Splints for Osteoarthritis of the Wrist and Hand
Wrist Splint for Osteoarthritis of the wrist
Diagram 1: Futuro Wrist Splint
- Straps should be applied firmly, but not too tight.
- Wear liners under splint for hygiene/comfort.
- Your splint is to be worn for periods of rest or when doing activities to offer you support at the wrist.
- Do not wear the splint for longer than two hours without removing it to move your wrist. It is important you do not wear the splint too much otherwise your wrist may become stiff and weak.
Splints for Thumb Osteoarthritis
Diagram 2: Thumb Spica Splint
A thumb spica splint can be useful to use during the day when support is needed and when you do activities with your hands. It can also be used for short periods of rest. This splint immoblises (holds still) the painful joint of your thumb and gives some wrist and thumb support.
Do not wear splint for longer than two hours at a time, as this may weaken your hand muscles.
Other alternative thumb OA splints
The ‘push’ brace is designed to support the base of your thumb in a good functional position. It is a ‘doing things’ splint. If you experience pain or reduced grip strength when you pinch, grasp or perform similar movements you may find this brace helpful.
Unfortunately, this is not something that can be provided at the hospital or from your GP.
We are not advising you to rush out and buy this, simply providing further information
Precautions and things you must be aware of when wearing or using a splint
Contact your health professional or discontinue use of any splints you have if you experience the following:
- Rubbing
- Increased pain
- Skin irritation
- Red marks lasting longer than 20 minutes
- Increased swelling
- An increase or new ‘pins and needles’
- Colour changes to your skin
Care of Splint
Hand wash in cold soapy tap water:
Remove metal/plastic bar prior to washing.
Rinse thoroughly and dry in shade.
Splint liners may be washed more regularly in cold soapy tap water.
Joint Protection and Activity Modification
Some hand and wrist conditions such as arthritis of the wrist, hand and thumb are chronic conditions, which means there is no cure. Therefore, it is important to look after the joints in your hand. Joint protection does not mean that you should stop using your hands, but that you should do things differently.
Making small changes; The four P’s
Small changes can make a big difference.
Below are some examples of different ways of doing things which can protect your joints and may also make life easier.
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