How To Wear the Oval-8 Finger Splint for Your Condition

The Oval-8 Finger Splint is designed for immobilising and stabilising an injured or deformed finger joint. As it is such a versatile splint, it can be used to support a wide range of conditions affecting the finger joints, and as such you may be unsure about how best to wear your Oval-8 Splint for your condition. We've put together this short article to help with this, illustrating how to wear your Oval-8 Finger Splint for specific conditions.

Please note that the Oval-8 Finger Splint is suitable for a range of different ailments. If you are unsure about whether the Oval-8 Finger Splint is right for you, we recommend you consult your doctor or other medical professional first.

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Mallet Finger

Mallet finger is one of the most common finger injuries, and this can be treated with the Oval-8 Finger Splint. The Oval-8 can be worn on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, as pictured below, to  hold the joint in extension or slight hyperextension. 

Oval-8 for Mallet Finger

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Trigger Finger

When suffering from trigger finger, it's important to limit metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joint inflexion. The Oval-8 can be used for this by wearing the Oval-8 nearer the base of the finger to prevent the finger from being able to bend too far down towards the palm. Wearing the finger splint this way is also useful following injection.

Oval-8 for Trigger Finger

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Trigger Thumb

The Oval-8 Splint is also suitable for wearing on the thumb. This treats trigger thumb in the same way that trigger finger is treated, preventing the bending of the thumb at the MCP and IP joints.

Oval-8 for Trigger Thumb

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Swan Neck Deformity

If you suffer from swan neck/hyperextension deformity, it is recommended that the Oval-8 split is worn with the bar underneath your joint, and with your proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, often referred to as next to your second knuckle, comfortably in the opening of the finger splint. This stops PIP joint extension, while also improving your control over your DIP joint (next to the knuckle nearest the fingernail).

Oval-8 for Swan Neck Deformity

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Boutonniere Deformity

Boutonniere deformity refers to the condition when the tendons that straighten the middle joint of your finger become deformed. This prevents your finger from straightening, but with the Oval-8 Finger Splint you can ensure your finger remains held in a neutral extension. This is also a useful position as a retainer following dynamic splinting to solidify gains in range of motion.

Oval-8 for Boutonniere Deformity

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Lateral Deviated Fingers

Lateral deviation is where the joint begins to deviate sideways, and this can often be caused by an injury or arthritis. Wearing with Oval-8 against the deviating joint may help to prevent this from worsening, and pressure can be applied on the ulnar or radial side (i.e. on either side of the finger) to reduce this movement.

Oval-8 for Arthritis and Lateral Deviated Fingers

Oval-8 Finger Splint for Fractures

If you've suffered from a fracture, then wearing two Oval-8 splints on the one joint will stabilise the minor non-displaced fracture by holding it in place. It is advised that you wear a larger-sized splint on the underside of your finger, and interlock this with a smaller-sized splint on the top for effective immobilisation.

Oval-8 for Fractures

Sizing Your Oval-8 Finger Splint

The size of Oval-8 Finger Splint you require will depend on your individual joint measurements. Please see our article How To Measure Your Finger for the Oval-8 Finger Splint for full details about measuring your finger. You can also visit our sizing guide at the bottom of the Oval-8 Finger Splint page for a visual diagram of how to measure your finger ahead of purchasing your Oval-8 splint.

More Information About Your Oval-8 Splint

If you have any questions about wearing your Oval-8 Finger Splint, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated product team. who will be able to help you find the best way to wear your Oval-8 splint. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook, where we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.