Hand and wrist supports

Hand and wrist support aids come in many forms and with different pain, stress, support, rehabilitation and pressure relief objectives.

The main uses for these aids are found in

• Rehabilitation from injury or surgery
• Treatment of a pre-existing condition, e.g. a weakness, CTS etc
• Support or strengthening during sporting activities
• Repetitive strain injury (syndrome) RSI

Hand, wrist and thumb rehabilitation

The hand and wrist supports (or braces) used in rehabilitation tend to be in the form of wrist or thumb splints. These splints wrap around the lower part of the forearm and wrist and stabilise, strengthen and restrict (or totally prevent) wrist movement. However, whilst the wrist joint is secured, the fingers are free to bend and function normally. This means that localised mobility is still retained away from the wrist or thumb injury.

Some of these supports will function in the same way as a conventional plaster cast by totally immobilising the wrist and they will work for fractures and ligament injuries. Within the fabric sleeve there is a plastic shell that provides the strength of the brace, however, these materials make this kind of brace cooler and more comfortable than the plaster alternative. Fabric and plastic braces are also washable and reusable.

With a thumb splint the normal wrist brace is extended to encapsulate and immobilise the thumb whilst leaving the fingers free to move. A brace of this kind can be used for fracture and ligament injuries to the thumb whilst allowing the fingers to move.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

A carpal tunnel wrist support addresses Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by restricting the wrist's ability to move. By doing this it prevents a pressure build up in the carpal tunnel and consequently reduces pain and other symptoms associated with this condition. Velcro strapping and adjustment are normally used to obtain the correct fit. The support can be quickly and easily removed and washed.

Repetitive strain injury RSI

All forms of RSI result from repeated and repetitive use of the same series of muscles in the same sequence. This equals overuse and, in the modern workplace, the hands and wrists are especially prone to this syndrome.

The most obvious solution is to change the working position, actions, posture etc to prevent the occurrence of RSI. Failing this however, treatments like hot or cold packs, painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, acupuncture and physiotherapy may help.

The other option is to use elastic wrist supports or firm wrist splints to support the wrist. The advantage of doing this is that the stabilising muscle action that holds the hand and wrist in position is supplemented or replaced by the wrist support. This support does the work of the muscles and in so doing can remove some of the strain that results in RSI.

Sports (general) wrist supports

Many people use Knee, elbow, ankle and wrist supports when participating in sports ranging from football and rugby to golf and tennis. In some cases this is to support an injury or weakness, but in many cases it is because the support aid makes the joint feel stronger and "more supported".

In the case of hand and wrist supports, these general support aids are normally elasticised or Velcro (hook and loop) adjustable sleeves that cover the lower part of the forearm and wrist. They do restrict joint movement to a degree, but they also make the joint feel stronger and more stable. Many athletes and professional sportspeople wear wrist supports because, aside form making the wrist feel stronger, they can help in preventing injuries and stress to the joint.

Most of these supports come in different colours and with different fittings, (e.g. elasticised, Velcro etc) and they will be adjustable within size bands, e.g. small, medium, large etc. They are washable and any internal plastic splints will normally be removable.

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