We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Forearm Splint?

By Solomon Branch
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,127
Share

In order to choose the best forearm splint, you need to assess what function it will need to serve. Many injuries to the wrist and forearm involve a broken bone or strained tendon, but not all do. Sometimes the injury is not that severe, or it is the result of a chronic issue, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If you need a forearm splint, however, you will almost always need protection and stabilization of some kind.

For injuries that require the arm be protected from shock, the best forearm splint might be an inflatable one. The cushion of air typically shapes the splint to the contour of the limb. It also applies uniform pressure to the forearm, keeps circulation going, and reduces swelling. Another advantage is that air forearm splints are usually transparent, meaning they can be left on when getting an x-ray. It could, however, be popped by a sharp object, and air splints don't always allow for the best ventilation.

Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow can benefit from an air splint, but there are also specialized braces that are available for these conditions that will allow some movement while keeping some stability and protection. In instances where the elbow is also involved, a long arm splint that keeps the forearm and elbow in place will usually be used. If the fingers also need stabilization, a specialized forearm splint will be used. These have attachments that stabilize the fingers.

If the arm is broken, you will probably get a volar splint or sugar tong splint. The splint will usually be very stiff and made of aluminum, plastic, or fiberglass, and have a stiff metal piece for stabilization. These types of splints usually start from the palm, go up the forearm, and stop before they reach the elbow.

There are many variations on this particular type of splint. Important factors to consider are ease of removal and ventilation. Some forearm splints wrap completely around the arm, while others leave open areas exposed and have stiff components held in place by latches or Velcro®. Velcro® will breathe better, but latches may provide an extra layer of protection.

If you need something cheap or simple and have only slightly injured the wrist or forearm, a simple volar splint with Velcro® will probably work. A thick, cloth bandage wrapped tightly around the forearm will offer mild stabilization as well and is usually cheaper, but it doesn’t breathe as well. It is always best to check with a doctor whenever you are injured to verify the extent of any damage and to make sure you are getting the correct forearm splint for your condition.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-forearm-splint.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.