The main types of ring splints for arthritis in the fingers include swan neck splints and boutonniere splints. Swan neck splints can prevent the joints from moving beyond the neutral position, while boutonniere splints can help straighten a finger joint that a person cannot otherwise extend.

Temporarily splinting the finger for 1 to 2 days is okay. A temporary splint may be appropriate if moving the finger is very painful and/or a fracture has not been ruled out. However, if there is no fracture, splinting for longer than 1 to 2 days can negatively affect the joint's long-term healing and range of motion.

Most closed hand injuries (except volar plate injuries) can be protected in a neutral hand splint, with the wrist slightly extended, the metacarpo-phalangeal joints in 70-90 degrees of flexion and the interphalangeal joints in extension. This is sometimes called the 'safe hand position'.