Night-time Hand and Wrist Pain and Poor Sleep
Hand and wrist pain often feels worst when you are trying to rest. Throbbing, aching or tingling can make it hard to fall asleep, and sharp twinges when you turn over can wake you again and again. By morning, your hand may feel heavy, stiff or weak. Simple tasks such as washing, dressing or gripping objects can take far more effort than you’d expect. For many people, the same pattern repeats most nights and most mornings.
Some people already know why this is happening – for example, a recent sprain or fracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or tendonitis. Others may not have a diagnosis, but notice that their hand or wrist hurts more at night than in the day, and that sleep never really feels refreshing. It’s common to feel tired and frustrated when pain keeps breaking into your sleep.
A common reason is the way your hand and wrist end up lying when you are asleep. The wrist can bend right forwards or backwards, fall to one side, or be twisted under the body or pillow. The hand may curl into a fist or be pressed hard into the mattress. Because you are not aware of these positions, your wrist can stay in those strained positions for hours.
This resting hand splint is designed to tackle that part of the problem – the way your wrist bends, twists and presses at night. It helps keep the wrist nearer to straight, reduces how far it can twist or bend, and spreads pressure more evenly through the palm and forearm. In doing so, it aims to protect sore or healing structures while you sleep or rest, when you cannot control what your hand and wrist are doing.
What Is Going On in the Wrist and Hand at Night?
When you are awake, muscles around the wrist and hand are active and help guide movement. When you sleep, those muscles relax and the joints tend to fall wherever gravity and bedding take them. It is common for the wrist to bend fully forwards, drop backwards or tilt towards one side. Your hand may be curled tightly, flattened out, or trapped underneath your body or pillow.
Several structures can be irritated by these positions:
- Joints between the small bones of the wrist and fingers. If these joints are already worn or inflamed, holding them bent for a long time can cause a deep ache and morning stiffness.
- Ligaments that hold the bones together. If they have been sprained, they are sensitive to being pulled or twisted, and positions right at the end of the bend can cause sharp pain.
- Tendons that move the fingers and thumb. These run in tight tunnels and can be sore if they slide too much through an irritated sheath, or if they are kept on stretch for too long.
- The main nerve at the front of the wrist. When the wrist bends forwards, the space around this nerve narrows. If the nerve is already irritated, extra pressure can cause tingling, numbness or burning in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Sleeping with the wrist fully bent forwards compresses the tissues on the front of the joint and narrows the carpal tunnel, which can increase pressure on the nerve. Bending the wrist fully back pulls the ligaments and joint lining on the front tight and can press joint surfaces together at one edge. Tilting the wrist towards the little finger side or twisting it can load the small bones and soft tissues on that side, which is a problem if those structures are already sore or damaged.
For people with arthritis, staying still in a bent or awkward position allows extra fluid to build up in and around the joints, and the soft tissues tighten. This is why the first few movements in the morning can feel so stiff. After an injury, healing tissues are also vulnerable to being stretched or knocked when you turn over in your sleep.
So night‑time pain isn’t just about how much you’ve used your hand during the day. The way the hand and wrist are held for hours at a time also plays a major part. That’s why changing how the wrist is held while you sleep can make a noticeable difference.
Why a Resting Hand and Wrist Splint Can Help
So where does a resting splint fit into all of this?
A resting hand splint is used to control the awkward night‑time positions and movements that tend to aggravate symptoms. It does this by:
- Keeping the wrist near the middle of its range
The splint holds the wrist close to straight – roughly halfway between fully bent forwards and fully bent backwards – instead of letting it drop into either extreme. This reduces the amount of stretch or compression on sore ligaments, joint surfaces and the nerve at the front of the wrist. - Reducing large or sudden movements while you are asleep
You can still make small, comfortable adjustments, but it is much harder for the wrist to snap into a full bend or twist when you roll over. This is particularly important when tissues are healing or when certain directions are known to trigger pain. - Spreading pressure across a larger area
If the hand rests directly on the mattress, one small area can end up taking most of the pressure. A splint with padding and a shaped palm section can spread that pressure through the hand and forearm, easing local sore spots and reducing the need to keep changing position.
If your wrist is held in a better position and pressure comes off sore spots through the night, many people notice they wake less because of pain. Their hand and wrist often feel less sore and tight and easier to use when they get up.
The splint does not replace medical treatment, but it does change the way the wrist bends and takes pressure at the times when you cannot control its position – especially overnight.
How This Resting Hand Splint Is Designed
If a splint is going to help overnight, its details matter. This splint has been selected with input from physiotherapists, hand therapists and orthotists to support the hand and wrist in a steady, comfortable position during sleep and other rest periods. It holds the wrist close to straight, supports the palm and cushions the bases of the fingers, while leaving the fingers and thumb free so you can still manage simple tasks.
The position of the bar, straps and palm support reflects how therapists usually hold the wrist when they apply resting splints in clinic.
Adjustable, Ambidextrous Fit and Three-Strap Support
The splint is a single adjustable size intended for most adult wrists. The body of the splint has a little stretch, and three hook‑and‑loop straps allow you to adjust the fit along the length of the hand and forearm. One strap sits just below the fingers, one around the wrist, and one further up the forearm.
Using three separate straps means the support is shared out. Each strap only needs to be firm, not very tight, so the pressure is not all focused at the wrist. This helps to avoid a strap digging in or leaving deep marks. It also allows you to fine‑tune the fit. For example, if the wrist feels sensitive, you can keep the wrist strap a little looser and rely more on the hand and forearm straps.
The way the straps are arranged helps keep the rigid support bar lined up with your wrist. The forearm strap stops the splint sliding up and down. The strap near the fingers stops the hand end gaping. The middle strap supports the wrist itself. As a result, the splint is less likely to twist or slip as you move in your sleep. This kind of secure but adjustable design is what therapists generally look for in a night‑time splint.
The design is ambidextrous, so it can be worn on either hand. The metal support can be used on the left or right without changing the basic set‑up. Because the straps adjust and the fabric has a little give, the splint can be adapted to a wide range of adult wrist sizes by changing how far each strap overlaps. Very slim or very large wrists may find the fit less precise, and in those cases individual advice can help.
A thumb opening on each side of the splint means the same design can be worn on either hand; which thumb opening you use simply depends on whether you are wearing it on the left or right.
Palm-Side Aluminium Support with Controlled Movement
Inside the splint there is a metal bar that runs along the palm side of the wrist and into the hand. This is made from aluminium, which is firm once strapped in but can be gently bent to follow the natural curve of your wrist and palm.
When the splint is on, this bar keeps the wrist close to straight. It stops the joint from dropping into a full forward or backward bend, and it also cuts down on how far the wrist can tilt from side to side. The forearm can still rotate, but the amount of twisting that happens right at the wrist joint is reduced.
This matters at night, when you are not aware of how your wrist is lying. Without support, the wrist may repeatedly fall into the very ranges that aggravate symptoms. The bar and straps make those extremes much less likely, while still allowing small, comfortable shifts, so the support does not feel like a rigid cast.
Keeping the wrist near straight can:
- lower pressure on the main nerve at the front of the wrist in people with carpal tunnel‑type symptoms;
- reduce repeated pulling on ligaments and joint capsules after sprains or fractures;
- and ease strain on joint surfaces that are already sore in arthritis.
The bar can be removed for washing or, where needed, adjusted once, or only occasionally, to better match the shape of your hand and wrist.
Guided but Natural Resting Hand Posture
Without support, the hand can end up clenched or splayed out flat for long periods in sleep. Neither is ideal for joints and small muscles that are already irritated. This splint is shaped to encourage a more relaxed resting position.
