If you suffer from arthritis, then wearing a wrist supports may help relieve pain and improve joint function. Here we outline the benefits of wearing a wrist support for arthritis and which ones are most suitable.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis (OA) results from wear and tear on joints over time. It is most common in the knee and hip joints. Age, joint injury, obesity, and joint stress over time are all contributing factors. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. As a result, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
How do wrist supports help arthritis?
Wearing wrist support may help with the symptoms of both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Here’s how:
Joint stability
Arthritis eventually leads to joint instability, causing pain and limiting mobility. Wearing an appropriate wrist support provides stability to the joint. As a result, it reduces excessive movement, therefore preventing further strain.
Reduced Swelling
Many wrist supports offer compression. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis. If your joint swells up then your range of movement is limited. By applying a wrist support which compresses the joint, swelling reduces, as a result, allowing a more natural range of movement.
Warmth
Wrist supports made of neoprene or similar materials retain heat. This promotes warmth in the affected area. This warmth helps relax muscles and increase blood flow. Tendons (join muscle to bone) in particular work better when they are warm.
Joint Alignment
Wrist supports also maintain proper alignment of the wrist joint. If your joint is misaligned then you are more likely to suffer pain and discomfort, especially when you move it.
Pain Relief
By providing stability, compression, and warmth, wrist supports help with overall pain relief. This enhances your ability to perform daily activities more easily.
Joint Protection
Wrist supports act as a physical barrier, protecting the wrist joint from external forces and impacts that may exacerbate arthritis symptoms. This is especially important if you are involved in sports or even household/garden activities which might place additional strain on your wrist. For example, anything from playing Tennis, to gardening.
Improved Function
Wearing a wrist support for arthritis enhances overal wrist function. Therefore, making it easier to perform tasks that might otherwise be challenging due to pain or limited mobility.
Which type of wrist support is best for arthritis?
With such a huge range of wrist supports, braces and splints on the market, which one is best for arthritis? Well, this does depend on how bad your pain is and how much support you need. For the vast majority of people, a simple neoprene wrist wrap is what I recommend. It hooks around your thumb and then wraps around the wrist. This means you can adjust the support from very mild compression to a high level of support and protection. Neoprene keeps your wrist warm by retaining body heat.
However, if you have very severe pain, or additional symptoms such as nerve compression or carpal tunnel syndrome, then a more rigid wrist split might be more suitable for you. This is because it keeps your wrist splinted in a straight position, preventing painful movement.
It’s important to note that while wrist supports offer relief, they are not a cure for arthritis. If you suffer with arthritis then consult with a healthcare professional, such as a rheumatologist or physical therapist. However, in the short term, wearing a wrist support may help relief your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
External links
- Buy online at UPMedical.co.uk (UK)
