What are wrist splints? Wrist splints are immobilization devices used to keep the wrist straight and help injuries heal.

Why are they used? Wrist splints can provide pain relief and rest, typically on people with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. These devices are especially effective off-the-job, particularly during sleep as prescribed by a treating physician.

Should I give them to my employees? No. Wrist splints are not personal protective equipment (PPE) and should not be used to prevent pain or prevent the development of muscoloskeletal disorders (MSDs). Wrist splints are medical devices designed to limit wrist bending, and should only be used when prescribed and monitored by an employee’s treating physician.

Employees who wear wrist splints usually struggle to perform wrist-bending tasks, and can actually aggravate those symptoms because of the increased force needed to overcome the effect of the splint. Limiting the wrist’s range of motion in a job that requires wrist bending can also cause pressure points (similar to that of a tight shoe), tendonitis above or below the wrist, and other detrimental effects at the shoulder, neck, and elbow (Mell, Childress, Hughes, 2005). Wrist splints can also affect the way a person works mentally because subconsciously they may work differently (harder or in awkward positions) to offset the effect of the splint. Conversely, if a wrist splint is worn for long periods of time, under-use of that hand may actually cause the muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm to atrophy or waste away.

Prevent wrist problems

• Find out why employees are experiencing hand pain and/or discomfort.
• Evaluate the job to identify risk factors, such as working in awkward postures, contact pressures, or using excessive force. Then, find ways to eliminate the risk factors. You can request assistance from a State Fund Loss Control or Ergonomics Consultant.
• For tasks requiring heavy hand use, encourage micro-breaks and consider job rotation.

References

• www.cdc.gov/niosh/epsteps6%20.html
• Mell, Childress, and Hughes (2005). The Effect of Wearing a Wrist Splint on Shoulder Kinematics During Object Manipulation. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 86(8): 1661-1664.