Splints and Gloves

Splints and gloves can be used to support injuries or conditions. Splints provide a flexible brace that immobilizes the wrist and fingers, which prevents movement and reduces pain. Gloves can be used to prevent injury or irritation to hands and wrists during activities such as typing on keyboards for extended periods of time.

Splints are used to treat ligament injuries, tendon injuries, or fractures. A variety of materials that are flexible can be used to make splints. For example, thermoplastic material that is malleable when heated can be molded into an orthosis for broken bones during the healing process.

Splints do not completely immobilize the wrists and fingers because this could result in stiffness and circulation problems. Splints are typically worn when the wrist is not in any type of cast.

Gloves can be used to prevent injuries or irritation in hands and wrists during activities such as typing on keyboards for extended periods of time.

Gloves can be used for people with allergies or sensitive skin, and some brands contain special padding on the palm of gloves to prevent irritation. Gloves are not normally used in place of splints because gloves do not immobilize wrists and fingers as splints do.