The body of the splint covers the back and palm of the hand up to just below the bases of your fingers. A padded edge runs under the big knuckles. When you rest the hand into the splint, the fingers and thumb tend to sit in a gentle curve rather than being forced completely straight or into a tight fist.
This shape spreads contact along the base of the fingers and across the palm, instead of all the pressure landing on one joint. It avoids pushing the knuckles into full extension or flexion for hours at a time and reduces how hard the small hand muscles have to work just to hold the hand still.
For people with soreness at the bases of the fingers, or those who find themselves waking with their hands clenched, this resting position often feels more natural and easier to tolerate through the night.
Palm Cushioning Beads and Targeted Padding
Under the palm, there is a small section filled with beads. When you rest your hand on it, the beads shift and mould slightly to the shape of your palm, creating a shallow cradle. Instead of one or two small areas taking all the weight when your hand lies on the bed, the load is shared across this broader, cushioned surface.
There is extra padding around the base of the thumb, across the palm and along the wrist edges. These areas are common pressure points, especially in arthritis or after injury. Straps from some supports can rub or dig in here. The padding in this splint is shaped to soften that contact.
This cushioning does two things at night. It reduces the strong pressure that can build up when a bony point is pressed into a firm mattress for a long time. It also softens the impact if you bump the hand against the mattress, your body or your other hand when you turn over. For bruised areas, arthritic joints or healing bones, even a small knock can be unpleasant. Having a padded layer between the hand and its surroundings takes the edge off these bumps and makes it easier to stay asleep. This is especially useful if the bases of your fingers or thumb are arthritic or were involved in an injury, because it helps keep those joints away from direct, sharp pressure. Therapists who regularly see night‑time hand and wrist pain often recommend palm support of this kind in a resting splint.
Overall, the palm support is there to stop one small area taking all the pressure when your hand rests on the bed.
Soft Inner Lining, Gentle Compression and Skin-Friendly Details
The inside of the splint is lined with a softer, smoother fabric than the outside. This is the part that sits directly against your skin. It is chosen to feel comfortable and to handle moisture better than a bare neoprene‑type surface, so your hand feels drier and less clammy overnight.
When you fasten the three straps, the splint should feel snug all the way along the hand and lower forearm. This close contact gives a gentle, even compression which can help limit the build‑up of swelling overnight. When the hand is not moving and is held below heart level, fluid can easily pool in the fingers and around joints. A light, uniform pressure helps keep that swelling under control.
The splint should feel supportive rather than tight. Fingers should remain warm and a normal colour. You should not feel pins and needles caused by the straps themselves. Seams and edges are placed to avoid the most prominent bony points around the wrist as far as possible, and there is extra softness around the base of the thumb and the outer edge of the hand to cut down rubbing.
For many people with arthritis, post‑injury swelling or general hand puffiness, this gentle “held” feeling is more comfortable than having no support at all. The outer material also holds a small amount of warmth, which some people with stiff or aching joints find soothing when they are resting. Because the splint is made to be worn for several hours at a time, especially at night, these comfort details help you keep it on for most of the night rather than taking it off early.
Free Fingers with Covered Knuckles
The splint covers the back and palm of the hand and wrist, but it stops just below the bases of the fingers. The big knuckles sit under the top edge of the splint, while the fingers and thumb come out through smooth openings.
At the top, there is a wide opening for the fingers. There is also a single thumb opening on each side of the splint, so the same design can be worn on either hand. The unused thumb opening simply sits on the outer side and helps air move around the hand. The edges around these openings are softly finished to reduce rubbing, without affecting the support to the wrist and base of the hand.
This means the wrist and the base of the hand are supported and cushioned, and joints that often ache at the base of the fingers are protected by the padded edge. The thumb base is supported, but you can still move your thumb as normal.
With your fingers and thumb free, you can still do simple things like hold a remote, steady a mug or adjust bedding without taking the splint off. At the same time, the parts of the hand that most often need rest – the wrist joints, the carpal area and the finger bases – are kept in a steadier position. Many people find they’re more willing to wear a splint regularly when they can still manage these small tasks without having to take it off.
Breathable, Lightweight and Slim Splint
Although the outer material has some thickness to provide support, the overall splint is quite slim. It wraps around the wrist and hand, with a smooth opening at the top for the fingers and a single thumb opening on each side. The edges around these openings are rounded to reduce rubbing over the back of the hand and around the thumb.
The inner lining is designed to be softer and less sweaty against the skin, and the open‑top and side‑opening design allows more air to circulate than a full glove. The splint is slim enough to fit under a loose sleeve and is less likely to catch on bedding if you prefer to keep the support out of sight.
If the splint does brush against sheets or covers when you turn, the lower bulk means there is less extra leverage on the wrist. You are less likely to feel your wrist twisting simply because the splint has caught on the bedding.
The openings for the fingers and thumb improve comfort and airflow without taking away from the support around the wrist and base of the hand. Comfort matters because a support that quickly feels too hot or bulky is more likely to be taken off in the middle of the night. By keeping the splint relatively slim and the materials as breathable and smooth as possible, this design is intended so you can put it on at bedtime and generally keep it on until morning without needing to remove it for comfort reasons.
If You Have a Diagnosed Hand or Wrist Condition
Some people will have been told by a GP, physiotherapist, rheumatologist or hand specialist that they have a specific condition affecting their hand or wrist. Others may strongly suspect a particular problem because of the pattern of their symptoms.
The night‑time mechanics described earlier – bent or twisted wrist positions, pressure on small joints, movement of irritated tendons and compression of nerves – show up in different ways in different conditions. A neutral, padded resting splint of this type is often used as part of the approach in these situations:
For Wrist Sprains
What a Wrist Sprain Is
A wrist sprain happens when ligaments around the wrist joint are stretched or torn, usually by a sudden force such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or a sharp twist. These ligaments run along the front, back and sides of the joint and act like tough straps, helping to keep the small wrist bones in the right position as you move and load the hand.
When a ligament is overstretched, small fibres within it tear. In the short term this leads to pain, swelling and sometimes bruising. The area may feel unstable or weaker, and turning, lifting or pushing with the hand can be uncomfortable. In more severe sprains, movement can feel limited and painful in specific directions, such as bending the wrist backwards or towards the little finger side.
If the wrist is not given enough time and support to heal, the ligament can remain slack. This may allow the small wrist bones to move too much under load. Over time, this altered movement pattern can increase strain on joint surfaces and other soft tissues, which may contribute to ongoing pain or, in some cases, early wear changes.
Why Wrist Sprains Can Linger and Disturb Sleep
During the day, pain from a sprain is often brought on by obvious movements such as pushing up from a chair, lifting or twisting. At night, the same ligaments can be stressed in less obvious ways. If the hand is tucked under the head, twisted under the body or left hanging over the edge of the bed, the injured side of the joint can be placed under stretch for long periods. Simple rolling over in bed can also cause sharp twinges as the wrist bends fully or twists suddenly.
Many people notice a deep ache in the wrist after lying for a while, sharp catches of pain when changing position, or increased stiffness and soreness on waking, especially if the wrist has been bent or loaded awkwardly in sleep. Repeated strain at night can keep the ligament sore even if daytime activities have been reduced.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Wrist Sprains
After a wrist sprain has been checked and any fracture or major damage ruled out, this resting splint can provide useful support, particularly at night. By holding the wrist near a straight, middle position, it reduces the amount of stretch placed on healing ligaments at the front and back of the joint. The side‑to‑side restraint and anchoring along the forearm help to limit twisting, which often aggravates pain on the little finger side.
