Splints/braces for hands

[Roger4143]

My PALS’s hands are starting to bend in claw like. Are there any splints or braces that have helped with this condition?

 

[GregK]

is there a specific reason for posting in a restricted forum?

You're needlessly limiting your audience...

 

[GregK]

But to your question, yes there are splints.

I countered my hands curling with Range of Motion exercises. ROM

 

[frankb]

affected, a most helpful member, posted a video which helped me. it described how to massage hands to provide relief from curled fingers. still trying to figure how to post the hyperlink.

 

[lgelb]

There are rigid, semi-rigid and flexible whole hand, multi-finger and single-finger options -- the easiest way to see them is to Google. I would not use those containing metal on the sides long-term because of the risk of pressure injury.

In the short term, if multiple fingers are affected, you could try the carpal tunnel gloves often available in larger drug stores. You can also make your own using scrap foam from something else, with paper or foam tape. And as others have said, heat, massage, ROM exercises all help.

Best,
Laurie

 

[affected]

Message #4 in this thread has the you tube link to ROM for curled fingers.
So glad it's helping Frank, it made a huge difference for Chris because the curling is from tension so it's quite awful.

I would highly recommend you always warm the hands, and use massage and ROM before applying the splints so you don't just pull on tight muscles.

https://www.alsforums.com/forum/current-caregivers-cals/26580-massage-rom.html

 

[Roger4143]

The only reason I am in a restricted forum is ignorance. Lol.

 

[Nikki J]

I have moved it for you for better visibility

 

[Diane H]

A physical therapist can help you get braces or splints or show you how to apply kinesiology tape. The flexible tape holds joints in a normal position but still allows some movement. It won't cause pressure sores and should be more comfortable and less clunky than a brace. A brace or splint may be more feasible than doing all the fingers of both hands even though any flexibility would be lost if your PALS still has some finger strength.

 

[Kristina1]

An OT got me a splint to wear at night. It helps!

 

[Roger4143]

Message #4 in this thread has the you tube link to ROM for curled fingers.
So glad it's helping Frank, it made a huge difference for Chris because the curling is from tension so it's quite awful.

I would highly recommend you always warm the hands, and use massage and ROM before applying the splints so you don't just pull on tight muscles.

https://www.alsforums.com/forum/current-caregivers-cals/26580-massage-rom.html

THANKS! All videos were helpful but especially the hand massage. Just what we needed. We haven’t perfected the hand massage technique quite yet, but we nailed the bear hug and kiss

 

[blitzc]

Kristina,
Can you post a photo? My OT has been trying to determine the best one for me. She has several in mind, so when I return Wednesday we were going to determine which one to get. I need it as well for the same problem mentioned.
Obviously doing warm up, massage, and ROM as mentioned.
Cathy