wrist splints

toptottie10
toptottie10 Member Posts: 35
edited 8. May 2011, 05:19 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello, I have been having dreadful pain in my wrist and loss of grip in my right hand, following a friends advice I have bought a neoprene wrist splint and so far it has helped support the wrist, not dropped anything so far today which is pretty good for me, the pain is relentless at the moment, but the doc did have a good feel of it the other day he was pretty amazed at the poor mobility and tenderness, apparently I have the bones of a 80 year old............... and now my wrist is in protest mode,,lol
Has anyone else used wrist splints for OA? and has it helped you?
Hugs Sally

Comments

  • Pherstun
    Pherstun Member Posts: 96
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have used wrist supports in the past but find them uncomfortable after a while. I type a lot at work so maybe that's why.

    I think it's the warmth as much as anything that's important, which neoprene's great for. Just make sure it's not too tight, ie not cutting off the circulation!

    Debbie
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,395
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sally,

    I've used wrist splints but mine have been made by an OT. My advise is try not to wear them all the while because you won't be using your muscles as much if you do. I was given exercises to do too when not wearing them. I was also made some splints for wearing throughout the night to give my wrists somewhere to rest and keep them in a good position.

    I'm wondering whether your GP could refer you to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to help you through this painful time...... there's certainly no harm in asking.
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • madwestie
    madwestie Member Posts: 383
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sally i agree with legs although the splints are good to help with pain and will support your wrist you should not wear them all the time.
    I have also had some made by the OT which i use when i am going to do something particularly stressful on my wrists like shopping or carrying things if i have to go to a meeting at work i use them as i have to carry laptop etc, i also have some lovely ones for night time to help keep my wrists correctly aligned but I have RA amd OA
    I would agree that it would be good for you to ask your GP to refer you to an Occupational Therapist (Hand Therapy)

    Hope things settle down for you soon

    Tracey
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sally,

    I also use a few things now to try and keep the wrists a bit happier. I agree with Legs and Tracey its best to not have them on all the time.

    I still find the double wrapped tubigrip the kindest and that also helps keep the swelling down a bit for mine. They do this horrible ballooning thing and turn red or purple and them throb as and when they feel like it.

    Mine have oa and pa in them and i have lost a fair degree of mobility in them now but there is some erosion and some oa damage as well so I guess thats why.

    Hope yours just ease off for you and behave a bit and don't let the rely totally on the supports. Cris xx
  • coco67
    coco67 Member Posts: 2,374
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i use splints as a last resort, i have a soft one which is a bit thicker than tubi-grip and has the thumb bit included and use that when rearlly sore, then i have a splint with the metal strip in, i use that when hand giving me hell and i have to drive, left hand is worst, but i try not to use them to much as its easy to become dependant on them and loose what strength you have.

    i hope you find something that works for you. ive had to buy my splints as nhs dont supply them here with the thumb suport included.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,832
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am so glad they are helping you so much!!

    What a coincidence!!

    I have just bought myself a pair of iso*ner fingerless pressure type gloves as l am having sore fingers and wrists too.

    A couple of folks on here use them and swear by them...however l have every intention of getting referred if this keeps up, next time l se the Gp or rheumatologist.

    They aren't cheap :shock:

    Love

    toni xx
  • toptottie10
    toptottie10 Member Posts: 35
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks guys for your replies, I have used my splint for a few days now and find it a good source of support and with the metal support in it stoping me from over flexing my wrist. The only drawback so far is that it gets a little sweaty (spelling), I have followed my fellow sufferes advice and only wear it for short periods and not at all when i'm sat resting. I do agree that they aren't cheap, I also have a pair of neoprene gloves which I use a lot in the winter as I have raynards as well............
    love and gentle hugs to everyone XXX Sally XXX
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If you get a referral to OT they will give you the splints free of charge. I use them while at work as notes can be so heavy to carry and wouldn't be without them. I'd also use them when hoovering or doing anything heavy about the house. The OT made me resting splints for wearing while sitting watching TV or while in bed. Although I can only use one at a time they keep your wrist in a really gentle restful shape.
    Good luck.
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sally,

    leaving you a hug and doing a quick hi-jack xx

    Rita its so good to see you and I hope your going on ok? A ((((( ))))) and it is really nice to see you. Cris xx