Wrist brace

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Wrist brace used in orthopedics Wrist brace.jpg
Wrist brace used in orthopedics

A wrist brace is a supportive garment worn around the wrist to reinforce and protect it against strains and sprains during strong use, or as a splint to help healing. [1] Wrist braces are common accessories in injury rehabilitation processes involving the wrist. [2] They immobilize the joint and provide heat and compression to the wrist bones and ligaments. Currently, they are made with a rigid tissue nylon fabrics [3] [4] or neoprene that allows limited mobility of the hand and wrist and are usually fixed with Velcro, some times with extensions to ensure they cover part of the hand adhering around thumb. In severe cases, they incorporate metal "spines" to better immobilize the joint.

Contents

Uses

Wrist brace used in sports Impulse Wristband.jpg
Wrist brace used in sports

They are indicated for wrist trauma with and without fracture, immobilization of the joint, postoperative synovitis, recurrent degenerative sprains or articulation inflammations, among many other cases. [5]

In rehabilitation to immobilize the wrist into a neutral position, which "theoretically minimizes stress at the repair site". [2]

Use in sports

The wrist braces have a protective role in activities where wrists require extraordinary effort like weight lifting or bodybuilding. [5] In these cases, using pressure around the wrist may prevent sprains and strains.

Finally, are used in sports which force the wrist play, as those played with a paddle or racket [5] (tennis, paddle, badminton) or hockey. Some times they have a double purpose: protect the wrist from injuries and wipe the sweat from the forehead. For this purpose they are made in absorbent materials such as cotton or plush.[ citation needed ]

In artistic gymnastics, gymnasts will sometimes wear wrist guards to absorb the impact on the skills they perform. The guards are commonly worn for Vaulting and Floor exercises. The design is modified between women and men.[ citation needed ]

See also

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Wrist strap can mean:

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrist pain</span>

Wrist pain or open wrist is a type of syndrome that prevents the patient using their hand due to a painful wrist. The pain may be sharp, sometimes steadily increasing after trying to apply force. Typically pain is caused after exerting too strong a demand on the wrist, as is the case with weight lifters, athletes in general, or with any weight-bearing activity to the wrist.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ankle brace</span> Support worn around the ankle to protect it or for immobilization while allowing it to heal

An ankle brace is a garment that is worn around the ankle to protect it or for immobilization while allowing it to heal from sprains and other minor injuries. Ankle braces are used to immobilize the joint while providing heat and compression to the bones. They are common in injury rehabilitation processes that affect the ankle, being made of rigid fabric such nylon and neoprene that allow limited mobility of the foot and conform to the ankle by a hook and loop fastener. To ensure its fixation, the foot portion may include metal pieces. In severe cases, they incorporate metallic plates to better immobilize the joint. Ankle braces may not be adequate in treating more severe sprains and ankle injuries.

References

  1. Mary Vining Radomski; Catherine A. Trombly Latham (2008). Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 430–. ISBN   978-0-7817-6312-7 . Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  2. 1 2 David J. Slutsky; Daniel J. Nagle (2007). Techniques in wrist and hand arthroscopy. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 52–. ISBN   978-0-443-06697-9 . Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  3. Stover, John; Jeff Skouta (2010). Leading and Trusted Wristbands Brands. Australia: University of Australia.
  4. David W Beskeen; Jennifer Duffy; Lisa Friedrichsen; Elizabeth Eisner Reding (2 February 2011). Microsoft Office 2010 for Medical Professionals Illustrated. Cengage Learning. pp. 1–. ISBN   978-1-111-82099-2 . Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 Robert C. Schenck, Jr. M.D. (1999). Athletic training and sports medicine. Jones & Bartlett Learning. pp. 346–. ISBN   978-0-89203-172-6 . Retrieved 25 May 2013.