Wrist splint?

[rowantree]

Please help. There are so many to choose from. Any advice would be appreciated. I need them for typing, using mouse, driving mostly. But also brushing hair, teeth, eating, holding a book etc. I think ones with the metal bar in?

Thanks

[kebsa]

my suggestion would be to try to get to see an OT, they are experts in this area and can either point you to the ideal off the shelf splint but much more importantly, they can custom make them for you! they use a variety of materials ranging from neoprene through to what are called thermo plastics.

the thermo plastics mean they can make a completely customized moulded splint for you just by cutting the right shape then heating it in really hot water and then moulding it on your wrist and into the ideal position for the functions you need to be able to do- as far as i am concerned these are the best way to go when you need to be able to do things like type.

the other factor is that OT's are great with dealing wit hand problems in general and may be able to give yo other pointers to help make your tasks easier

i have 2 sets of splints, same that were made for active tasks like typing and general tasks around the house, then some others which are referred to as resting splints that just hold my joints in a neutral position for nothing but support in a resting position, saying in the evening or at night.

i have arthritis in my wrist and also in the joints at the base of my thumb, i found it very hard to find a splint that would allow me to type properly or do things like prepare vegetables when cooking- i had spent a small fortune over time in the pre made type. i did find that some made from neoprene with metal inserts were not too bad but from the very nature of what hands are, they get grubby quicky so then one starts to take them off to stop them getting dirty, missing out on the support! the hermo plastic do the job better, are far less intrusive and are completly washable so i do not feel the need to remove them to avoid them getting grubby - these are the first ones that really have helped the problems with my thumb joints_ The OT's help was so valuable!

[rowantree]

Thank you for this. The OT said she could make thermoplastic ones for me but the shop bought ones were probably better! Maybe I should get some from her anyway then.

[Hidden]

Maybe some of each, just to stop the joints getting lazy.

I have weak wrists. Taking a jar lid off for the first time can partially dislocate the wrist. I've only used splints to support during injury. Neoprene was supportive but not restrictive, allowing normal movement. On occasion I've used an elastic one when I've needed imobility. This was quite uncomfortable and I needed to remove it a couple of times a day to do finger movements.

In the good old days we used elastic bandages, which not only supported the joint but brought warmth too (made from wool). These were cheap and washable.

[Hidden]

HELLO

If you have an occupational therapist or pysio they will make them up for you, have a chat with the GP He will contact someone to make them out of neoprene, You can also buy them possibly at Boots.

Another splint to support the hand can be made out of fibreglass with neophrene straps to fixate the joints more fully, many do not need the fibreglass ones as they are used at night. So you end up knocking your head at night with them

The hand made ones are best as they are made for you

[johnsmith]

I have had the pleasure of breaking a bone in my wrist and finding that I was left with no strength in my wrist what so ever.

I only used a wrist support for cycling. This one month after the breaking of a bone in my wrist. Many tasks do not need wrist supports if you study how you actually use the body.

I have given a demonstration how to peel a swede using a knife and a very weak wrist. If you align the task being done with the forearms you can do much with very weak wrists. I have done typing with weak wrists. The weight of the hand is enough to deflect a key when coordinated with the weight of the forearm.

I broke my wrist April last year a year later my strength has returned. I do not know what has caused you weak wrists. There is the old adage use it or lose it. If you use wrist supports if you are not careful what little strength you have got you will lose. You will need to do things with and without wrist supports if you can. Ie you need to be able to put the wrist support on easily and take it off easily. Fracture clinics at the local hospital have such wrist supports.