Wrist splints are most commonly used in the general population for carpal tunnel syndrome, but they may also be used for various athletic injuries. Due to the wide range of possible injuries that wrist splints may be used for in the athletic setting, this overview will focus on the wrist splint for carpal tunnel syndrome, a syndrome defined by compression of the median nerve on the volar (side of the palm) aspect of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly caused by repetitive use of the wrist in the workplace (i.e. continuous work on the keyboard), and by other conditions that increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel such as pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and amyloidosis.
Individuals will complain of pain, numbness, or tingling on the volar side of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. This pain can wake people at night and cause them to shake their hand to restore sensation. If the pain, numbness, or tingling persists, this could be a sign of worsening of the condition, and it warrants evaluation by a physician to determine nerve conduction and whether or not operative intervention is needed to decompress the carpal tunnel.
What to Look for
A wrist splint mimics a glove without the fingers enclosed that extends down a portion of the forearm. Its purpose is to minimize compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Since individuals are frequently bothered by this condition while asleep, wrist splints can be used at that time. Like other splints, wrist splints should be used short term because their long-term use can lead to wrist muscle weakening. Wrist splints may be purchased at drug stores, value markets and online stores without a prescription. If you find that these splints are uncomfortable, you might benefit from the use of a custom splint molded to accommodate your wrist.
Common Pitfalls
Often, individuals will rely on wrist splints without using hand and wrist exercises to prevent muscle weakening. It is of utmost importance to couple hand and wrist exercises with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the initial treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Good body mechanics and workplace ergonomics will decrease the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. If your condition continues to worsen, contact your physician for further evaluation.
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