Wrist Supports and Braces
Injuries to the wrist occur most frequently in overuse scenarios, where the wrist has been placed under continual, repeated strain.
These injuries are usually grouped together and called rsi or repetitive strain injuries. This group includes conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and muscle and tendon inflammation.
Other wrist injuries include fractures to the scaphoid and hamate (two of the carpal bones) and the distal radius. These injuries will usually be placed in a cast for a number of weeks, although may benefit from a brace following this period of immobilisation.
The type of brace which is suitable will depend on which structures are damaged, the severity of the injury, movement permitted and what activities will be performed whilst wearing the brace.
High Protection
These braces offer the highest level of support and are sometimes also referred to as a splint. They are made solely of plastic or metal and fix over the front and back of the wrist to prevent most movements. They should have foam or an alternative soft material inside to make the brace more comfortable. They are most suitable for the most severe conditions where partial immobilisation is required.
Medium Protection
Medium protection braces vary the type of support and the movement permitted. They are generally neoprene supports which is good for comfort and warmth. Carpal tunnel braces will have a plastic or metal splint, embedded in the front of the brace, to prevent wrist flexion. This is often removeable to reduce the restriction whilst still providing support as the condition improves.
Other medium level braces are usually simple neoprene supports to provide warmth, compression and mild support to the wrist joint, and sometimes also the thumb. Compression and support can usually be altered through the use of velcro fastenings.
Conditions such as tendonitis and ligament sprains would most benefit from these braces.
Low Protection
Low level supports are usually simple elastic tubi-grips or neoprene supports which do not cross the wrist to the hand and so still allow full movement at the joint. This type of brace offers very little support to the wrist joint and as such may only be useful for heat retention and compression to reduce swelling.
