Splints for Arthritis of the Wrist and Hand
An Information Sheet
Introduction
This leaflet aims to tell you about two types of splint that you can use if you have arthritis in your wrist or hand:
- splints used for resting joints of the wrist and hand
- splints used to support work done by the hands.
It covers the purpose of these splints, how to wear the splints correctly, and how to care for them.
Wrist and hand splints are recommended to help you to support painful, swollen or weak joints and their surrounding structures. They are made in such a way as to make sure you position your wrist and hands correctly.
These splints are sometimes used for conditions other than arthritis, but those conditions are not discussed in this leaflet.
What are the differences between resting and working splints?
'Resting' splints
By supporting the joints when you are resting, these splints can help to ease pain and swelling. They can be useful during painful flare-ups of joint discomfort, when you may need to rest your hands overnight or for short periods during the day. They may also help your joints to stay in the correct position in the longer term.
Resting splints are commonly made from a moulded thermoplastic and are fitted with Velcro fastening straps. They are normally custom-made by your therapist.
'Working' splints
These support the wrist and hand joints when you are using your hands. Working splints are worn for carrying out daily tasks and should make the job less painful. They can also help by keeping the wrist joint in a good position when doing a job and may help to make your wrist and hand feel stronger. As these splints support your wrist and hand firmly they may also make your wrist and hand feel a little less flexible. Examples are the wrist working splint, the wrist wrap, and the thumb spica.
Working splints are usually made of an elastic or light synthetic rubber-type fabric (e.g. Neoprene) with Velcro straps. They are available commercially or from therapy departments.
Examples of the different types of splint and how to wear them are described and illustrated below.
RESTING SPLINTS
Why should I wear a resting splint?
- To reduce wrist and hand pain.
- To rest and support your wrist and hand in the correct position.
- Some people also feel that resting splints help to reduce swelling and early morning stiffness.
When should I wear a resting splint?
- Overnight or for short periods during the day.
- During flare-ups of joint discomfort.
- As advised by your therapist.
How to put it on
- Undo the straps.
- Place your hand into the splint so that the splint is in contact with the palm of your hand and there is no space between your wrist and the splint.
- If there is a thumb section make sure that your thumb is also in contact with the material.
- Do up the straps – not too tight – starting with the strap nearest your elbow.
WORKING SPLINTS
Why should I wear a working splint?
- To give your wrist or thumb support while carrying out activities which would normally be painful. It may make the job easier as your wrist is supported correctly and you may find that your grip strength is better when you wear the splint.
- To make tasks less painful.
- To help protect and support your wrist or thumb.
- To help reduce or prevent wrist or thumb pain.
When should I wear a working splint?
- During activities that cause you pain.
- When your wrist or thumb is swollen.
- When your wrist or thumb feels weak.
- When you are experiencing more discomfort than usual.
- As advised by your therapist.
Wrist working splint
This is a wrap-around splint which has a metal bar in a pocket on the palm side. This helps to stabilise the wrist joint in a good position.
How to put it on
- Undo the straps.
- Place your hand into the splint so that the supporting metal bar is fitting closely into your palm.
- Do up the straps – not too tight – starting with the strap nearest your elbow.
Wrist wrap working splint
This is a wrap-around splint which gives light support to the wrist.
How to put it on
- Place the loop over your thumb.
- Take the long section of the support round the back of your wrist and wrap around, pulling slightly.
- Do up the strap.
Thumb spica working splint
This is a wrap-around splint which goes around the thumb and wrist. Some have an extra support for the thumb joints. This helps to stabilise the thumb.
How to put it on
- Undo the straps.
- Place the reinforced strip on top of your thumb joints.
- Do up the straps – not too tight.
How should I care for my hand if I wear a splint?
- Check your skin regularly for any signs of redness or soreness. If your skin is sore when you wear your splint then contact the rheumatology department or the department which issued the splint. It may be that you are allergic to the material of the splint, or that the splint is rubbing and causing too much pressure on your skin.
- Do not wear your splint all the time, otherwise you may develop joint stiffness.
- Do not wear your splint during the night unless directed to by your therapist or nurse. However, as noted above, resting splints may be worn at night during a flare-up of joint discomfort.
- When you take the splint off make sure that you do some gentle active wrist, finger and thumb exercises to help stop your muscles from stiffening up (see arc leaflet 'Keep Moving').
Stop wearing your splint if it:
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How should I care for my splint?
Resting splints
If a resting splint needs cleaning, wipe it with a damp cloth. You may use warm, soapy water or a mild detergent.
Working splints
- Wear cotton gloves or rubber gloves over the splint to try to prevent it from getting dirty or wet, e.g. when gardening or cleaning.
- If the splint contains a metal bar this should be removed before the splint is washed. Check the position of the bar and be careful to replace it in the same position after washing the splint.
- Working splints can be hand-washed in warm soapy water, and air-dried. Some splints may be washed in a washing machine – check the label. In this case it is a good idea to place the splint in a pillowcase first to prevent the Velcro attaching to other washing.
How can I obtain a splint?
Resting splints
- Most rheumatology departments will have members of the team who can make these splints for you.
- They are also sometimes available from mail-order catalogues.
Working splints
- Most rheumatology departments and occupational therapy or physiotherapy departments working with a rheumatology service will stock them.
- They are also sometimes available from hospital orthopaedic departments and GP practices, and can be purchased from some surgical suppliers, pharmacies, sports shops and mobility equipment shops as well as from mail-order catalogues.
Further information
If you wish to wear any type of working splint while driving, contact your insurance company first for advice about whether your insurance cover will be affected.
For further information contact a member of the rheumatology team or of the department that supplied the splint.
