The Wrist Thumb Splint is an anatomical brace engineered to provide complete immobilization of the wrist and the thumb’s carpometacarpal (CMC) and metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints. It is indicated for the conservative management of a range of painful pathologies affecting both joints simultaneously. By ensuring a stable, neutral position, this orthosis reduces strain on inflamed tissues, alleviates pain, and creates an optimal environment for healing.
Why to Use: This orthosis provides comprehensive, dual-action support that is essential for the management of complex wrist and thumb conditions:
- Dual-Action Immobilization: The integrated design completely restricts wrist motion (flexion/extension, deviation) while simultaneously securing the thumb’s key joints, offering a holistic approach to resting the entire affected area.
- Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: By maintaining the wrist in a neutral position, the orthosis increases the volume of the carpal tunnel, which helps to reduce pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Relief for Tendinopathies: Offers significant symptom relief for conditions like De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and other wrist tendinitides by immobilizing the affected tendons, thereby reducing friction, inflammation, and pain.
- Stabilization of Thumb Joints: Provides rigid external support for instability in the MP and CMC joints, protecting them from painful movements and preventing further injury during recovery.
- Effective Pain and Inflammation Control: By preventing aggravating movements of both the wrist and thumb, the orthosis effectively manages pain and inflammation from acute injuries or chronic conditions, both during activity and at rest.
Indications for Use:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Tendonitis, Tenosynovitis, and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
- Instability or ligamentous injuries of the thumb’s CMC and MP joints (e.g., Skier’s Thumb).
- Post-operative immobilization for wrist and/or thumb surgery.
- Sprains and strains of the wrist and thumb.
- Arthritic conditions affecting both the wrist and thumb (e.g., Rhizarthrosis with wrist involvement).
How to Use:
- Unfasten all straps. Gently slide your hand and thumb into the orthosis, ensuring the thumb is comfortably positioned in its dedicated sleeve.
- The rigid stay should be aligned with the palmar side (underside) of your forearm, wrist, and hand.
- Sequentially fasten the straps, starting with the one closest to the elbow and moving towards the hand.
- Adjust the tension to achieve a snug, secure fit that eliminates wrist and thumb movement but does not constrict blood flow or cause numbness. Your fingers should remain free to move.
Key Features:
- Anatomical Palmar and Thumb Stays: Features a pre-shaped, rigid stay (typically malleable aluminum) that provides robust, anatomically correct support along the wrist and thumb.
- Comprehensive Joint Control: The design provides multi-planar control of the wrist while specifically immobilizing the thumb’s MP and CMC joints.
- Multi-Point Strapping System: Equipped with several adjustable straps to allow for a customized fit and uniform compression.
- Breathable, Skin-Friendly Construction: The interior is lined with soft, breathable materials to enhance comfort, reduce skin irritation, and allow for long-term wear.
- Freedom of Finger Movement: While immobilizing the wrist and thumb, the design leaves the fingers free, promoting hand function where appropriate.
How to Care:
- If the metal stay is removable, take it out before cleaning.
- Hand wash the fabric body of the orthosis in cool water with a mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Gently squeeze out excess water; do not twist or wring.
- Lay the orthosis flat to air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Wipe the metal stay clean with a damp cloth and dry it before re-inserting.
Material Composition:
- Body: A blend of durable and breathable fabrics such as neoprene, laminated foam, and nylon.
- Stays: A rigid, medical-grade aluminum stay, pre-shaped for anatomical support of the palm, thumb and wrist.
- Fastening System: Industrial-strength hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps.