Hand Splints
A custom- made hand splint offers personalized support, designed to fit the individual's specific injury or conditions. It helps reduce pain, improve alignment, and promote healing while enhancing function and comfort.
What are Hand Splints
Hand splints are devices used to support, protect, or immobilize the hand, wrist, fingers, or thumb. They can be made of various materials like plastic, metal, or fabric with Velcro straps, and are commonly used in medical and therapeutic settings.
Purposes of Hand Splints:
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Immobilization: To prevent movement after injury or surgery (e.g., fractures, tendon repairs).
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Support: To stabilize weak or painful joints (e.g., arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome).
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Correction: To improve or prevent deformities (e.g., after stroke or with cerebral palsy).
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Functional aid: To help with daily activities by improving grip or hand positioning.
Types of Hand Splints:
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Resting splints – Hold the hand in a neutral position during rest or sleep.
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Wrist cock-up splints – Keep the wrist in a straight or slightly extended position, often used for carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Thumb Spica splints – Immobilize the thumb and wrist, helpful in treating thumb injuries or arthritis.
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Ulnar or radial gutter splints – Immobilize specific fingers or the side of the hand after fractures.
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Dynamic splints – Use springs or elastic bands to assist movement or stretch tight muscles/tendons over time.
To see a PDF of the different types of splint we’ve made, click here: OPT Splint Handout
Benefits of Hand Splints:
- Pain relief: Immobilizes or supports joints and muscles, splints reduce strain and inflammation
- Can be used for: Arthritis, Carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and overuse injuries
- Protection and Healing: Splints keep the the hand and wrist safe after trauma, giving tissues time to heal
- Can be used for: Post surgical recovery, fractures, sprains, tendon repairs
- Improved Function and Independence: Splints can position the hand for better grip or movement, enabling daily tasks
- Can be used for: Neurological conditions such as a stroke or cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, or contractures
- Joint Stabilization: Provides stability to weakened joints to prevent further injury
- Can be used for: Rheumatoid arthritis, ligament injuries, or conditions with joint laxity
- Prevention of Deformities or Contractures: Custom Splints stretch tight muscles or hold joints in alignment to prevent muscle shortening or joint deformities
- Can be used for: Strokes, brain injuries, burns, cerebral palsy, or long term immobilization
- Nighttime Support: Splints worn during sleep maintain proper alignment and prevent stiffness or injury
- Can be used for: Carpal tunnel, arthritis, tendon injuries
- Posture and Movement Re- education: Splints may assist with retraining muscles and promoting range of motion through controlled movement
- Can be used for: Nerve injuries, post-stroke rehab, orthopedic rehab
Custom made Hand Splints can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
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Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Conditions
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Fractures – fingers, metacarpals, wrist
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Tendon injuries or repairs – e.g., flexor/extensor tendon injuries
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Ligament sprains/tears – e.g., skier’s thumb (UCL injury)
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Joint dislocations
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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – inflammation of tendons near the thumb
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Trigger finger – locking or catching of a finger in a bent position
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Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis – inflammation of tendons or sheaths
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Inflammatory & Degenerative Conditions
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Rheumatoid arthritis – splints reduce joint pain, deformity, and inflammation
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Osteoarthritis – especially of the thumb (CMC joint)
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Carpal tunnel syndrome – wrist splints relieve nerve compression
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Neurological Conditions
- Stroke (CVA) – splints help manage spasticity and prevent contractures
- Cerebral palsy – to aid positioning and improve function
- Peripheral nerve injuries – e.g., radial nerve palsy, ulnar nerve entrapment
- Spinal cord injuries – maintain hand posture and prevent deformities
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Other Conditions
- Dupuytren’s contracture – post-surgical splinting to maintain finger extension
- Burns – prevent scar contractures and maintain joint alignment
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – reduce pain and protect the hand
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Congenital hand deformities – splinting for early correction or support
What to Expect during an Initial Custom Made Hand Splint Appointment
A custom made hand splint appointment begins with a thorough assessment of your condition including a physical examination and discussion of your therapy goals. Based on the assessment, your personalized treatment plan will be developed, outlining the specific splint needed. The exercises assigned are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. This may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and fine motor activities.
Hand splints are versatile tools that support healing, reduce pain, prevent deformity, and improve function in conditions affecting bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, or joints.
Hand splints play a vital role in reducing pain, promoting healing, enhancing function, and preventing long-term complications. When custom-made by occupational or physical therapists, they can be tailored precisely to the individual’s needs for maximum benefit. If you or someone you know is experiencing hand-related issues, contact Optimal Therapy 702-564-6712 for a successful recovery.