Why Splinting Is Beneficial

CMC joint Osteoarthritis is a common thumb condition. Pain from osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb interferes with a person’s ability to engage in normal functional activities given that the CMC joint is the most critical joint of the thumb for function. Splinting for CMC joint arthritis helps manage pain, provides stability, and prevents deformities, In addition, splinting helps with inflammation control, joint protection, and maintaining function.Introduction to Splinting pg. 167

“The practice of occupational therapy means the therapeutic use of occupations, including everyday life activities with individuals, groups, populations, or organizations to support participation, performance, and function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings.. Occupational therapy services are provided for habilitation, rehabilitation, and the promotion of health and wellness to those who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or participation restriction.”http://www.aota.org//media/Corporate/Files/Advocacy/State/Resources/PracticeAct/Model

Stephanie HuffPauline Flicek

Occupational Therapy Department

Telephone 706) 771-4000

Augusta Technical College3200 Augusta Tech Dr, Augusta, GA 30906

For Arthritis

Thumb Immobilization

Splint

Occupational Therapy

1. Clean the splint with soap and lukewarm water and scrub it with a small brush.2. Rub the inside of the splint with alcohol to reduce odor.3. Hand wash the Velcro straps and stockinet with lukewarm, soapy water and then air dry.Keep your splint dry. Before you bathe, wrap your hard splint with 2 layers of plastic. Then put a plastic bag over it. Keep the plastic bag tightly sealed. You can also ask your caregiver about waterproof shields. Do not put your hard splint in the water, even with a plastic bag over it. A wet splint can make your skin itchy, and may lead to infection.Keep your splint clean. Keep dirt out of your splint.Loosen the elastic bandage around your splint if it feels too tight.http://www.drugs.com/cg/splint-care.html

How to Clean Splints

When to Wear the Splint

When the splint is issued initially, the area involved should be checked every one-half to one hour. As the patient becomes accustomedto the splint, it can be left on for longer intervals.

Wearing instructions vary from continuous wear for three to four weeks to intermittent wear when the joint is painful. Most choose to wear the splint routinely at night and are encouraged to do so. The most important time to wear the splint is during activities that cause pain at the CMC joint.http://www.handlab.com/articles/cmc_splint.pdf

Check for areas of skin pressure over ulnar styloid, the superficial branch of the radial nerve at the radial styloid, and the volar and dorsal surfaces of the thumb MCP joint

If you have delicate skin, poor circulation, or unusual sensation, the splint should be checked more frequently. Watch for any red marks from pressure or skin irritation from the splint. Use powder, cornstarch, or a cotton sock on the splinted area to help absorb excess moisture often caused by the splint.

Keep your splint away from open flames because it will burn.

Keep your splint away from heat, water heaters or prolonged sunlight.For example, do not leave your splint inside a hot closed car. Excessiveheat will cause the splint to change shape.

If your splint causes any of these problems, remove it and call your

therapist right away.o An area of pressure such as

sores or red marks that do not go awaywithin one hour after removing the splint

o Swellingo Excessive stiffness, pain or

numbnesso Blisters

https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/howsplin.pdf

Precautions