The bead‑filled palm section and three‑strap layout support the hand and wrist along their length, so weight is spread and the joint is less likely to drop into a painful position if you roll onto that side in bed. Instead of ligaments being pulled to their limit, they remain closer to the safer middle of their range through the night, which can make it easier for microscopic tears to repair and settle.
Using this type of splint does not replace the need for rehabilitation exercises and activity modification, but it can make rest periods safer and more comfortable. For many people, fewer night‑time jolts of pain and a steadier joint overnight contribute to more manageable symptoms during the day.
For Hand Sprains
What a Hand Sprain Is
A hand sprain affects the ligaments that stabilise the small joints in the hand, particularly around the bases of the fingers and across the knuckles. These ligaments act like firm bands that keep the joint surfaces aligned when you grip, push or bear weight through the hand.
When a hand is forced suddenly into an awkward position – for example when you catch yourself in a fall, have a finger forced backwards, or land with the hand twisted – some of these ligament fibres can be overstretched or torn. This is a sprain.
Hand sprains often produce sharp pain at the time of injury (sometimes with a pulling or tearing sensation), swelling and tenderness around one or more knuckles or at the base of a finger, bruising over the next day or so and pain when trying to grip, pinch or push through the hand. The joint may feel unstable or “give way” when you try to grip firmly. In more severe sprains, there can be a visible shift in alignment or difficulty moving the finger through a full bend or straighten.
Why Hand Sprains Can Linger and Disturb Sleep
After a sprain, the body lays down scar tissue to repair the torn ligament fibres. If the area is repeatedly stressed in the same way while it heals, the scar tissue can form in a looser pattern. The ligament may then be slightly longer than before, offering less firm support to the joint. To avoid pain or a feeling of giving way, people often start using the hand differently, which can lead to ongoing pain, stiffness from under‑use and extra strain on nearby joints and tendons.
At night, control over hand position is lost. The hand may curl tightly into a fist, or fingers may be forced backwards as you tuck a hand under the pillow or under your head. Sleeping with the hand under the head so the big knuckles are bent sharply backwards into the mattress, clenching the hand unconsciously or trapping the hand under the body with one or two fingers bent or twisted for long periods can all strain healing ligaments.
Because sprained ligaments are sensitive to both stretch and sudden movement, these positions can lead to sharp, stabbing pains that wake you, or a deep throbbing around the knuckles after you have been lying still. By morning, the hand may feel more swollen and stiff, making it harder to make a full fist or to bear weight through the hand.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Hand Sprains
Once a sprain has been assessed and more serious injury ruled out, this resting splint can play a useful role in protecting the joint during the healing phase, especially at night.
It supports the structures most often affected in hand sprains by:
- supporting the bases of the fingers in a mid‑range position, so the padded edge under the big knuckles helps hold them in a slightly bent, comfortable posture rather than allowing them to be forced fully straight or fully curled;
- cradling the palm with the bead‑filled section, so one sprained area does not have to take all the load when you rest the hand;
- and linking the hand to a stable wrist position with the palm‑side aluminium bar, so movements at the shoulder or elbow do not translate into sudden extra bend or twist at the sprained joints.
During sleep and rest, this means the bases of the fingers are less likely to be bent sharply backwards or clenched hard, the injured ligaments are held within a safer range, and accidental pressure or knocks are softened. In combination with exercises and activity advice from a clinician, this can help a sprained hand recover more comfortably and reduce the chance of it becoming a long‑term issue.
For Hand Or Wrist Contusion
What a Hand or Wrist Contusion Is
A hand or wrist contusion is a deep bruise caused by a direct blow. Rather than a simple skin bruise, a contusion in this region often involves the soft tissues over and between the small bones – muscles, fat and connecting tissue layers. When the area is struck, tiny blood vessels tear and blood leaks into these tissues. This produces the familiar discoloration, but it can also create a feeling of deep soreness or tightness under the skin.
After a knock or fall, people often notice sharp pain at the moment of impact, increasing tenderness over the next few hours, swelling and visible bruising, and a deep ache when pressing on or moving the area. A deeper contusion can hurt when you stretch the tissues around it. For example, a bruise on the back of the wrist may ache when you bend the wrist forwards, one on the front of the wrist may hurt when you bend the wrist backwards, and a deep bruise in the hand may feel like a tight band when you clench or open the hand fully.
Why Some Bruises Take Longer to Settle and Affect Rest
Most minor bruises fade over a week or two. Deeper contusions, especially after a strong impact, can take longer. Blood and fluid trapped in the soft tissues make the area feel full, tight and tender. As the body clears this blood and fluid away, the tissues can temporarily stiffen and thicken. If the bruised area continues to be knocked again, squashed under weight or stretched repeatedly to the end of its range, the healing process can be delayed because more tiny vessels can re‑bleed and the body has to clear extra fluid. That’s why some deep bruises can seem to hang around.
During the day, you can usually see and feel when you are pressing on a bruised area and move away. At night, this control is lost. Common night‑time patterns for hand and wrist contusions include lying directly on the bruised side so that the tender area is pinned between bone and the mattress, tucking the hand under the body or pillow so the point of impact bears the weight of the head or trunk, or bending the wrist fully forwards or backwards, which stretches bruised tissues over the underlying bones.
A deep contusion often feels worse if it is both compressed and stretched. The result can be throbbing that keeps you awake, sharp pains when you move in your sleep, and a stiffer, more painful joint on waking.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Contusions
Once a contusion has been assessed, and more serious injury such as a fracture has been ruled out, this resting splint can help by changing how pressure and movement are applied to the bruised area, especially during sleep.
It:
- changes where the weight goes, by allowing the hand and forearm to rest on a broader, padded surface instead of on the bruised point alone;
- limits the extremes of wrist bend, so the bruised tissues are not stretched as far over the bones;
- and softens small bumps and knocks, because the padded shell and bead‑filled palm take much of the impact.
Used mainly at night and when you are resting during the day, this kind of support can make a deep bruise feel less tender, reduce night‑time throbbing, and give the tissues a better chance to settle. If pain is severe, movement is very restricted, or there is concern about a break, medical assessment should always come first.
For Hand Or Wrist Fractures
What Hand and Wrist Fractures Are
Hand and wrist fractures refer to breaks or cracks in the bones within these areas. The wrist is made up of the two forearm bones and a cluster of small carpal bones, while the hand contains the long bones of the palm and the smaller bones in the fingers. A fracture can involve any of these and usually results from a fall, a direct blow or other significant trauma.
Typical signs include marked pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving or using the hand. The joint or finger may look misshapen, and gripping or bearing weight through the hand can be extremely painful. Proper diagnosis requires medical assessment and imaging. Early treatment often involves immobilising the fracture in a cast or rigid splint, and in some cases surgical fixation to hold the bones in place while they heal.
After a Cast Comes Off: Why the Wrist Still Hurts
Once a fracture has healed enough for a cast or very rigid splint to be removed, it is common to notice stiffness in the wrist, hand or fingers, a dull ache (especially at the end of movements), and weakness or a sense of vulnerability when using the hand.
During immobilisation, joints, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues adapt to reduced movement. The joint capsules can tighten, muscles weaken, and the area can become more sensitive to stretch and load. As normal use returns, these structures need time to adapt and strengthen gradually.
At night, even when daytime use is carefully graded, lying in certain positions can place unexpected loads on healing structures. The wrist may bend fully when the hand is under the head or pillow, stretching tissues that have been stiff for weeks. The hand may press directly on a tender bony area when lying on that side. Sudden twists of the wrist can occur if you push against the bed to turn.
