The wrist joint is one of the most mobile and complex joints. And in most people, it is constantly subjected to stress. Therefore, quite often in this place there are various problems: from injuries to degenerative processes. As part of the complex treatment of these diseases, doctors recommend using a wrist band - an orthopedic device for fixing the joint and relieving the load from it. Such products are different in structure and rigidity, so it is important to choose them under the guidance of a doctor.
Indications for use
The wrist band is prescribed by doctors for various pathologies of the joint, thumb or metacarpal bones of the hand. It is used both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes to prevent injuries with increased physical exertion. Such devices are necessary for athletes, especially when playing tennis, volleyball or bodybuilding, as well as people with a predisposition to joint diseases during physical exertion. They help builders, loaders, milkmaids, musicians to avoid wrist pain after work.
And for therapeutic purposes, the wrist band is prescribed for the following pathologies:
- osteoarthrosis;
- polyarthritis;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- tendonitis;
- bursitis;
- tunnel syndrome;
- after injuries - fractures, dislocations, sprains.
What effect does
A correctly selected wrist band effectively reduces discomfort in various pathologies and accelerates the restoration of joint functions. The use of such devices is justified because they have the following effect:
- stabilize the joint, avoiding high-amplitude movements;
- correctly distribute the load on the joint;
- prevent injuries at high loads;
- improve blood circulation to tissues;
- reduce swelling;
- relieve pain.
Varieties of bandages
Similar devices vary in structure and function. The most common are ordinary strips of fabric, similar to an elastic bandage, but with fixation in the form of Velcro. They are most often used to prevent injuries by athletes. A wrist band with finger fixation is also popular. It can be the same dressing with an opening into which the thumb or a more complex device is inserted. Only the wrist area, as well as the wrist or forearm, can capture such bandages.
By the degree of fixation of the joint, there are elastic bandages, semi-rigid and rigid. Soft tissues do not fix the joint, but only slightly limit the range of movements and have a compression effect. Semi-rigid and rigid orthoses are used for more serious pathologies, as they fix the joint in the desired position, restricting its movement.
Similar devices are produced by various orthopedic firms. The most popular among consumers wrist bandages "Trives". Otto Bokk, Copper, Orlett orthoses also have many advantages. They provide fixation of the joint, improving the patient's condition. In addition, these devices are easy to use and easy to maintain.
Elastic Wrist Bandage
These are the most common orthopedic appliances for this joint. They are used for various pathologies, as well as for the prevention of pain and injury with increased loads. Elastic orthoses perform a warming, supporting and compression function, protecting the joint from dislocations and sprains, improving blood circulation and metabolic processes.
Such a compression bandage on the wrist joint is most often used for preventive purposes. But it can be used to relieve minor pain in pathologies of the joint, after minor injuries, with tunnel syndrome. This device does not restrict movement, but only slightly reduces their amplitude. In addition, the elastic bandage warms, improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
Hard and semi-rigid bandage
Such orthoses are used for more serious pathologies. Usually they cover not only the wrist itself, but part of the forearm and palm. This allows you to properly fix the joint and prevent movement.
Semi-rigid bandages are an elastic strip of fabric that wraps around the wrist and is fixed. But it is reinforced with various rigid inserts and often has a complex fastening system that allows you to customize the bandage depending on the characteristics of the pathology. They are used for arthrosis, arthritis, after plaster removal.
After fractures, dislocations, rupture of ligaments, as well as after operations on the joint, rigid wrist bandages are used. They are a plastic base, repeating the shape of the joint, which fixes it with Velcro. The bandage completely immobilizes the joint. This device helps to quickly repair damaged tissue, as it allows you to fix it in the correct position.
How to use
First of all, it is very important to choose the right wrist band. Regarding its stiffness and shape, it is necessary to consult a doctor. And when buying, you need to know the size. For this, the circumference of the wrist in the area of the protruding bones changes. In addition, it is recommended to measure the selected bandage before purchase. The effectiveness of the product directly depends on the right choice of product.
It is also important to know how much to wear the bandage. After severe injuries or operations, it is removed only during hygiene procedures. The duration of wearing the bandage for other pathologies is determined by the doctor. It can be from 3 to 15 hours. But for preventive purposes, you can not wear such devices constantly. They are put on only for the period of increased loads. Otherwise, the muscles arthrophy, which will lead to more serious problems.
Application Reviews
Wrist bandages are very popular. They are used both for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Often patients prefer to replace them with a plaster cast after an injury, since they are much more convenient: easier, they can be removed for hygiene procedures. And soft elastic bandages are popular because they help prevent injuries during high loads.