Which Splint Should I Buy?
Which Splint Should I Buy?
Choosing the right ring splint can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! This guide will help you understand the difference between splint types and conditions, so you can filter our catalog with confidence and find the splint that's right for you.
Important: We always recommend consulting an occupational therapist (OT) or hand specialist before purchasing a ring splint, especially if you have a complex diagnosis or multiple conditions. A trained professional can assess your specific anatomy and needs.
If you have questions about our products, feel free to contact us, we're happy to help point you in the right direction. You can book a 1:1 consultation with our Hand Specialist, Makai, for personalized guidance.
Types vs. Conditions: What's the Difference?
Every splint in our catalog has two key attributes:
- Type: The primary purpose and/or form factor of the splint. This is what the splint was designed to do. Use this to filter when you know the kind of support you need.
- Condition: A list of all conditions the splint can help with, including conditions it wasn't specifically designed for.
Example: The Dahlia is a mallet splint, designed for mallet finger. It can also provide some support for lateral deviation, so "Lateral Deviation" appears in its condition list. However, if you're primarily looking for a lateral deviation splint, you should filter by Type = Lateral Deviation. The Dahlia won't appear, because it wasn't designed for that purpose. If you have mallet finger and lateral deviation, the Dahlia may address both.
Rule of thumb: Filter by Type to find splints designed for your primary need. Use Condition to explore splints that may offer additional support.
Splint Types
Use the type filter to find splints by their primary design and form factor.
Full Finger
Encases the entire finger from tip to base. Provides comprehensive support and immobilization, often used for multiple joint involvement or significant instability.
Buddy
Connects two adjacent fingers together, using one finger to support and stabilize the other. Helpful for lateral instability or post-injury support.
MCP (Metacarpophalangeal)
Targets the knuckle joint at the base of the finger where the finger meets the hand. Used for instability, deviation, or pain at the MCP joint.
Thumb
Designed specifically for the thumb, supporting the IP (interphalangeal) or MCP joint of the thumb. Useful for hypermobility, arthritis, or instability at the thumb joints.
Toe
Adapted for use on the toes rather than fingers. Provides similar joint support for conditions affecting the feet.
Accessory
Supplementary items that complement ring splints, such as polishing cloths and sizing tools. Not a standalone splint.
Lateral Deviation
Specifically designed to prevent or correct sideways (lateral) drift of a finger joint. Ideal for fingers that bend or lean to one side.
Swan Neck
Designed to address swan neck deformity, where the middle joint hyperextends and the fingertip droops. Typically a figure-8 or ring design that blocks PIP hyperextension.
Mallet
Supports the DIP (distal interphalangeal) joint at the fingertip, preventing it from drooping. Designed for mallet finger, where the tendon at the fingertip is damaged or weakened.
Trigger Finger
Limits full flexion of the finger to prevent the catching or locking sensation associated with trigger finger. Keeps the finger in a functional, comfortable range of motion.
Crochet
A splint style designed to be worn during fine motor activities like crocheting or knitting. Provides joint support while allowing enough dexterity for craft work.
Conditions
The condition list shows all diagnoses or symptoms a splint may help with, including secondary benefits beyond its primary design. Use conditions to explore options if you have multiple overlapping needs.
Hyperextension
When a joint bends backward beyond its normal range. Ring splints for hyperextension block this movement, protecting the joint and reducing pain.
Flexion
Difficulty straightening a finger, or a finger that curls involuntarily. Splints addressing flexion help maintain or restore a more neutral finger position.
Lateral Deviation
Sideways drift or angulation of a finger joint. Can occur in one or multiple joints and is common in hypermobility conditions and arthritis.
Mallet Finger
A condition where the fingertip droops and cannot be straightened due to a tendon injury or weakness at the DIP joint. Often caused by trauma or connective tissue disorders.
Swan Neck Deformity
A pattern of joint deformity where the PIP joint hyperextends and the DIP joint flexes, creating a swan-neck appearance. Common in rheumatoid arthritis and hypermobile EDS.
Trigger Finger
A condition where the finger catches, clicks, or locks when bending, caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath. Splinting can reduce triggering by limiting the range of motion.
Hypermobile EDS (hEDS)
A heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility, instability, and chronic pain. Ring splints are a common conservative management tool for hEDS-related finger instability.
Boutonniere Deformity
The opposite of swan neck: the PIP joint flexes and the DIP joint hyperextends. Splinting can help hold the PIP joint in extension to allow healing and reduce deformity progression.
Subluxation
A partial dislocation of a joint, where the joint surfaces shift out of alignment but don't fully dislocate. Ring splints provide external stability to reduce subluxation events.
Arthritis
Inflammation and degeneration of joint cartilage, causing pain, swelling, and instability. Ring splints can offload stress on arthritic joints and improve function during daily activities.
Nodes & Calluses
Bony growths (nodes) or thickened skin (calluses) that develop around joints, often from arthritis or repetitive stress. Some splints are designed to accommodate or protect these areas.
Still Not Sure?
We strongly encourage you to work with an occupational therapist (OT) or hand specialist before purchasing. They can:
- Assess your specific joint involvement and range of motion
- Recommend the appropriate splint type for your diagnosis
- Help with sizing and fitting for maximum effectiveness
- Monitor your progress and adjust recommendations over time
If you have questions about our products, feel free to contact us, we're happy to help point you in the right direction. You can also book a 1:1 consultation for personalized guidance on choosing and fitting your splint.