![]() This may be appropriate if the intent is to develop the elbow and shoulder muscles to help compensate for the weakened hand.Ī thumb spica splint is another type of an effective hand and wrist splint. Some designs make it possible to add support up to the elbow of the arm. Similar to the resting hand splint, a weight bearing splint helps to keep the hand in an open position to avoid cramps and similar discomfort. This type of hand splint can be beneficial when the hand has some weakness and is not capable of supporting much weight. By wearing a resting hand splint, the muscles of the hand are stretched to make it harder for the thumb and fingers to become cramped or stiff.Ī weight bearing splint is also helpful when the muscles of the hand are stiff. This type of brace can be particularly important if the presence of a debilitating disease causes the thumb and fingers to pull into a closed fist. A resting hand splint also helps prevent the thumb from curling into the palm of the hand. A hand brace of this type helps to keep the fingers extended and open along with keeping the palm flat. ![]() One of the more common types of splints is known as the resting hand splint, which basically helps to keep the hand in an open position. Depending on the specific severity of the health problem or injury of the hand, a variety of factors should be considered when choosing the proper type of splint. At the same time, the particular design of the splint may also help keep the fingers straight or separated, or provide support to the thumb so the hand can still be used during the healing process. Sometimes referred to as a hand orthosis, a hand splint is often utilized as a way of helping to prevent further damage to the hand while it is healing. There are many types of hand splints which can be used, depending on different kinds of health issues or conditions of the hand. A hand splint may be used when some type of medical condition threatens to impair the function of the hand, or in the event of an injury. These can include palm protectors, finger cushions with or without finger separators, ulnar deviation splints, dorsal blocking splints, and finger separator mitts.Ī hand splint is a plastic or metal device designed to securely hold the fingers, hand and/or wrist in a position to help facilitate the healing process. Hand splints, or orthoses, can also help keep the fingers, hand and wrist in a proper position to prevent an irreversible contracture, or to help position the hand after a contracture has already developed. Even if these exercises are painful, they must be repeated regularly. ![]() Treatment can include gentle stretching exercises to help the muscle to relax and elongate. Signs that a hand contracture may be developing can include pain with normal range of motion, stiffness in a muscle, and difficulty moving a muscle. This can displace the implant or make it difficult for the individual to move. Capsular contracture is a condition in which the body reacts to a foreign object in the body, such as an implant, by tightening the muscles around it. Also, those who have had multiple open surgeries may sometimes develop contractures at the surgical sites, and prolonged immobility can have a similar result on the muscle tissue. Burn victims in particular are at risk of developing a contracture because the burns thicken tissues which make it difficult to move the muscles underlying the scar. ![]() There are also other conditions which are linked with spasticity that can also lead to contractures.Ī scar is another cause of a hand contracture. A condition commonly connected with hypertonic stress is spastic cerebral palsy. Over time, the muscle tissue begins to change and it goes into a state of permanent contraction. In a state of hypertonic stress, the muscles are sent constant signals to tighten and contract. There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of developing a contracture and to address it in the early phases before a muscle becomes ‘frozen’.Ī condition known as hypertonic stress is one reason for a hand contracture. Contractures are associated with many medical issues which can range from genetic conditions to severe burns. Once a contracture happens, it cannot be reversed therefore, the range of motion will be limited as a result. A hand contracture is a structural change in the muscle tissue which results in an inability to move the muscle and can lead to permanent contraction.
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