3-Point Products' Blog

Clients with lateral epicondylitis (also known as tennis elbow) consistently appear on my schedule. As therapists, we know that swinging the tennis racket is not the only possible cause of this diagnosis. Lateral epicondylitis is due to a degenerative process at the poorly vascularized origin of the wrist extensors on the boney prominence at the lateral elbow. It is often contributed to over use of the wrist extensors. Individuals with this diagnosis often describe pain at the lateral elbow that is persistent, very uncomfortable and limiting.

Even though Spring is officially around the corner, many parts of the country are still experiencing winter storms. Snowy and icy conditions often lead to wrist fractures caused by a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH). There are a few tricks to the trade to effectively rehab these mishaps.

The 3pp Wrist Wrap  and the 3pp Wrist POP are examples of supports that can help individuals recover from wrist pain related to strains and sprains, post-operative, or post casting after a FOOSH.

Osteoarthritis (OA) at the base of the thumb is a common diagnosis among older individuals.  Research suggests that 26.2% of women and 13.4 % of men age 71-100 years old have symptoms of this diagnosis and that approximately 70% of community dwelling individuals with hand pain have OA at the base of the thumb as well.

An orthosis is a common intervention used in hand therapy to treat symptoms of this diagnosis. Studies have consistently found that using an orthosis helps to decrease pain and improve function for individuals with arthritis at the base of the thumb.

Osteoarthritis (OA), or the degeneration of a joint, commonly occurs at the base of the thumb. OA at this joint is diagnosed with conventional radiographs (x-rays), but often can be recognized based on symptoms. Symptoms occur predominantly with pain at the base of the thumb, especially when performing tasks that require a pinch (i.e. pulling on socks).

Collapse deformities of the thumb are all too common in the presence of CMC joint arthritis. The Nalebuff Type III or “intrinsic minus” thumb deformity evidenced by CMC flexion, MP extension or hyperextension and IP flexion is the most common deformity.

This becomes a highly dysfunctional posture over time due to the loss of MCP flexion, web space shortening and thenar muscle atrophy - making moving the thumb away from the palm all but impossible.

Pain associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis (also known as tennis and golfer’s elbow respectively) is common and can interfere with functional use of the involved extremity. According to research study, an elbow brace or wrist orthosis can assist with decreasing pain and increasing function for this diagnosis. The following table provides information for comparison of commonly used braces and splints to treat the symptoms associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis.

Anatomy

The lunate and the triquetrum make up the ulnar side of the proximal carpal row at the wrist. Ligaments, particularly the lunotriquetral (LT) ligament, provide support to this joint. This ligament is horse-shoe or c-shaped and contains a volar, dorsal and proximal component.

With improved imaging techniques and diagnostics, ulnar sided wrist pain has become a better understood and diagnosed disorder. There are several products on the market to assist with decreasing symptoms from ulnar sided wrist pain. The following is information on four splints that are  clinically useful for individuals presenting with an ulnar sided wrist pain diagnosis. Due to the complexity of this diagnosis, trying more than one splint may be necessary to achieve optimal support and comfort. 

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contractures, or loss of extension at the middle joint of the finger, can occur after injury, disease and surgery and can interfere with the functional use of the hand. Loss of extension at the PIP joint can cause difficulty reaching into your pocket or may interfere with opening your hand to grab a glass of water.

Wrist instability is a common injury treated by many hand therapists. The anatomy of the wrist includes eight carpal bones that, with the combined efforts of the intercarpal ligaments, allow for circumduction of the wrist joint while imparting stability anywhere within the range of motion. An injury to one or several of the ligaments can lead to wrist instability.