How to Loosen Stiff Finger Joints After Being in a Splint for Weeks

A finger joint injury can make simple daily tasks more difficult. According to the National Institutes of Health, some examples of common finger injuries include damage to the tendons, joint sprains, fractures and joint dislocations. Depending upon the severity of the injury, your doctor may put your finger in a splint. When you remove the splint, you may need to perform rehabilitation exercises to decrease the stiffness in the joint.

Step 1

Stretch the muscles of the fingers passively. Using the uninjured hand, straighten the fingers of the injured hand. Repeat 10 times.

Step 2

Stretch the muscles of the fingers actively. Using the finger muscles, straighten each finger until you reach your range of motion. Stretch the fingers for one minute and then release. Practice this exercise 10 times.

Step 3

Lay your hand flat on an even surface. Raise each finger in succession off of the table and release. Raise each finger 10 times.

Step 4

Make a fist with your injured fingers and squeeze for one minute. Alternatively, you can squeeze your fist around a tennis ball. Relax your grip and rest. Squeeze for a total of 10 times.

Tip

Warm up your hand with a heating pad before practicing the finger exercises.

Warning

Check with your doctor to ascertain whether joint rehabilitation exercises are appropriate for your condition.