How to choose an orthosis for the wrist joint: advice and feedback from doctors

The complex structure of the wrist joint allows us to withdraw, bend and unbend the brush, make it circular movements. He is considered the most traumatized part of the human body. In case of its damage and diseases of the joint-ligament apparatus of the hand, an orthosis is applied to the wrist joint. How is it chosen, and what is its main purpose?

What is an orthosis?

To orthoses are orthopedic adaptations used to fix and relieve the load from the joints and spine after traumatic injuries and surgeries. They are used for certain diseases, as well as for prevention.

By appointment all the orthoses are divided into three groups:

• Orthoses for the spine (corsets, collar tires, reklinators, bandages);
• Orthosis in case of damage to the joints of the upper limbs (elbow pads, shoulder locks, finger retainers, wrist bands);
• Orthoses for fixing the joints of the lower extremities (knee pads, ankles, hip orthoses, orthopedic insoles, shoes and others).

By the method of manufacture, these devices can be ready and individual. The first are factory products. A certain type of such prosthesis is prescribed by the doctor to the patient. Individual orthosis is made personally for each patient, taking into account its anatomical features and pathology.

Orthoses for wrist joint

The human wrist, as the most mobile part of his hand, is often damaged. The most common of these are stretching and sprains. If they are identified, an orthosis is prescribed for the wrist joint to ensure its semi-rigid or easy fixation. Outwardly, it resembles a glove that securely fixes the wrist, preventing displacement. Such an orthopedic device restricts movement, and if necessary completely immobilizes it, which allows to significantly reduce painful feelings and promotes faster recovery of the joint after serious traumatic injuries.

Orthoses for wrist joints are divided into three types:

• Tough , which is used during the rehabilitation period after fractures. Thanks to them, the wrist is fixed completely.
• Semi-rigid , used in rehabilitation after minor injuries.
• Soft , used for the prevention of the occurrence of possible wrist injuries.

The fixator should be bought on the recommendation of a doctor if the joint is damaged. Depending on the type of injury, the expert will always give advice on the degree of stiffness of the orthosis needed to be selected. Soft types are recommended more often when engaging in active and mobile sports or performing certain work, accompanied by a significant strain on the wrist. For complete immobilization, rigid types of devices are used, as, for example, Orlett orthosis for the wrist joint. It resembles a mitten (a glove without fingers) with a metal tire and a convenient tightening, which provides the necessary level of fixation of the wrist. The orthesis is produced in sizes from S to XL. It is universal and can be used to fully fix both left and right hands.

The correctness of the choice of size can be checked by trying on an orthosis. Doctors always emphasize the special importance of the convenience of the fixator. The period of use of orthosis is also determined by a specialist. To shorten this period without consulting with a specialist is not recommended. Also attempts of independent changes in the construction of the device are unacceptable.

Indications for use

The orthosis for the wrist joint is used if there are no contraindications such as acute purulent inflammatory processes, tumors in the area of application of the fixator, diseases in which hyperthermia is inadmissible.

For the wrist joint, light and semi-rigid orthoses with different degrees of fixation are used in the following cases:

• Joint injuries, ligament damage, hemarthrosis;
• Exacerbation of arthrosis;
• Rehabilitation period after gypsum fixation of the joint, after surgical interventions and traumas;
• With damage to the peripheral nerves.

Fixation and unloading of wrist joints also carry wristlets. They are used in the following cases:

• As a complex treatment of osteochondropathies;
• For the treatment of joint injuries and joint bruises;
• In prophylactic purposes with excessive loads (physical or sports);
• After surgical interventions on the joint.

Various designs of rigid orthoses are used with the following indications:

• Damage to ligaments and tendons of the joint;
• Bruises, dislocations;
• Condition after surgical interventions on the wrist joint and the joints of the thumb;
• Instability of the wrist;
• Rheumatic fever;
• Inflammation of the joint and adjacent soft tissue (myositis, arthritis, tendovaginitis);
• Traumatic neuropathies (such as styloiditis, tunnel syndrome) of peripheral nerves;
• Prevention of flexural contractures of the hand;
• Increased production and sports loads.

At children at damages also the orthosis on a wrist joint is applied. Children's fixator, as well as in adults, is used as a remedy for joint diseases and injuries, and, if necessary, as prevention.

Features of use

Different types of orthoses have received good feedback from patients and doctors. They do their job well when carrying out all the expert's recommendations.

Light orthoses on the wrist in traumatology are used to treat partial damage to ligaments, subluxations, bruises, for preventive purposes, for example, in sports, for their prevention. They help to eliminate inflammation and pain, reduce the load on the damaged joint. Often they are assigned to people who work a lot at the computer. They often have wrist syndrome because of the uncomfortable position of the hand and excessive strain on the wrist. The reason for this is the pinched nerve and the occurrence of pain.

In more severe injuries, a rigid orthosis for the wrist joint is used. The doctors' comments on the various designs of this type of fixator indicate their effectiveness. It is also important that orthoses are universal and comfortable for prolonged wearing. They are made of elastic material, more often it is aeroprene. Its porous structure consists of air micro-chambers that do not interfere with air exchange, provide respiration to the skin and regulate its humidity.

The orthosis for the wrist joint is distinguished also by other positive features. It has a compression action, it is often used to remove the swelling in the area of injury to the wrist. Due to easy compression, the fixer helps to remove the liquid that is stagnant in the tissues. Fixation of the wrist also helps to get rid of the pain.

Orthoses Light fixation have a warming and massage effect and provide a moderate compression of the joint. They are used for the prevention and treatment of arthrosis and arthritis, bursitis, stiloiditis and other inflammations and diseases.

Results of the use of orthosis

Unloading and fixing the joint with orthosis reduces the pain syndrome. The damaged area is at rest, compression and warming contribute to the acceleration of blood circulation and lymph flow, which contributes to obtaining a positive effect of treatment.

With bias, orthosis is used in complex treatment and helps to eliminate the deformity that has arisen. It is also an excellent preventive tool, because it protects the wrist joint from traumatic injuries and postoperative complications.

However, its effectiveness depends on the correct choice, which should only be carried out together with the doctor after the examination of the patient. It is the specialist who determines the degree of fixation of the orthosis and the mode of wearing it. Usually the fixator is worn until the joint is completely restored.