My wrist splints/supports

[nemonie]

I use dermasilk under my splints, which is actually intended for eczema. As the name suggests it is made of silk, but is somehow magically stretchy. You can get tube sleeves and gloves as well as others items and some items are available via prescription if you ask your GP or OT. http://www.dermasilk.co.uk/kids.htm

I have cut little thumb holes in the elbow sleeves and use those under my wrist splints, they stop them rubbing and wick away any sweat.

[mami2four]

Those look cool but they are so expensive!!! I can just see my gp's face if I asked for those quickly leading to I will keep them in mind if all else fails though. I picked up some lint strips(thought they were squares lol)in wilkinsons today for 34p each they are really thick and soft, I'm hoping maybe I can fashion something that just wraps around being as the braces will hold them in place. Only 68p down the drain if it doesn't work too which is a bonus lol.

Claires didn't really have anything suitable for going under the braces today so I'm gonna search ebay later i think. I did pick up some thin knitted hello kitty arm warmers(without thumbholes) but I think she will sweat too much and a pink and black stripey pair with a small chain on, nothing was suitable really though all buckles and chains and mostly in black. I'm sure we'll find something out there though, I was actually wondering if some fancy dress shops might have princessy ones or even the disney shop.

Thanks for the ideas though

Katie

[JoSo]

aww Katie sorry they didn't have anything, and don't worry about feeling daft we all do it from time to time! what about somewhere like Tammy or just cutting the sleeves off a cheep cardi/jumper from Primark? x x

[nemonie]

It can't hurt to ask your GP, they are for a perfectly valid reason; to protect your daughter's skin. The prescription charge would be the same as normal per item, the pricing on the website is just if you buy them yourself.

[Tabi]

That's what the NHS is there for

[nemonie]

What she said ^

[mami2four]

Well I managed to get some tubigrip and even though it's doubled over she's still getting red marks in places. Next time I go I will ask about those silk ones.
The problem we are having now though is that they are falling apart already! She was told to wear them all day in school but she seems to be buckling the bar inside and all the sewing on the velcro is coming apart. Her thumb still hyperextends slightly inside them too.

The orthotist seems to be very good at giving us what we ask for even though he doesn't come up with the ideas himself, so anyone got any new suggestions? I was wondering about the thermoplastic ones, do these have to be made by OT though? The ones she has now are neoprene with a metal stay at her thumb and wrist, The thumb also has a strip of velcro round it which digs into her like hell. I'll try and post a picture if I ever figure it out.

Katie

[emma1985]

i was advised to buy/try supports until my appointment in february and have found hospital issued ones for sale on ebay. is it worth paying for them and do they help?

[nemonie]

How much are they? Are they specifically advertised as being hospital issued? Because to be honest a lot of NHS issued ones tend to be the cheapest you can get from the big medical suppliers.

[emma1985]

There £14 for both hands measurements taken to make sure they fit correctly and that's including postage. I've previously tried the neoprene ones that's weightlifters use and they are no good. Is that an acceptable price to pay. I've researched the seller and their reputable. I personally think that's not bad considering there were some for over £20 just for one hand. Advice appreciated. X

[Blaadyblah]

Hi Emma, it depends which ones they are really, I've spent as little as a fiver on some wrist supports and as much as £30 on others, the ones I have now are custom made and I dread to think what they cost. Were you advised on the type of support you need, are we talking about the type with stays running under the wrist to the palm that do up with velcro?

[emma1985]

Well the ones I have seen are velcro support from the middle of the arm right to my palm. Even if its some relief. The ones from the hospital are going to be with the metal stay I think. She mentioned about taking measurements so I'm assuming they will be custom fit. I just don't want to buy them if they are a waste of money but on saying that, even some comfort n support would be good right now. I fitted my daughters safety gate by just a screwdriver and I've been in agony ever since but it had to be done.

[Stone]

I used to advise an electric screwdriver but after I tore a bunch of ligaments using one I'm not so keen!

I would always say it's better to use a support for activities when you need it and then take it off rather than either keeping it on all day or not bothering. If you can reduce the amount of pain / fatigue caused without overly weakening yourself you're in the happy medium

Stone

[nemonie]

I think for £14 for two with P&P they'd be worth a go Even if they just offer a little bit of compression around the wrist area, it might offer a bit of relief in the short term until you can get to see the OT. I'd buy 'em

[emma1985]

Thank you I've decided I am going to try the splints because as you have said, even if its a little bit of support it would help me a lot. I've woken this morning to very weak hands and very very stiff. I had trouble getting my daughter out of her cot. I'm glad she grabbed me for dear life as I wouldn't have been able to get her out! I think its time to get these splints as I've noticed I'm getting progressively worse in Just the last month alone. Much appreciated for the advice. X