How to Splint a Wrist for CTS

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the base of the hand. Symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness in the palm side of the thumb, index, and middle and half of the ring finger. CTS is typically caused by repetitive gripping, wrist and finger flexion and is commonly seen with jobs that require a lot of computer work. Over time, weakness can develop in the muscles that are supplied by the median nerve. A wrist splint can decrease compression of the median nerve by keeping the wrist in a neutral (straight) position.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a wrist splint at a pharmacy or medical supply store. Look for a splint that has a hole for your thumb and crosses the wrist. These splints typically have Velcro cinch straps and a metal bar that runs down the inside of the palm side of the splint.

• 2

  Choose a splint that fits your forearm snugly enough to stabilize your wrist without compromising blood flow to your hand. Adjust the splint so that you can slide two fingers of the opposite hand into the splint. Find a splint that allows your fingers to bend into a fist position and has a thumb hole that allows full thumb motion.

• 3

  Slide the metal bar out of the splint. Typically these bars have a slight bend at the end that positions the wrist in slight extension. Place this bar on the floor and step on it to remove this bend and flatten the bar. Although the median nerve is compressed when the wrist is in a flexed position, it is also compressed with the wrist extended in some people; therefore the neutral position is the best position to splint for CTS.

• 4

  Wear your splint during daily activities that can aggravate your symptoms, including typing, driving, operating power tools, writing or any other activity that requires repetitive wrist or finger flexion or gripping for long periods. Wear your splint while you sleep if you have symptoms at night because CTS also can be aggravated by your sleeping position.