These can produce sharp pains that wake you or leave the joint feeling more irritable the next day.
How This Resting Splint Can Support Post-Fracture Recovery
This resting splint is not intended for the immediate management of a suspected fracture. Its role is usually later on, once a clinician has confirmed that healing is well underway and that it is safe to begin moving more.
At that stage, the splint can:
- hold the wrist in a neutral position at night, limiting the extremes of bend and twist that are most uncomfortable;
- provide gentle support to the base of the hand, spreading pressure away from any particularly tender bony points;
- and offer a sense of protection and stability that can reduce worry about re‑injury during sleep.
The palm‑side aluminium bar keeps the wrist from flopping into full flexion or extension, while the padded palm supports the bases of the fingers and thumb. The three‑strap system anchors the support along the forearm to reduce unnecessary movement at the fracture site while resting.
By reducing night‑time jolts and extreme positions, a resting splint like this can help healing bone and soft tissues adapt more comfortably to your usual hand movements and tasks, such as turning a key or lifting a kettle. Its use should always be guided by the treating clinician, who can advise on when to begin reducing support as strength and confidence improve.
For Hand Or Wrist Tendonitis
What Hand and Wrist Tendonitis Is
Hand and wrist tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, refers to inflammation or irritation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. In this region, tendons run through narrow channels around the wrist and into the hand, allowing the fingers and thumb to move.
Common patterns include pain along the thumb side of the wrist when lifting or rotating, soreness at the back of the wrist when repeatedly extending it, and discomfort in the palm or fingers when gripping or pinching.
Tendons are surrounded by a thin sheath that helps them glide smoothly. Repetitive use, especially with poor wrist positioning or without enough rest, can cause this sheath to become inflamed and thickened. As swelling increases within a tight space, the tendon has to work harder to move, and friction between tendon and sheath rises.
Why Tendonitis Becomes Persistent and Affects Rest
During the day, people with tendonitis often notice a dull ache that builds with repetitive tasks, sharper pains during specific movements and a sense of stiffness when first starting to move after being still.
If the tendon is repeatedly asked to do the same type of work that irritated it in the first place, or allowed to rub within an inflamed sheath, the problem can become more persistent. The tendon and its sheath may thicken, and pain can appear with less and less activity. In some cases, the tendon can weaken, increasing the risk of further problems.
At night, pain can continue or flare again if the wrist is held in positions that keep the affected tendon on stretch or repeatedly moving. Sleeping with the wrist fully bent or twisted can keep the tendon under slight stretch for hours. Each time you shift in bed, the tendon moves in its tunnel, and if the hand is trapped under the body or pillow, the tendon may be pressed against nearby structures. This can lead to night‑time aching and morning stiffness, even if daytime activity has been reduced.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Tendonitis
A resting hand splint can support tendon recovery by reducing the movement and stretch that aggravated the problem. By holding the wrist close to a straight position and stabilising the base of the hand, this splint limits how far the tendons move through their irritated range when you are not actively using the hand.
At night, this can make a particular difference. Instead of the wrist collapsing into a fully bent or twisted posture that keeps tendons under tension, the aluminium support bar and three‑strap system encourage a near‑straight position. The bead‑filled palm and padding allow the hand to rest in a slightly cupped posture, reducing the pull on certain tendon attachments at the base of the fingers and thumb.
The open‑finger design allows gentle movement for comfort, but larger, more forceful motions at the wrist are limited. Used regularly alongside the plan you and your clinician have agreed – including changes to activities and exercises – this resting splint can help calm symptoms and reduce the risk of night‑time irritation undoing progress made during the day.
For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves irritation or compression of the main nerve that runs into the hand at the front of the wrist. This nerve travels through a narrow passage formed by the small wrist bones on one side and a strong band of tissue on the other. This passage is called the carpal tunnel. When the contents of the tunnel are swollen, or when the wrist is held in certain positions, pressure on the nerve can increase.
People often notice tingling, numbness or burning sensations in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and sometimes half of the ring finger. Symptoms commonly wake the person at night, are worse when the wrist is bent forwards, and may improve temporarily when they shake or flick the hand. Over time, if the nerve remains under pressure, symptoms can become more constant, and weakness in grip or pinch may appear. In more advanced cases, the muscle bulk at the base of the thumb can shrink.
Why Symptoms Are Worse at Night
At night, the wrist often bends without conscious control. Many people sleep with the wrist flexed forwards or tucked under the head, which narrows the carpal tunnel. Fluid can also collect in the tissues around the nerve when the hand is down by the side and relatively inactive.
The combination of a narrower tunnel from wrist bend and increased tissue volume around the nerve raises the pressure within this small space. The nerve is sensitive to this pressure and responds by producing tingling, numbness or pain. Because these symptoms are unpleasant, they tend to wake people from sleep. If you’ve ever woken with your hand completely numb and had to shake it awake, you’ll recognise this.
If carpal tunnel‑type symptoms are ignored and the nerve remains compressed over a long period, there is a risk of more lasting change. Ongoing pressure can affect the nerve’s blood supply and function, which may lead to more persistent numbness, weakness of the thumb muscles and, in more severe cases, wasting of the muscle bulk at the base of the thumb.
How This Resting Splint Helps in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Splinting the wrist is a widely used, non‑invasive measure in the management of carpal tunnel‑type symptoms, especially at night. The aim is to keep the wrist close to straight, rather than allowing it to curl forwards or backwards into positions that tighten the tunnel.
The palm‑side aluminium support in this splint runs along the underside of the wrist and hand. When the straps are fastened, it guides the wrist into a more neutral posture and helps to keep it there through the night. The three‑strap system holds the support in alignment with the forearm and hand, reducing the risk of the wrist bending fully as you move in your sleep.
By maintaining this straighter position, the space under the strong band at the front of the wrist tends to stay more open, pressure on the nerve can be reduced, and the episodes of night‑time tingling or numbness may become less frequent or less intense.
Because the fingers and thumb are free, light use of the hand is still possible, but the main wrist joint remains steadier. Many people with carpal tunnel‑type symptoms use this type of splint mainly at night and sometimes for short rest breaks during the day. Many clinicians suggest a neutral‑position wrist brace like this as an early, non‑surgical option for night‑time symptoms. As part of a broader plan that may include activity changes, exercises and, where appropriate, further treatments, this resting splint can make symptoms easier to live with.
For Dupuytren's Contracture
What Dupuytren’s Contracture Is
Dupuytren’s Contracture mainly affects the tissue layer just under the skin of the palm and fingers. In this condition, parts of this fibrous layer thicken and form nodules and cords. Over time, these cords can shorten, pulling one or more fingers into a bent position. The ring and little fingers are most commonly involved.
Early on, people may notice small lumps or dimples in the palm. As the condition progresses, cords can be felt running towards the fingers, and it may become difficult to fully straighten them. In more advanced cases, the affected fingers remain bent even when trying to open the hand. This can interfere with tasks such as putting a hand in a pocket, wearing gloves or placing the hand flat on a surface.
Why It Matters and How It Progresses
The thickened cords in Dupuytren’s attach to the skin and tissues that influence finger movement. As they shorten, they pull the fingers towards the palm. Unlike simple stiffness, this bending is due to the cords themselves tightening. Without treatment, the contracture can gradually worsen, leading to increasing difficulty straightening the fingers, challenges with hygiene between the fingers and problems with tasks that require the hand to open fully.
