What Is a Tendinitis Splint?

The condition known as tendonitis — or more commonly spelled tendinitis — occurs when the tendons in a particular part of the body become inflamed, thereby leading to pain and potentially reduced mobility. The tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bone or muscles to other muscles, and when such inflammation occurs, a tendinitis splint may be necessary for treatment. A splinting device is intended to limit the movement of a joint or limb so that healing can occur. The tendinitis splint is likely to be designed to work with a specific area of the body exclusively.

Wrist, leg, knee, and elbow splints are the most common types used for treating tendinitis. Each tendinitis splint can be made from a variety of materials and may feature a distinct design intended to treat various types of tendinitis. A splint may, for example, be made from a very rigid material such as aluminum or plastic, or it may be made from more flexible materials such as various fabrics and foams. Sometimes the tendinitis splint is designed to generally hold a joint in a particular position while still allowing for some movement both for comfort and for functionality. In other instances, the splint is designed to completely immobilize the affected area to prevent any movement at all.

Many medical professionals advise using the tendinitis splint at night rather than during the day. The joints can move involuntarily during the night, leading to inflammation, and the splint can help prevent such movements. This allows healing to take place while the patient sleeps, thereby avoiding interference with vital activities. Using a splint during the day is certainly possible and sometimes advisable, but patients may have a tendency to overuse the splint, which can lead to a worsening of the condition. Further, patients will have a tendency to alter normal movements when wearing the splint, which can lead to further inflammation.

The tendinitis splint should generally only be used with a doctor's recommendation, as using one improperly can actually worsen the condition. The splint itself should be used in conjunction with other treatments, and the patient should make every effort to discover the root cause of the inflammation in the first place. The inflammation is usually the result of a stressful or repetitive motion; the patient may need to alter his or her habits to be completely rid of the condition, even though the splint may provide periodic or temporary relief.