I have always used the rubber fingers on my index finger to pull the needle thru. I get them at Staples in a box of like a dozen. They have holes in the back side so your finger doesn't sweat, it doesn't bother my longer nails and I just leave it on all the time. Not like those little pieces of rubber that you have to keep looking for and picking up all the time. I used to use a fat rubber band, like came on broccoli but this rubber finger is so much easier.
Hope your finger feels better. Can't imagine quilting with split fingers. A tiny crack on the side is bad enough.