3-Point Products' Healthcare Blog

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: Midcarpal Instability

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Anatomy of the Wrist

The carpal bones of the wrist make 2 rows of bones, the proximal and distal carpal row. Ulnar Sided Midcarpal instability (MCI) is related to lack of ligament support between the proximal carpal row and the midcarpal joint (between the 2 rows of bones). While MCI most frequently presents as a palmar (volar) subluxation, it can also manifest as dorsal or extrinsic instability, depending on the specific intrinsic or extrinsic ligaments compromised.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Treatment for Gamekeeper's and Skier's Thumb

Injuries to the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) are common following trauma or repetitive stress and can significantly impact pinch strength, grip stability, and hand function. The thumb MP joint is stabilized by collateral ligaments on both the radial and ulnar sides of the joint. The UCL plays a critical role in maintaining lateral pinch stability and is particularly vulnerable when a radial deviation and hyperextension force is applied to the thumb MP joint.

Using a Finger Splint to Treat Trigger Finger-Updated January 2024

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Trigger finger is a common condition encountered in clinical practice, characterized by finger locking, pain in the middle joint, and tenderness at the base of the finger. It most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 55 and 60 and has a higher prevalence in women. While surgery and injection are well-known for managing trigger finger symptoms, what about the use of splinting as an effective treatment option?

TFCC Ulnar Sided Wrist Pain - Anatomy, Diagnosis & Treatment

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Wrist pain, particularly on the ulnar side, can be frustrating and painful for patients, often signaling an injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). This complex structure plays a critical role in wrist stability and functionality. Understanding the anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of TFCC injuries is key to improving patient outcomes when managing ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Anatomy of the Wrist

The TFCC is an intricate structure made up of several components:

Using the CMCcare Thumb Brace in CMC Arthritis Management

Julie Belkin — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Collapse deformities of the thumb are common in patients with carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis, often progressing as joint instability and ligament laxity increase. The most frequently observed pattern is the Nalebuff Type III, or “intrinsic minus,” deformity, characterized by CMC flexion, MP extension or hyperextension, and IP flexion.

Over time, this posture becomes increasingly dysfunctional due to progressive loss of MCP flexion, narrowing of the first web space, and thenar muscle atrophy, making thumb abduction and functional positioning difficult or even impossible.

Wrist Pain after a Fall on an Outstretched Hand (FOOSH)

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:15:00 GMT

A traumatic fall on an outstretched hand, commonly referred to as a FOOSH injury, can result in a wide range of wrist injuries. While the most well-known FOOSH injury is a distal radius fracture, which is typically identified and treated first by a physician, other wrist injuries may be less obvious and present later as persistent pain or dysfunction.

As a healthcare professional, you may be seeing an increase in referrals for wrist pain following falls. This makes it a good time to review key clinical signs and tests used to identify common FOOSH-related wrist injuries beyond fractures.

The 3pp Carpal Lift and 3pp Wrist POP Splint for TFCC Injuries

Jennifer Curtis — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a group of ligaments and cartilage on the ulnar side of the hand. The TFCC ligaments attach the cartilage to the small wrist bones which also suspend the ends of the two forearm bones, the ulna and the radius.

TFCC injuries can significantly impact wrist function, particularly in athletes and individuals with repetitive wrist strain. This article provides an overview of TFCC injuries, their diagnosis, and treatment options.

Skier's Thumb- Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

As winter arrives and skiing enthusiasts eagerly take to the slopes, the risk of thumb injuries, notably Skier's Thumb, increases significantly. This specific injury comprises 5-10% of all skiing-related injuries and is notably the most common upper extremity injury among skiers. Understanding the anatomy and mechanics behind Skier's Thumb is essential for diagnosis and management.

Using Thumb Splints to Treat De Quervain’s - Updated 2025

gwolfe@3pointproducts.com (Ginny Wolfe) — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:30:00 GMT

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis can make even simple daily tasks—like lifting a cup or typing—painful and frustrating. Patients often present with pain and swelling on the radial side of the wrist, which may radiate up the thumb or forearm. The discomfort typically worsens with activities involving thumb abduction or flexion. While the condition is often linked to overuse or repetitive motions, it can also occur without a clear cause.

Ulnar Sided Wrist Pain: Comparison Guide of 4 Splints

Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:15:00 GMT

Ulnar sided wrist pain, often resulting from conditions like TFCC tears, DRUJ instability, or arthritis, can significantly impact daily activities. Effective management often involves the use of specialized splints to provide support and alleviate discomfort. Below is an overview of four clinically useful splints designed to address various aspects of ulnar sided wrist pain.