Various factors, including genetics and certain health conditions, are associated with a higher chance of developing Dupuytren’s, but not everyone with risk factors will experience it, and progression can vary widely.
Treatment is tailored to severity and may include stretching and splinting as part of therapy, needle techniques, enzyme injections or surgery to release or remove the cords. Management is best guided by a specialist.
How This Resting Splint May Be Used in Dupuytren’s
Splints for Dupuytren’s are usually customised, especially when the goal is to hold one or more fingers in a more extended position. However, a more general resting splint for the hand and wrist can be used in some situations, for example after certain procedures as part of a therapy plan, or to provide general support and comfort to a hand that feels tight and sore, especially at night.
This splint supports the palm and wrist in a neutral position while leaving the fingers free. The bead‑filled palm and padded edge under the bases of the fingers provide a gentle resting platform. The neutral wrist position helps prevent the whole hand from collapsing further into flexion at rest.
When used alongside specific finger‑extension devices prescribed by a hand therapist, this type of resting splint can support the wrist and base of the hand so they do not add extra flexion forces to the fingers, offer comfort at night by cushioning the palm and supporting a more natural hand posture, and help maintain gains achieved by procedures or therapy, as advised by the treating team.
Because Dupuytren’s Contracture is variable and sometimes progressive, decisions about splinting should always be made with input from a specialist familiar with the individual’s pattern of disease.
For Osteoarthritis
What Osteoarthritis of the Hand and Wrist Is
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually wears down. In the hand and wrist, it often affects the base‑of‑thumb joint (where the thumb meets the wrist), the joints in the middle or ends of the fingers and sometimes the small joints in the wrist itself.
As cartilage thins, bones rub more directly against each other. The body may respond by forming extra bone at the edges of joints (often felt as bony lumps) and by thickening the joint capsule. These changes can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Typical experiences include aching in the hand or wrist after use (especially gripping, lifting or twisting), stiffness after rest (particularly on waking), reduced grip strength and, in some, visible changes such as knobbly finger joints or a prominent base‑of‑thumb.
Why Symptoms Become Long Term and Affect Sleep
Osteoarthritis is usually a long‑term condition. Over time, the combination of cartilage loss, bone changes and joint capsule thickening alters how forces are shared across the joint. To avoid pain, people often start using the hand differently – for example, pinching less with the thumb, or avoiding tight grips. If use is reduced too much, the muscles that support the joints can weaken. Weaker muscles mean less dynamic support for the joint, which can increase the load on already sensitive joint surfaces. This cycle of pain, avoidance, weakness and further strain can make symptoms more troublesome.
At night, several factors can aggravate osteoarthritic joints. Lying with the wrist fully bent forwards or backwards can focus pressure on one part of a worn joint surface. Resting the side of the hand or thumb base against a hard surface can press on already tender areas. Swelling that has built up during the day can contribute to a feeling of tightness and pain, particularly in the morning. Many people with osteoarthritis notice that their hands and wrists feel stiff and sore on waking, loosening somewhat as they begin to move.
It is understandably frustrating when everyday tasks take more time and effort than they used to, especially if you feel you have not over‑used the hand.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Osteoarthritis
A resting splint is not a cure for osteoarthritis, but it can make symptoms easier to manage, especially overnight. By holding the wrist in a neutral alignment, supporting the base of the hand with a bead‑filled palm and cushioning the bases of the fingers and thumb, the splint provides a steadier position for affected joints.
The neutral wrist position means that joint surfaces are not pressed repeatedly into one extreme corner during sleep. Instead, forces are spread more evenly. The padded palm helps avoid one small bony area taking all the pressure when the hand rests on the bed. The gentle compression from the straps and inner lining can help limit overnight swelling, which may reduce morning stiffness.
This splint is particularly helpful where osteoarthritis involves the wrist or the base‑of‑hand joints. Severe osteoarthritis in a single thumb or finger joint may still need more targeted supports in addition, as advised by a clinician. Used as part of a wider plan that includes exercise, activity changes and any recommended medications, this resting splint can make night‑time and early‑morning symptoms more manageable. That is often the point where people start looking for extra support at rest.
For Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Wrist and Hand Is
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of joints. In the wrists and hands, this can lead to pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest. The joint lining becomes thickened and produces extra fluid, which contributes to swelling and pain.
Over time, persistent inflammation can damage the cartilage and underlying bone. Supporting soft tissues, such as ligaments and the joint capsule, can also be affected. In the hands, this may result in fingers drifting towards the little finger side, the wrist losing its normal alignment and deformities such as knuckle prominence or changes in finger shape. These changes can significantly affect function, making gripping, pinching and fine tasks more difficult. They can be worrying to see as well as to feel.
Why Symptoms Are Worse in the Morning
In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflamed joint lining produces fluid, and the joint can be warm and swollen. When the hand and wrist are kept still for long periods, such as overnight, this fluid is not moved around as effectively. The combination of swelling, thickened lining and reduced movement leads to prolonged morning stiffness, a feeling of the joints being “stuck” or very tight at first and pain when beginning to move. As the day goes on and movement increases, stiffness may ease but can return after periods of inactivity.
How This Resting Splint Supports Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Resting hand splints are often used alongside medical and therapy treatments in rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand and wrist. The aims are to support joints in a more neutral, functional position, reduce strain on inflamed tissues and help protect against forces that might encourage deformity.
This splint holds the wrist close to straight using the palm‑side aluminium support. The bead‑filled palm and padded edge up to just below the fingers provide a gentle resting platform for the small joints of the hand. The thumb remains free but the base is cushioned, which can be important if this joint is inflamed.
By supporting the hand and wrist in a more neutral alignment at night, joints are less likely to sag into positions that favour finger drift or other deforming patterns. The load on inflamed joint surfaces and ligaments is reduced, and the joint capsule and surrounding muscles are held in a steadier position.
The gentle, even compression from the straps and soft inner lining can also help to keep swelling more controlled overnight. In combination with appropriate medication and exercise, this can contribute to less intense morning stiffness and pain.
Decisions about splint use in rheumatoid arthritis, including positioning and wearing time, should be made with input from the treating rheumatology and hand therapy team. This helps ensure that support is provided in a way that protects joints while preserving as much function as possible.
For Kienböck's Disease
What Kienböck’s Disease Is
Kienböck’s Disease affects one of the small bones in the wrist known as the lunate. In this condition, the blood supply to the lunate is reduced or disrupted. Over time, this can lead to damage and collapse of the bone. Because the lunate plays a central role in wrist movement and sharing load, changes in its shape and structure can have wide effects on wrist function.
People with Kienböck’s often notice deep, central wrist pain (especially with gripping or loading the wrist), tenderness over the back of the wrist, stiffness and reduced movement, and reduced grip strength. The condition is relatively uncommon and is usually managed by specialist teams. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and may include activity modification, splinting and, in some cases, surgery aimed at improving blood supply or altering load patterns in the wrist.
Why Reducing Stress on the Lunate Matters
The lunate is one of the carpal bones that transmits force between the forearm and hand. When it is weakened or collapsing, forces passing through it during wrist movements and loading can increase pain and potentially worsen structural problems. Reducing the amount of compressive and shear stress through the lunate at rest can therefore be part of management, alongside other measures.
Even during sleep, if the wrist is bent, twisted or loaded awkwardly under the head or body, the central carpal region can experience significant pressure. For someone with Kienböck’s, this may contribute to night‑time pain and morning stiffness.
How This Resting Splint May Be Used in Kienböck’s
In Kienböck’s Disease, splint use is usually directed by a specialist. A resting wrist splint can help to hold the wrist in a neutral position, reducing extremes of flexion and extension that compress or shear the lunate, limit twisting and side‑to‑side bending through the central wrist and provide general support so that you are less likely to rest directly on a painful area.
