Ulnar Drift Splint for Early Rheumatoid Arthritis in Hands
Ulnar drift, also known as ulnar deviation and volar subluxation of the metacarpophalangeal joints, is most commonly caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disorder that makes your immune system attack your joint tissues, causing inflammation and damage to your finger, hand, and wrist joints. Over time, this can cause your joints to wear away and your bones to erode, eventually making your hands look distorted.
Though less common, osteoarthritis (OA) is also known to cause ulnar deviation. Unlike RA, OA isn’t caused by your immune system. It is caused by your joint cartilage gradually wearing away due to overuse or the natural process of aging. Once the cartilage has worn away almost completely, your bones start to rub together, damaging your knuckle joints and causing them to deteriorate and bend.
Symptoms of Ulnar Drift
Swelling of your knuckles is one of the most obvious symptoms of ulnar deviation. You may also find that your fingers, especially your middle and index fingers, bend toward your little (pinky) finger.
As the ulnar deviation progresses, you may experience:
- Crooked or curved fingers
- Deteriorated hands
- Abnormal heat around your wrist, hand, and finger joints
- Spongy and soft knuckles
- Difficulty gripping and pinching items
- Trouble straightening your fingers
- Moderate to severe pain
How Our Ulnar Deviation Splint Can Help
This ulnar deviation splint is specifically designed to reduce pain and inflammation, to slow the progression of deformity, to improve function by increasing support and stability, and to prevent repetitive stress on your joints during activity.
Nearly all competitor products only work to straighten crooked fingers once the condition has already progressed, but this splint also addresses ulnar wrist deviation. Proper treatment for ulnar deviation focuses on preventing the problem from getting worse by addressing the site of origination. Ulnar deviation starts at the styloid process of the ulna (wrist) and then extends to the carpals (hand). This restrictive wrist and hand device can block or restrict harmful movement patterns that place undue stress on joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Begin by wearing this knuckle brace for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times per day. Over the course of several days, gradually increase the duration of use. Eventually, work up to wearing this brace overnight. You may get sore if you wear it for too long at first.
If you have ulnar claw, also known as claw hand or "Spinster's Claw," you might be happier with our Two Finger Brace.
Top 5 Features and Benefits of This Ulnar Deviation Knuckle Brace
This splint for hand arthritis and wrist deviation is a great solution for easing pain and discomfort caused by ulnar drift. Following is a list of features our customers love:
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Preserves Safe Mobility of Your Hand
Encasing only your wrist, palm, and a small portion of your digits, this knuckle brace leaves most of your fingers free, allowing for some degree of movement, such as gripping or pinching.
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Recycled Material Provides Therapeutic Warmth to Sore Joints
Latex-free, arthritic knuckle and wrist compression wrap is made of recycled nylon and spandex Ultraspan material. The fabric warms your hand, soothing sore, stiff finger joints to improve strength and function.
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Adjustable Straps to Straighten Crooked Fingers
Finger straps stretch your metacarpophalangeal (MP or MCP) joints, helping maintain neutral alignment and slow the drifting of your phalanges to fix your crooked fingers. Flexible fasteners can be easily applied and adjusted as needed. Gradually increase tension over time.
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Thin Padding Between Knuckles
Soft, thin padding provides a more comfortable, less-bulky fit between fingers, in comparison to competitor products or traditional finger separators.
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Ulnar Drift Hand Brace for Sleeping
This soft finger stretcher for ulnar deviation can be worn throughout the day or at night for rheumatoid arthritis relief. Since pain intensity is typically the worst in the morning, we especially recommend using our splint to rest your fingers and hand while sleeping, which can lessen the effects of morning stiffness and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Ulnar Splint for Rheumatoid Arthritis
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What conditions / injuries does this brace treat? Use for ulnar drift, wrist deviation, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), inflamed knuckles, joint degeneration, and bone deformities.
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How does it work? Our ulnar deviation splint is specifically designed to help minimize symptoms and slow the progression of ulnar drift by straightening deviated fingers, promoting neutral alignment of your wrist and knuckles.
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Who can wear this brace? Fits most adult women and men.
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What size should I get? One size fits most.
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When should I wear it? Begin by wearing this brace for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times per day. Over the course of several days to a few weeks, gradually increase the duration of use. Eventually, work up to wearing overnight. You may get sore if you wear it for too long at first.
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What is it made of? Recycled 86% nylon and 14% spandex Ultraspan, woven elastic, and hook and loop with polypro plastic and aluminum metal stays.
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How tall is this brace? About 7 inches
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How do I put it on? Undo fasteners and loosen wristband. With stay on pinky side, slide hand through wristband. Tighten and attach wristband. Pull pinky-sided strap diagonally across top of hand, attaching below thumb. Pull thumb-sided strap diagonally across wrist, attaching below pinky. Position finger straps between fingers. Gently pull finger straps diagonally across top of hand, attaching below thumb. Gradually increase tension over time. Application may require assistance.
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Washing instructions: Attach closures. Hand wash in warm water with mild detergent. Allow splint to air dry completely before reapplying.
- Other features:
- Natural, non-invasive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Can prevent loss of strength and flexibility in your fingers.
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Color: Black
