DownloadAfter spinal cord injury, your hands may be weak or unable to move. A resting hand split will help your hands be in a natural position. These splints are usually custom-made by your therapist. Resting hand splints have many advantages:
- Support the wrist and joints of your fingers and thumb in correct position.
- Can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrists and fingers.
- Can help reduce hand deformity and joint contractures.
Cleaning your splint: Clean your splint about 1 to 2 times per week. Use alcohol wipes or a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the splint. This helps reduce germs and odor. Gently wash straps with soapy water and air dry.
Keep it away from heat: When wearing your splint, keep it away from strong heat sources (flames, heaters, inside a car on a hot day). Heat can make your splint change shapes. If your splint changes shapes, it can affect how it fits and how well it works.
When you wear a resting splint, check your skin daily. Pay attention to areas of your skin that stay red for a long time. Remove your splint and contact your doctor or therapist if you notice:
- Red marks on your skin that does not go away after 10 minutes.
- More swelling or pain than usual.
- Tingling or numbness.