This splint’s palm‑side aluminium support and three‑strap design create a relatively stable link between the forearm and hand during rest. The padded palm allows the hand to be supported without one small central area taking all the load, so less bending happens through the damaged bone itself. Used in this way, the splint can help reduce strain on the affected bone, especially at night.
Because Kienböck’s is complex and progression varies, any use of a resting splint should be part of the overall treatment plan you and your specialist work out. The splint is usually just one part of the picture, alongside other treatments and activity advice.
For Ulnar Impaction Syndrome
What Ulnar Impaction Syndrome Is
Ulnar Impaction Syndrome is mainly a problem of extra bony pressure on the little finger side of the wrist. It occurs when the end of the ulna (one of the forearm bones) sits slightly longer in relation to the wrist bones than usual, or when certain positions repeatedly force it into the small carpal bones and soft tissues beneath.
On that side of the wrist there is a tight space that includes the rounded end of the ulna, the small carpal bones next to it and a soft tissue structure between them that helps cushion and stabilise the area. When the ulna presses too firmly and too often into this region, joint surfaces and soft tissues can become irritated.
People with Ulnar Impaction Syndrome often describe a deep ache or sharp pain on the little finger side of the wrist, discomfort when bending the wrist towards that side, pain when turning the palm up or down while lifting or bearing weight and sometimes a sense of grinding or catching in certain positions.
Why It Bothers You at Night
Although Ulnar Impaction Syndrome is usually aggravated by load‑bearing and twisting, night‑time positions can still play a role. Common patterns include sleeping with the wrist bent strongly towards the little finger side (which narrows the space on that side and increases compression), tucking the wrist under the body or pillow so that the ulnar edge bears most of the weight, or repeatedly twisting the wrist slightly while changing position, causing small but frequent compressive forces through the ulnar‑side joint surfaces.
These positions can lead to a dull ache or sharper local pain that wakes you or makes it difficult to find a comfortable posture. By morning, the wrist may feel stiff and sore, even if it has not been heavily used the previous day – which can be confusing if you feel you’ve only done light tasks.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Ulnar Impaction Syndrome
A resting hand splint cannot change bone length, but it can reduce the positions and movements that provoke compression while you are resting or asleep.
This splint:
- holds the wrist closer to straight, away from the full little‑finger‑side bend that tightens the space on that side;
- spreads contact across the padded palm and forearm so that the sharp ulnar edge is less likely to be the only part pressed into the mattress;
- and reduces the small, repeated side‑to‑side and twisting movements at the wrist when you change position.
By doing this, the splint can lessen the repeated bony pressure on the ulnar‑side joint surfaces and soft tissues during the hours when you are least aware of how the wrist is lying. Many people find this can make night‑time pain more manageable and leave the wrist feeling less sore first thing in the morning. A clinician familiar with Ulnar Impaction Syndrome can advise how splint use fits in with daytime changes to wrist loading and other treatments.
For Intersection Syndrome
What Intersection Syndrome Is
Intersection Syndrome affects the back of the forearm where certain tendons that move the wrist and thumb cross over each other. Specifically, tendons that extend the wrist intersect with tendons that extend and move the thumb. Repetitive activities that involve wrist extension and thumb movement can irritate the sheath around these tendons, leading to inflammation.
Common experiences include pain and tenderness on the back of the forearm a few centimetres above the wrist, swelling or a feeling of fullness or tightness in this area, a creaking or grating sensation when moving the wrist or thumb and pain that worsens with repeated lifting, repeated pulling movements or forceful gripping.
Why It Can Become Persistent and Affect Rest
The tendons involved in Intersection Syndrome run in tight compartments lined by a smooth sheath. With repeated use, small irritations in the sheath can lead to swelling. In a confined space, this swelling increases friction as the tendons move back and forth. The outcome is an inflamed, thickened sheath and pain with movement. The creaking sensation some people feel is the sound or feel of these irritated tissues moving against each other.
If the tendons continue to glide through an inflamed sheath without enough rest, the problem can become longer‑lasting. The tissues remain thickened and sore, and the threshold for pain can drop. At night, even though you are not consciously using the hand, certain wrist positions can keep a degree of tension on the involved tendons. For example, sleeping with the wrist fully extended or repeatedly bending it in and out during restless sleep can continue to move the tendons through their irritated zone.
How This Resting Splint Helps in Intersection Syndrome
A resting wrist splint can assist by limiting the range of wrist extension and flexion during rest, keeping the wrist in a straighter, near‑straight position and reducing the small repeated movements that keep the tendons sliding under tension.
In this splint, the palm‑side aluminium bar and three‑strap design work together to hold the wrist near neutral. The open‑finger arrangement allows very small movements for comfort, but larger up‑and‑down wrist movements are limited.
By calming how much the tendons move in their tunnels at night and during rest periods, the splint can help reduce ongoing irritation to the tendon sheaths. Used in combination with adjustments to aggravating activities and a tailored exercise programme from a clinician, this approach supports the tissue’s natural repair processes.
For Synovitis
What Synovitis Is
Synovitis means inflammation of the synovial lining of a joint. This lining is a thin, soft tissue layer that produces the fluid which lubricates and nourishes the joint surfaces. When it becomes inflamed, the lining thickens and produces extra fluid. The result is a joint that feels swollen, painful and stiff.
In the hand and wrist, synovitis can appear in different settings, including after an injury or period of overuse, in association with systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, or alongside other joint problems where irritation has triggered a local inflammatory reaction.
People with synovitis in the hand or wrist often notice visible puffiness or a “full” feeling around one or more joints, warmth and tenderness to touch, aching or throbbing pain that can be present at rest and worse with movement and stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity.
Why Synovitis Persists and Affects Night-time
If the cause of the inflammation is not addressed – whether that is an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or repeated mechanical irritation – the synovial lining can stay thickened and overactive. Ongoing synovitis may keep the joint swollen and painful, contribute to reduced movement and muscle weakness around the joint and, over time, damage cartilage and bone.
At night, two things tend to happen in an inflamed joint. Fluid can collect more easily because the hand and wrist are still and often held below heart level. The joint may also be held in bent positions for long periods, which keeps the inflamed lining on stretch or under compression. When you first start to move again in the morning, that combination of extra fluid and tightened tissues can make movement feel especially stiff and painful. Persistent unexplained swelling and stiffness should be discussed with a clinician rather than ignored.
How This Resting Splint Can Help When Synovitis Is Present
A resting hand splint does not treat synovitis at its source, but it can reduce mechanical irritation of an inflamed joint and make night‑time and early morning symptoms easier to manage.
This splint:
- holds the wrist and base of the hand in a mid‑range position, so the joint lining is not repeatedly stretched at the extremes of movement during sleep;
- provides even, gentle contact along the hand and lower forearm, which can help keep swelling more controlled;
- and cushions painful joints at the base of the fingers and thumb with the bead‑filled palm and padded edge.
These changes mean inflamed joints are less likely to be held in very bent positions overnight or pressed directly into the bed. As part of the overall treatment plan you and your clinician agree, this resting splint can help make synovitis symptoms more manageable, but it is not a substitute for proper investigation and medical treatment where needed.
For Bursitis
What Bursitis in the Wrist or Hand Is
Bursae are small, fluid‑filled sacs that sit where tendons glide over bone or where soft tissue would otherwise be pressed directly onto a bony point. They act as tiny cushions, helping tendons move smoothly and reducing friction and pressure. In the wrist and hand, bursae are found near bony prominences and under tendons that work hard with gripping and weight‑bearing.
