Splinting is a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects the nerves of the hand and wrist, which causes pain, numbness or weakness. Splinting at night has significant benefits, yet you must take care to choose the right splint and use it properly.
Importance of Nighttime Splinting
Night splinting is an effective treatment choice for managing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, according to Dr. Robert A. Werner and colleagues in a 2005 article in the "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation." Always wear a splint to bed because when you sleep you tend to twist your hands unconsciously or make a fist. This produces tremendous internal stress on the wrist--which already is trying to heal itself. So any progress you make while awake can be reversed in your sleep if you don’t take precautions.
Function of the Splint
When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, rest is one of the body’s principal healing strategies and it’s the reason you should use a splint. Splinting allows the hand to rest and recover by keeping the joint in the neutral--unstressed--position. But even with rest, it also is necessary to move the joint somewhat to facilitate blood flow, lymphatic drainage and to minimize adhesions. So, night splinting should be balanced with daily mild stretching, exercises and massage.
Types of Splints
Splints are either soft or rigid, but the soft types are easier to find. Most splints perform the same function, yet there’s a wide price range. A $20 splint often is functionally identical to a $100 splint, so shop around. Buy splints from pharmacies, medical supply stores or online retailers, although the selection is greater and prices are lower online.
Splint Features
Within the variety of splints available, choose from those specifically designed for carpal tunnel syndrome because they accommodate special issues like ease of applying and ensuring the neutral position is maintained. The most versatile splints are made of flexible fabric with rigid internal supports. Some splints are entirely hard plastic shell, and generally are more expensive, more cumbersome and more difficult to adjust and clean than soft splints.
With soft splints, choose one that is sturdy and keeps your wrist level with your forearm. It should contain a metal plate molded to your palm’s curvature that is also removable for washing the splint. In treating carpal tunnel syndrome it is important that the splint allows your thumb freedom to move. Also, choose a splint that opens or expands down its length and has hook-and-loop straps. Splints designed like gloves are more difficult to manage with hand pain.
Proper Splint Use
Make sure the splint is tight but does not restrict blood flow or cause skin irritation. If you feel pain while wearing the splint, re-adjust it and make sure you have the proper size. Before and after splinting, perform mild stretching exercises of your wrist joint to facilitate blood flow and healing.
References
- "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation"; Neutral Wrist Splinting in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparison of Night-Only Versus Full-Time Wear Instructions; W.C. Walker, M. Metzler, D.X. Cifu, Z. Swartz; Apr. 2000
- “Journal of Hand Therapy”; Effectiveness of Hand Therapy Interventions in Primary Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review; M. Muller, et. al.; April-June, 2004
- “Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation”; Randomized Controlled Trial of Nocturnal Splinting for Active Workers with Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; R.A. Werner, et. al.; 2005
- NINDS: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
