Hand splints are used to treat inflammatory diseases of the hand and wrist and fractures and to provide stabilization after surgery. The goal of hand splinting is to maintain functionality by keeping the hand in either a resting, or natural, or flexed position. Unless purchased over the counter by the consumer, the type of hand splint applied will rest at the doctor's discretion.
Finger and Thumb
Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause disabling of the hands and fingers if not treated promptly. Splints used to straighten out metacarpal, or finger, contractions are called ring splints. Other splints, such as a thumb splint, maintain the thumb in flexed position as this joint is most frequently attacked by arthritis.
Flexible Removable
Available at commercial drug stores, flexible fabric hand splints are used to treat minor inflammations and discomforts of the hands and wrists, as well as for sport's protection. These splints have a Velcro-type or string-lace closure and are constructed of a breathable fabric. The splint does not have any boning, or internal support structure, and is therefore somewhat flexible.
Straight Removable
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an inflammatory disease of the wrist that impacts the hand with numbness, tingling and pain. Compression of the nerves and ligaments within the wrist contribute to this syndrome, which is frequently treated with use of a hand splint. A straight, inflexible and removable splint is used to treat carpal tunnel as this avoids flexing the wrist, which will increase pain and tissue damage.
Plastic and Fiberglass
Rigid, immobilizing hand splints are used post-surgically to stabilize hand and wrist fractures. Hand and wrist fractures most frequently occur from bracing, or trying to stop a fall, and sport injuries. Over-the-counter plastic splints may be used to brace a broken bone of the hand while awaiting physician attention. Orthopedic doctors use more adaptable fiberglass splints, which can maintain the hand in a flexed or relaxed position dependent upon the need.