Bursitis occurs when one of these sacs becomes inflamed. The bursa fills with extra fluid and its lining becomes irritated. Instead of acting as a smooth, soft buffer, it becomes swollen and sore. People often describe a very localised, “pin‑point” area of pain, swelling or a small, raised area that is tender to touch, discomfort when leaning or pressing on that part of the wrist or hand and pain when nearby tendons move over the inflamed bursa.
Bursitis in the wrist or hand is commonly irritated by repeatedly leaning on the same area (for example, resting the wrist edge on a hard surface), tasks that combine pressure and movement (such as pushing through the hand while twisting) or direct knocks that jab the bursa. Because a bursa sits between moving structures, it can be irritated both by pressure from outside and by tendon movement across it inside.
Why Bursitis Disturbs Sleep
Even if you avoid leaning on the wrist during the day, night‑time positions can still irritate an inflamed bursa. Common situations include sleeping on the side with the wrist tucked under the head or pillow (so the same small area is pressed into the mattress for hours), resting the hand under the body (where weight bears directly through a bony point over the bursa) or lying with the wrist bent in such a way that a tendon repeatedly moves over the swollen sac each time you shift in bed.
Because a bursa is already filled with extra fluid and its lining is sensitive, prolonged pressure or repeated sliding against it at night can lead to throbbing and sharp twinges that wake you. It can also leave the area feeling more inflamed and stiff by morning, even if daytime activity has been modest.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in Bursitis
A resting hand splint cannot remove the inflammation in the bursa by itself, but it can change the way pressure and movement affect it, particularly at night when you are unaware of how you are lying.
This splint:
- spreads pressure across the padded palm and forearm, so the sore area is less likely to be the single point pressed into the mattress;
- keeps the wrist closer to straight, which helps avoid joint positions that pinch the bursa between bone and tendon;
- and softens small bumps and knocks, as the padded shell and bead‑filled palm take much of the contact if you roll onto the hand.
Used mainly at night and during rest periods, along with advice from a clinician about activity changes and any other treatments, this resting splint can reduce night‑time irritation and give the bursa more chance to settle. New, hot, very red swelling or feeling unwell with joint pain should always be checked by a clinician before relying on a splint.
For TFCC Tear
What a TFCC Tear Is
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a soft‑tissue structure on the little finger side of the wrist that helps stabilise and cushion the joint between the end of the ulna and the wrist bones. It is made up of cartilage and ligament‑like tissue that acts as a flexible “disc” between the ulna and carpal bones, helps share load across the little‑finger side of the wrist and resists twisting and side‑to‑side forces.
A TFCC tear means part of this structure has been damaged. This can happen after a fall on an outstretched hand (especially with the wrist bent and rotated), a sudden twisting injury (for example, forcefully turning a handle) or gradual wear from repeated rotation and ulnar‑side loading.
Typical features include pain on the little finger side of the wrist (particularly with twisting movements such as turning a key or opening a jar), discomfort when bending the wrist towards the little finger side or when bearing weight through that side, clicking, catching or a sense of something “moving” inside the wrist and sometimes a feeling that the wrist is less stable or trustworthy in certain positions.
Why TFCC Tears Disturb Rest
Although daytime tasks usually trigger symptoms more obviously, night‑time positioning can also affect a TFCC tear. Common issues include sleeping with the wrist bent towards the little finger side and slightly twisted (which places ongoing tension and compression across the TFCC), pushing against the mattress or bed frame to turn over (putting sudden shear through the injured tissue) or lying with the forearm rotated while the wrist is bent, combining two stressors on the same structure.
These movements and positions can produce sharp pain or a sense of “tugging” deep on the ulnar side of the wrist, disturbing sleep and leaving the area more irritable in the morning.
How This Resting Splint Can Help in TFCC Tears
For TFCC injuries managed without immediate surgery, splinting is often used to reduce the specific stresses that aggravate the damaged tissue, especially during rest. This resting splint is designed to do that by limiting rotation and side‑bending at the wrist joint (as the palm‑side aluminium support and straps link the hand more firmly to the forearm), keeping the wrist in a near‑straight, supported position overnight so the TFCC is not repeatedly stretched or compressed at the extremes, and spreading any resting pressure through the padded palm and forearm rather than directly over the ulnar‑side joint line.
Used mainly at night and during quieter periods in the day, this type of support can reduce the number of sharp “twinges” from accidental twisting or side‑bending in sleep and lessen the constant background loading on the TFCC at rest. A TFCC tear should always be assessed by an appropriate clinician, and a splint is usually one part of a plan that also looks at activity, strength and, in some cases, further interventions.
For Gout
What Gout in the Wrist Is
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the build‑up of urate crystals in joints. These crystals form when uric acid levels in the blood are high enough for long enough that crystals can deposit in joint fluid and tissues. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also involve the wrist or hand.
A gout flare in the wrist usually presents as sudden, severe pain in the joint, pronounced swelling, redness and warmth, extreme tenderness (even light touch may be very painful) and difficulty moving or using the hand. Flares often come on quickly, sometimes overnight, and may wake a person from sleep because of the intensity of pain.
During an acute attack, the immune system reacts strongly to the crystals, causing intense inflammation. If flares happen repeatedly over time and are not well‑controlled, this ongoing inflammation can damage cartilage and bone. Deposits of crystals can also form lumps known as tophi, which may be seen under the skin and can interfere with joint movement or cause local problems if they break down.
When a Splint Fits into Gout Management
During the peak of a gout flare in the wrist, the joint is usually extremely painful and swollen. Any pressure from a splint may be intolerable, and the priority is medical treatment to control inflammation. Forcing a support over a very acutely inflamed joint is not advisable.
As the severe pain begins to settle and swelling reduces, some people may find a resting splint helpful to protect the joint from accidental knocks, support it in a neutral, comfortable position and reduce the strain of holding the wrist still against the residual discomfort.
Between acute attacks, or once an attack has started to resolve, the wrist may be left feeling vulnerable, achy and stiff. In some cases, structural changes from previous flares can make the joint more sensitive to load.
How This Resting Splint Can Help Between Flares
At these times, this resting splint can be used to hold the wrist in a mid‑range position during sleep (avoiding full flexion or extension that might press damaged joint surfaces against each other), cushion the wrist and hand with the bead‑filled palm and padding (so any remaining tender spots are less directly loaded) and provide a sense of support that can reduce worry about sudden movements during the night.
Because gout is a systemic condition with important medical aspects, decisions about splint use should be made in discussion with the treating clinician. A resting splint can support joint comfort and protection between and after flares, but it does not replace treatments aimed at controlling uric acid levels and inflammation.
Who This Splint May Be Suitable For
This resting hand and wrist splint is designed for adults. It may be helpful if you:
- have hand or wrist pain that is clearly worse when the joint is bent or twisted at night;
- wake with tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers that settles when you straighten the wrist;
- notice aching and stiffness across the wrist or base of the hand on waking, especially after a day where you’ve used your hands a lot – for example with work, DIY or hobbies;
- or feel that a sprain or fracture which has already been assessed still feels vulnerable when you try to sleep.
These patterns often go with the night‑time positions and pressures described earlier, where the wrist drops into awkward angles or small joints are pressed hard into the bed. In these situations, keeping the wrist nearer to straight, supporting the palm and cushioning the bases of the fingers can reduce some of the strain on sensitive tissues while you rest.
