to confirm a hairline fracture and to see if other treatment options are necessary. With your doctor’s approval, you may be able to choose a splint from this list, or you may be advised to pick up a splint from a medical supply store that will offer the support that you need to heal properly.
How do you avoid needing a splint?
It’s not always possible to avoid needing a splint, especially if you’re using one to treat recurring pain from a chronic condition.
Following first-aid practices can help with finger injuries. If you jam a finger, you can treat it right away with ice and rest to see if the pain subsides. Don’t resume activities if you continue to have shooting pain in your finger, as it can be a signal that you need a doctor to assess the injury and prescribe the proper treatment.
After you purchase your splint, make sure that you’re following care instructions to keep it clean and hygienic. Even the most durable materials can become deposits of sweat and bacteria over time. Always wash and dry your hands before and after using your splint.
While you’re splinting, keep practicing any recommended strength and dexterity exercises. If possible, speak with a doctor or physical therapist about additional steps you can take to keep your hands healthy while you are splinting.
Kathryn Watson is a freelance writer covering everything from sleep hygiene to moral philosophy. Her recent bylines include Healthline, Christianity Today, LitHub, and Curbed. She lives in New York City with her husband and two children, and her website is kathrynswatson.com.