Ring Splints: Support, Stability, and Pain Relief for Finger Joints

How do ring splints help?

Ring splints are specialized orthopedic devices designed to provide external support and stabilization to the joints of the fingers and thumb, primarily by preventing excessive movement such as hyperextension or deviation, thereby reducing pain, improving function, and preventing further deformity.

Understanding Finger Joint Mechanics

To fully grasp how ring splints work, it's essential to understand the intricate mechanics of the finger joints. Each finger has three main joints:

• Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint: Connects the hand bones (metacarpals) to the first finger bones (proximal phalanges).
• Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint: The middle joint of the finger.
• Distal Interphalangeal (DIP) joint: The joint closest to the fingertip.

These joints, along with their surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles, allow for a wide range of motion necessary for daily activities. However, conditions that affect joint integrity can lead to instability, pain, and progressive deformities.

Mechanism of Action: How Ring Splints Provide Support

Ring splints are engineered to interact with the biomechanics of the finger joints to provide targeted support. Their primary mechanisms of action include:

• Preventing Hyperextension: Many conditions cause ligaments to loosen, leading to the joint bending backward beyond its normal range of motion (hyperextension). Ring splints, particularly those with a "figure-of-eight" design, encircle the joint on both sides, creating a physical barrier that limits this backward movement while still allowing full flexion. This is crucial for maintaining joint stability during gripping and fine motor tasks.
• Stabilizing Lateral Deviation: In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, joint destruction can lead to the fingers drifting sideways, commonly known as ulnar deviation. Certain ring splint designs can provide gentle counter-pressure to resist this lateral drift, helping to maintain proper alignment and reduce stress on the joint.
• Supporting Weakened or Deformed Joints: When joint cartilage is worn away or ligaments are compromised, the joint can become unstable and prone to collapse or deformation. Ring splints act as an external skeleton, providing structural support to the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues, thereby reducing the load on damaged structures.
• Distributing Pressure Evenly: Unlike traditional splints that might immobilize a large area or apply pressure unevenly, well-fitted ring splints distribute pressure around the circumference of the joint. This minimizes localized irritation and allows for greater comfort and compliance.
• Enhancing Proprioception: By providing constant tactile feedback around the joint, ring splints can improve the body's awareness of joint position (proprioception). This can help individuals unconsciously adjust their movements to protect the joint, further reducing strain.

Common Conditions Benefiting from Ring Splints

Ring splints are highly effective for a range of conditions characterized by joint instability, pain, or deformity in the fingers and thumb:

• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis): These inflammatory and degenerative conditions can lead to joint pain, swelling, instability, and deformities such as Swan Neck or Boutonnière deformities. Ring splints stabilize affected joints, reduce pain, and prevent progression of deformities.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Other Hypermobility Disorders: Individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders often have overly flexible joints due to connective tissue laxity. Ring splints prevent painful hyperextension and dislocation, allowing for improved function and reduced pain during daily activities.
• Swan Neck Deformity: This common deformity, often seen in rheumatoid arthritis, involves hyperextension of the PIP joint and flexion of the DIP joint. Ring splints are specifically designed to block PIP hyperextension, correcting the deformity and improving finger function.
• Boutonnière Deformity: Characterized by flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint, this deformity is also often associated with arthritis or trauma. Splints can support the PIP joint in extension while allowing DIP flexion, aiding in recovery and preventing progression.
• Mallet Finger (Chronic Cases): While acute mallet finger is typically managed with a dorsal splint to maintain DIP extension, ring splints can be used in chronic cases or as a transitional support to prevent recurrence of DIP flexion.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb: In some cases, splints can be used to limit full finger flexion and reduce irritation of the tendon sheath, although this is less common for ring splints and more for specific immobilization splints.

Benefits of Using Ring Splints

The application of ring splints offers several significant advantages for individuals experiencing hand and finger joint issues:

• Pain Reduction: By stabilizing the joint and preventing painful motions like hyperextension, splints significantly reduce discomfort during movement and at rest.
• Improved Function and Grip Strength: With enhanced stability and reduced pain, individuals can perform daily tasks, grasp objects, and engage in fine motor activities with greater ease and confidence.
• Prevention of Further Deformity: Consistent use of properly fitted splints can halt or slow the progression of joint deformities, preserving joint structure and function over time.
• Enhanced Stability for Daily Activities: From typing to writing to holding utensils, the added stability provided by ring splints makes countless everyday actions less challenging and less painful.
• Psychological Benefits: Reduced pain and improved function contribute to increased independence, confidence, and overall quality of life, alleviating the frustration and limitations often associated with chronic hand conditions.

Importance of Professional Guidance

While ring splints are highly beneficial, their effectiveness relies heavily on proper fitting and selection. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist, hand therapist, or rheumatologist. They can accurately diagnose the underlying condition, assess joint stability, and recommend the most appropriate type and size of ring splint to ensure maximum benefit and comfort. Ill-fitting splints can be ineffective or even cause further irritation.

In conclusion, ring splints are sophisticated, yet simple, devices that leverage biomechanical principles to provide essential support to compromised finger and thumb joints. By preventing harmful movements, enhancing stability, and reducing pain, they play a vital role in preserving hand function and improving the quality of life for individuals facing a variety of musculoskeletal challenges.