The splint allows light finger use, but its main purpose is to give steady, comfortable support during sleep and when you are resting during the day. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms match these descriptions, or if they are severe or changing quickly, it is sensible to speak to a GP, physiotherapist or other clinician. When you do, it can help to describe how your symptoms behave at night and in the morning, as well as what you notice with daytime activities. If you already have this splint, you can take it to your appointment so your clinician can see how it fits and advise on how best to use it.
The next sections explain how to use the splint safely and what you may notice over time if you decide to try regular night‑time use.
How to Fit and Use the Splint
To get the most benefit and avoid problems, it is important to fit the splint carefully.
- Prepare the splint
- If the aluminium support bar has been removed for washing or shaping, slide it fully back into its pocket on the palm side of the splint.
- Open all three straps before you start.
- Position your hand
- Slide your hand into the splint so that your palm rests on the bead‑filled cushioning.
- The top edge of the splint should sit just below the bases of your fingers, with your fingers and thumb completely free.
- Your wrist and lower forearm should lie along the rest of the splint, lined up with the metal support.
- Fasten the straps
- Start with the strap around the wrist. Fasten it so the splint feels snug but not tight. You should be able to slide a fingertip under each strap.
- Secure the strap nearest the fingers, so the hand feels supported and does not move about inside.
- Finish with the forearm strap, to anchor the splint along your arm.
Once all three straps are fastened, the wrist should feel supported in a near‑straight position. Your hand should not slide within the splint, and your fingers and thumb should move freely. The straps should not dig in. Check that your fingers stay warm and a normal colour, and that you do not develop tingling purely from the strap pressure.
If you feel pressure at a particular point, you can slightly loosen the nearest strap and rely a little more on the other two. If you can feel the bar pressing sharply, remove it and gently adjust its curve once before trying again. If you cannot find a comfortable fit despite these adjustments, it is wise to ask a clinician to look at the fit with you.
For most adults, this splint is mainly for night‑time use. Put it on shortly before going to bed and remove it on waking. Some people also choose to wear it for short periods during the day, for example when resting after heavier hand use, if you and your clinician feel this is helpful. Wearing it all day long is not usually necessary unless a clinician specifically advises it.
When This Splint Is Less Suitable and When to Seek Advice
This splint is intended for adults and for use on intact skin. It is not suitable to place over:
- open wounds, ulcers or areas of broken skin;
- active skin infections;
- sudden, marked swelling, redness or heat that has not been checked.
If you have had a recent significant injury, such as a fall or direct blow to the hand or wrist, and you have severe pain, obvious deformity, major loss of movement or an inability to bear any weight through the hand, you should seek urgent medical assessment before using any splint.
You should also seek prompt medical advice if you notice:
- sudden, severe new pain at rest;
- changes in skin colour or temperature of the hand or fingers (for example, they become very pale, blue, very cold or very hot);
- spreading numbness or loss of feeling;
- significant weakness developing in the hand;
- or if you feel generally unwell with joint pain and swelling.
If there is any doubt about whether this splint is appropriate for you, a GP, physiotherapist, hand therapist or other specialist can give individual guidance.
What to Expect Over Time
Sleeping in a splint can feel unusual at first. For the first few nights, you may be more aware of your wrist position and it may take a little trial and error to find the most comfortable position for your arm and shoulder.
Over the next days and weeks, many people notice they wake less often because the wrist is not dropping into painful positions, that morning stiffness and aching across the wrist and base of the hand feel easier to manage, and that the hand feels better supported and less vulnerable during rest. For many, knowing the wrist is supported at night also brings some peace of mind. For some, the main change they notice is simply being able to sleep for longer stretches without being woken by wrist or hand pain.
How quickly that happens varies from person to person. If your pain is mainly from recent overuse or a mild sprain that has already been assessed, changes may appear sooner. If you have a long‑standing condition such as arthritis or nerve irritation, the changes may be more gradual and may be more about making symptoms easier to cope with day to day than removing them completely.
This splint does not treat the underlying condition by itself. It helps by changing the posture and loading of the hand and wrist at times when you cannot control them. It works best alongside other measures, such as exercises, activity changes and any medication or treatments recommended by your clinician.
If, after several weeks of regular night‑time use, you notice no change at all, or if symptoms are worsening, it is worth going back to a GP, physiotherapist or other clinician. They can review the diagnosis, check how you are using the splint, and suggest other options.
Care, Cleaning and Durability
To keep the splint comfortable and hygienic:
- Cleaning
Hand wash the splint in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Take the aluminium bar out before washing. Rinse thoroughly, then gently squeeze out extra water without twisting. Leave it to air dry completely away from direct heat before you wear it again. - Checking for wear
From time to time, especially if you use the splint every night, look at the fabric and seams for thinning or fraying. Make sure the bead‑filled palm still feels evenly cushioned. Check that the hook‑and‑loop fastenings on the straps still grip well. Look at the metal bar and make sure there are no sharp edges.
With regular night‑time use, many people find that a splint of this type lasts around four to six months before the materials soften or the straps lose grip. If you wear it for long periods in the day as well as at night, or wash it very often, you may need to replace it sooner. If you notice that the splint no longer feels as supportive or comfortable as it used to, it may be time to replace it.
Is This Resting Splint Right for You?
You’ve seen how night‑time positions can stir symptoms up, and how a neutral, padded splint can change that picture.
Many hand and wrist problems behave differently at night than they do during the day. Joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves can all be irritated by the way the wrist bends or twists in sleep, and by the way the hand is pressed into the bed or tucked under the body. This can disturb sleep and make symptoms feel worse in the morning.
A resting splint that holds the wrist close to straight, supports the palm with padding, cushions the bases of the fingers and spreads contact along the forearm can reduce many of the bending, twisting and pressure forces that irritate these structures. This splint has been designed with those aims in mind, using a palm‑side aluminium support bar, bead‑filled palm section, soft inner lining and three‑strap system, while still letting you use your fingers and thumb for simple tasks.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms fit, it is always sensible to check with a clinician first. If the night‑time symptoms described above sound familiar and you have already been told that your problem is suitable for this kind of support (rather than needing urgent immobilisation), using this splint for a few weeks of regular night‑time wear is a reasonable next step to find out whether it helps your sleep and morning symptoms. If you are under the care of a GP, physiotherapist, rheumatologist or hand specialist, you can also show them the splint or its information and discuss how best to use it for you personally.
Safety and Important Information
The information on this page is general guidance for adult readers. It cannot take the place of an examination or individual advice from a healthcare professional.
This splint is designed for adult use on intact skin. It should not be used over open wounds, active skin infections or sudden, unexplained major swelling or deformity. It is not intended for the immediate self‑management of suspected fractures or major injuries.
If you develop sudden severe pain, notice changes in the colour or temperature of your hand or fingers (for example, they become very pale, blue, very cold or very hot), experience spreading numbness or weakness, or feel generally unwell with joint pain or swelling, you should seek urgent medical advice or attention.
Everyone responds differently to supports and splints. No specific result can be guaranteed. How helpful this product is will depend on the underlying condition or joint issue, how it is fitted and used, and what other treatments are in place. For individual advice on whether this splint is suitable for you, please speak to a GP, physiotherapist, hand therapist or another appropriate clinician.
by Fran Watson
Love the fact that this hand brace has cushioning beads in it to support your palm most other braces are just hard, flat and uncomfortable to wear for long periods but not this one! 🙂
by Sam Norton
I am soooo happy Iv finally got a decent nights sleep thanks to this brace… before the aches and pains from my sprained hand would keep me up all night but not anymore!! 👍👍👍👍