| Choose the
right Wrist Support! Wrist supports
are designed for pre- and post-surgery use, such as for
carpal tunnel syndrome or injury; and for strains,
sprains, inflammation or arthritic conditions. They can be
used as a preventive measure in high-stress environments
and for acute, sub-acute and chronic wrist conditions.
Wrist supports with removable inserts provide the
necessary rigidity to stabilize the wrist and
forearm
following minor fractures, sprains or cast removal.
Acute Wrist Conditions- Wrist
conditions are classified as acute for the first 72 hours
following an injury. Dependent upon the severity of
symptoms (degree of swelling, pain intensity, ability to
move the hand, fingers or wrist, etc.), following a severe
wrist injury you should consult a doctor for help in
determining whether there are any fractured bones or any
gross ligament instability. Treatment for acute
injuries should begin as soon as possible and focus on
stabilization and comfort. Chiropractors who specialize in
sports injury, extremity treatment, or
applied kinesiology typically have the expertise and
training to reduce the severity and recovery time of even
severe sprains that do not involve fractures or complete
tearing of connective tissue. At home, the
R.I.C.E. treatment regime (rest, ice,
compression, elevation) is recommended to minimize
swelling. As stabilization is greatly encouraged to
prevent further injury and support recovery, the following
products are recommended for the acute stage
to provide compression and cryotherapy (cold therapy) to control the
inflammatory process, and stability to prevent further
injury.
Ideal products for this stage of injury:
Ambidextrous Cock-up Wrist Splint,
Elastic Wrist Support W/Stays,
Reflex Wrist Support,
Dual Comfort CorPak 6" X 10" or
Dual Comfort CorPak 3" X 5",
Powerwrap Wrist Support
Sub-Acute Wrist Conditions- Wrist
conditions are classified as sub-acute from 72 hours to
six to eight weeks after an injury. By this time, swelling
is under control and the wrist is well into the healing
stage. During this stage, wrist supports can provide
important support during rehabilitation. Rehabilitation
goals will include strengthening of supportive
musculature, restoring normal range of motion, and return
to normal performance levels for athletes. To
facilitate the goals of rehabilitation, wrist supports
should be more flexible, yet provide an adequate amount of
stability. Products appropriate for this stage
provide compression to control residual swelling, along
with support and stability to provide early protection
during activity.
Ideal products for this stage of injury:
Elastic Wrist Support W/Stays,
Reflex Wrist Support,
Dual Comfort CorPak 6" X 10" or
Dual Comfort CorPak 3" X 5",
Powerwrap Wrist Support
Chronic Wrist Conditions- Chronic
conditions, such as ongoing weakness or instability, may
be caused by repeated injuries or arthritis. Chiropractic
care at this stage is imperative to prevent dysfunction
elsewhere in the body by aiding in restoration of normal proprioception of the
wrist and elbow joints. In
addition to corrective care, supports help
supplement weak muscles and ligaments while providing a
reassuring feeling of wrist strength and stability for
those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Products appropriate for this stage
often provide warmth by constraining body heat to increase
circulation and thereby facilitate healing. They also
provide moderate to maximum stability or support to
prevent re-injury.
Ideal products for this stage of injury:
Elastic Wrist Support W/Stays,
Powerwrap Wrist Support,
Elastic Wrist Brace, or
Wraparound Neoprene
Wrist Support
Recommended products for any type of wrist
injury:
Dual Comfort CorPak 6" X 10" or
Dual Comfort CorPak 3" X 5"
Keep in mind that these time
frames are only guidelines. Healing times may vary
depending on the severity of an injury. Consult your
healthcare professional to determine the best treatment
plan for your injury.
Common Conditions of the Wrist and Thumb:
Arthritis- Either of the two types
of arthritis of the wrist (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid),
characterized by inflammation and the degeneration of
joint cartilage. Look for a brace that provides minimal to
moderate compression and warmth. Recommended
product:
Wraparound Neoprene
Wrist Support
Basal Joint Arthritis- Pain,
stiffness and other symptoms of arthritis, caused by
normal wear and tear to the basal joint, the joint at the
base of the thumb. Look for a brace that encloses the
thumb. Recommended product:
Wrist Support with Abducted Thumb
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Pain,
numbness, weakness, tingling, clumsiness and aching in the
hand and wrist as a result of the median nerve, the nerve
that runs from the forearm into the hand, becoming
compressed. Look for a brace that incorporates a palmar
spoon to provide additional stability to carpal tunnel.
Recommended product:
Elastic Wrist Brace,
Ambidextrous Cock-up Wrist Splint, or
Universal Elastic
Wrist Support W/Thumb Loop
DeQuervain’s Tendinitis- Irritation
and swelling of the sheath surrounding the tendons of the
thumb causing pain and tenderness along the thumb side of
the wrist. Look for a brace that limits thumb motion.
Recommended product:
Wrist Support with Abducted Thumb
Ligament Injuries- Strains, sprains
or tears of the tendons or ligaments around the wrist
joint. Look for a brace that provides compression and
stability. Recommended product:
Ambidextrous Cock-up Wrist Splint
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