Choosing a Brace or Splint

When you hurt, you want to feel better quickly! Whether you have Arthritis, dequervain’s, Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb, Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammertoes or other conditions - you may be looking for relief. A splint or brace can help decrease your pain, improve your function, and help speed up the healing process.  (Learn more about these conditions on our Health Conditions page)

From soft fabrics to molded plastics, we offer braces, splints and supports to help manage pain. But, how do you pick the right level of support for your condition? Most splints are designed with specific support levels in mind—light, moderate, and firm—to apply a specific amount of control. When choosing a brace, it's important to consider what joints and muscles are affected and the severity of your condition.

Light Control braces support through light compression and contoured designs to protect the joints. Ideal for daytime wear at work and at home and for use in daily activities. Light control supports while still allowing motion and function.

Moderate Control provides greater support and resistance to movement by using materials with less stretch and stronger fabrics. Ideal when a brace or splint is likely to be worn throughout the day during a variety of activities. Choose moderate control when joints need to be protected and muscles and ligaments rested, but not fully immobilized.

Firm Control is designed to allow joints and tissues to rest and heal by limiting or stopping motion. When full rest is required to help relieve pain from an injury or severe pain due to overuse or arthritis, choose braces and splints in the firm range. Ideal following injury or surgery or when a condition has flared up and the pain prevents function.

Many of our braces include stays and pads to increase the support or resistance to create a Light Plus+ Support, Moderate Plus+ Support or Firm Plus+ Support. Braces designed to apply a corrective force have variable levels of support depending on how they are worn and how long they are worn.

In some cases, you might need two splints, one for nighttime and one for daytime. Most people have more than one pair of shoes depending on whether they are walking or running. And many people have more than one pair of glasses – a pair for reading and one for driving. The same is true if you wear a splint or brace to treat a condition or an injury. Depending on the severity of your condition and your level of  pain, the brace you need when you are active or out and about, may not be what you need at night or at rest.

During the day, when you need to move more, you may need a light support splint that provides light compression without restricting motion. A firm, comfortable splint for night limits motion and enables the muscles and joints to rest, reducing pain and inflammation. Those who have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, often wear a splint that keeps the wrist supported but allows them to use their hand during the day and a brace during sleep to help the tendons and nerves rest.

Because we care that you are properly fitted and get the support that works best for you, we strongly recommend that you discuss the braces and splints you find here with your health care provider. Like medications, braces and splints are only helpful when properly prescribed and worn.