The Wrist Splint is designed to provide movement restriction and immobilization for various painful wrist conditions. It is particularly effective in cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce pain and facilitate healing.
How to Use:
To use the Wrist Splint, slide your hand into the splint, ensuring your palm and wrist are properly aligned within the supportive structure. Secure the splint using the adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners, typically located along the forearm and wrist. Ensure the fit is snug enough to restrict unwanted wrist movement but comfortable for prolonged wear, allowing for finger movement if the design permits. The internal stay should ideally align with the underside of your wrist to maintain a neutral position.
How It Helps:
The Wrist Splint offers several therapeutic benefits for wrist conditions:
- Movement Restriction and Immobilization: Limits the range of motion at the wrist joint, preventing movements that can exacerbate pain or hinder healing in injured or inflamed tissues.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief: By keeping the wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position, it reduces pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, thereby alleviating symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Manages Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis: Immobilization of the wrist reduces the strain on inflamed tendons and their sheaths, allowing them to rest and recover from conditions such as tendinitis and tenosynovitis.
- Supports Rheumatoid Arthritis: Provides support and stabilization to the wrist joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent further joint deformity.
- Pain Reduction: By stabilizing the wrist and preventing painful movements, it significantly reduces discomfort during daily activities and at rest.
Key Factors:
- Short Length: Designed to immobilize the wrist while leaving the fingers and thumb free for movement.
- Rigid Stay: Typically incorporates a palmar (and sometimes dorsal) rigid stay, often made of malleable aluminum or plastic, to maintain the wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position.
- Adjustable Straps: Features multiple hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure a secure, comfortable, and customizable fit.
- Breathable Material: Constructed from materials that are comfortable for prolonged wear and allow for air circulation.
Recommended for: Individuals experiencing painful wrist conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, various types of tendinitis affecting the wrist, tenosynovitis, and those with wrist pain due to rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
How to Care:
To care for the Wrist Splint, remove any removable metal or plastic stays first. Hand wash the fabric portion in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or harsh detergents. Air dry completely by laying flat, away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this can damage the materials and alter the splint’s supportive properties. Wipe the stays clean if necessary. Ensure all components are thoroughly dry before reassembling and reusing.
Material:
The Wrist Splint is typically constructed from:
- Fabric: Breathable blend of material (neoprene, nylon) providing comfort and compression.
- Rigid Stay: Pre-shaped aluminum stay inserted into a pocket to provide immobilization and support.
- Hook-and-Loop Fasteners: Used for the adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit.
