Ask the Hand Doctor:
How Long Should You Wear a Splint?

A splint is a device that holds a body part still after injury or surgery. A brace is another term that refers to the same or similar device – and a splint can also be called an orthosis. Different types of splints are appropriate for different types of injuries. Additionally, different types of injuries require wearing a splint for different lengths of time.

A splint should typically be applied to injuries of the fingers, hands, and wrists under the direction of board-certified hand doctor like Dr. Rehman to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes. The intricate anatomy and complex functionality of the hand and wrist require specialized knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose and effectively manage injuries and conditions.

Board-certified hand doctors possess comprehensive training and experience in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of hand and wrist injuries, allowing them to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s specific needs. By entrusting the application of splints to a qualified hand specialist, patients can benefit from expert guidance, precise immobilization techniques, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring proper alignment, stability, and support for optimal healing and functional recovery.

Additionally, hand doctors are equipped to monitor patients’ progress, make necessary adjustments to splints, and provide comprehensive rehabilitation strategies to promote long-term hand and wrist health and function.

Types of Splints

Splints are orthopedic devices designed to immobilize, support, or protect injured or compromised joints, bones, ligaments, or tendons in the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. There are various types of splints available, each serving different purposes and constructed from different materials:

Finger Splints

Finger splints are commonly used to immobilize and protect injured fingers, stabilize fractures, or manage conditions such as mallet finger or trigger finger. They are typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminum or thermoplastic, allowing for customization to fit individual finger anatomy. Finger splints come in different shapes and sizes, including straight, curved, or stack splints, depending on the specific injury or condition being treated.

Hand Splints

Hand splints are designed to immobilize the wrist, hand, and fingers as a whole, providing support and stability following injuries or during the healing process. They are often used in the management of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendon injuries. Hand splints can be fabricated from thermoplastic materials, neoprene, or soft padded materials, providing comfort and flexibility while ensuring proper immobilization and alignment of the hand and wrist joints.

Wrist Splints

Wrist splints are specifically designed to immobilize and support the wrist joint, providing stability and reducing stress on injured structures such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves. They are commonly used in the treatment of wrist sprains, tendonitis, or repetitive strain injuries. Wrist splints may be made of rigid materials such as plastic or metal, providing firm support and immobilization, or soft materials such as foam or fabric, offering comfort and flexibility while limiting wrist motion.

Arm Splints

Arm splints are larger orthopedic devices used to immobilize and support the forearm, elbow, or upper arm following injuries or surgical procedures. They are commonly employed in the management of fractures, dislocations, or postoperative rehabilitation. Arm splints may be constructed from rigid materials such as fiberglass or thermoplastic, providing sturdy support and protection, or soft materials such as foam or fabric, offering cushioning and comfort while maintaining proper alignment and immobilization of the injured arm.

Taking a Splint off Too Soon

Often times after a splint has been applied, the injury starts to feels better. So patients assume they are “healed” and take their splint off too soon. But removing a splint too early can cause re-injury. Early removal of a splint can also cause an appendage to heal in the wrong position – which can result in pain, loss of range-of-motion, and other complications in the future.

Leaving a Splint on Too Long

On the flip side, wearing a splint too long can also be dangerous and lead to long-term problems of the wrist, fingers or hand. Wearing a splint too long can result in stiffness, weakness, atrophy and even a worsening of pain.

Muscles, tendons and ligaments that are not used for long periods of time begin to “atrophy” and lose their strength, becoming weak. Similarly, joints, scar tissue and soft tissue can become stiff or “frozen” if immobilized for too long of a period.

Successful recovery after injury or surgery requires the right balance of protection and immobility with the appropriate amount of motion and therapy.

When Can I Take My Splint Off?

The length of time you will need to wear your splint will depend upon the type and severity of your hand, wrist or finger injury. Bone, tendon, ligament, and muscle all heal at different rates. And people also heal at different rates. Children, for example, heal more quickly than older individuals.

It is the job of your hand doctor and therapist to assess the different tissues involved in your injury (or surgery), and determine the correct length of splinting for your unique situation.

You should never remove your splint without your doctor’s permission – even if you are convinced it is “feeling better”. Similarly, when your hand doctor or therapist indicates it is time to take off the splint, it is important to do so – rather than “baby” the injury and risk stiffness or atrophy.

Custom splinting is a procedure that utilizes the hand doctor or hand therapist’s unique skill set to fabricate the custom splint or brace that will protect your injured body part during healing, as well as keep it in the proper position to ensure that it heals without deformity or future limitation of mobility.

Top Clarkston Area Hand Doctor

Splints play a crucial role in the management of various finger, hand, wrist, and arm injuries and conditions, providing immobilization, support, and protection while facilitating the healing process. The choice of splint type and material depends on factors such as the specific injury or condition being treated, individual patient needs, and functional requirements for rehabilitation and recovery.

Working closely with a board-certified hand doctor like Dr. Rehman ensures proper selection, fitting, and use of splints tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances.

If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Clarkston area hand doctor Uzma Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to heal quickly and prevent long-term damage.

Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.

Clarkston Area Hand Doctor: 248.335.2638