braces/splints/supports - general questions

[Jess]

Trekster most splints given out on the NHS are latex free! if you were having a reaction to the latex it wouldnt be making it numb. you are doing it up too tight. you should be able to put your pinky under the splint when it is done up.

[sheppeyescapee]

I had a horrible reaction to the neoprene ones I got from the NHS. I had a rash up my arm and welts where the edges of the brace was.

[trekster]

Ive only got a slight rash but ive misplaced one of them already!

[nemonie]

Trekster most splints given out on the NHS are latex free!

Not true. My OT had to order in special latex free splints for me several times, after the first ones 'from stock' she gave me (which she had no clue as to their latex content and couldn't be bothered to find out) set off my latex allergy within 10 minutes of putting them on.

[trekster]

That reminds me must find my splints have noticed my left elbow is more prone to injury when i dont wear them.

[Rosie]

Hi all

Do remember that what the NHS supplies, and the types of braces etc supplied, varies tremendously from one area to another. SO the splints one area supplies may be latex free, and the ones another are supplies may not.

Rosie

[trekster]

My former physio told me she wasn't sure if they were latex free. She also told me they take 8 weeks to work but mine work as soon as i put them on.
i think i might have more of the cubital tunnel (similar to carpel tunnel) where the nerve is trapped at the elbow. Yesterday it was really painful to use
my left elbow after being wihout my brace for 1 night.

[sheppeyescapee]

Not a splint/brace as such, the OT gave me some compression gloves because my proprioception in my hands is rather bad so these provides some feedback in my hands. A good effect from these gloves is that the dislocations in my fingers have decreased. Sure they still happen but not as many as before

[nemonie]

I got some of those when I was at Stanmore last time, they are pretty groovy (would be better in black rather then NHS beige ). They are also good for keeping the hands a bit warmer and still allowing you to use touchscreens, as they are fingerless.

[sheppeyescapee]

I never realised my hands were so small until they gave me a size small in these gloves and they are still a little too big!!

[sheppeyescapee]

Yes the NHS beige is not particularly attractive

[trekster]

Thats really cool will ask about those when i see my rheumy would help with the typing.

[Jess]

sheppeyescapee; could you not dye the NHS beige? we used to tie dye the tubi grip at my last work so they looked liked leggings and tight sleeves

[PhillMc]

I have recently found great supports for my thumbs, they are like a strong tubigrip which is shaped to cover my thums and the top of my wrist. They have a gel pad in them which makes them comfotable and they provide support without restricting the movement of my hands, i have found them great for typing and sewing and to a certain extent gardening. They can get a little uncomfotable if you wear them for hours on end but for me they have been great. If anyone is interested PM me and i will give you the details.

[Rosie]

Hi all

Phil, if you can find them on the internet, could you please post a link to these supports? I know a number of us struggle with thumbs abd I don't think I have seen these.

Rosie