drachenfach ([info]drachenfach) wrote in [info]fatshionista,
2009-10-24 21:04:00
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Wrist splints for plump arms

Help a fattie out here.

I've just been diagnosed with RSI in my left wrist, which is pretty bad news for a typist. My doctor advised me to buy a wrist support with a splint, but I'm having trouble finding one that fits properly.

If they fit round my wrist (19cm), they don't do up over my arm (23 cm at the point most splints end). Buying the next size up means my hand is lost in a mass of velcro and beige lycra, and the supportive splint is in the wrong place.

I can't be the only crippled fat person out there- can any of you lovely people recommend something that might work for me? I'm based in the UK, and have already tried everything Boots has to offer with no luck. I'm also finding most supports seem to come in either doomed-to-grey white or old-lady-underpants beige, so bonus points for anything that's not those colours.

I'm also pretty skint, but it is my livelihood at stake here, so I'll take what I can get!

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  • 10 comments

[info]lelaine_barclay

October 25 2009, 01:49:45 UTC 2 years ago

hm, you could probably get one done especially for you? it'll be quite expensive but if you need it for work it'd definitely be worth it. do you know if your insurance would cover for it/part of it?

[info]drachenfach

October 25 2009, 17:57:31 UTC 2 years ago

No insurance over here, it's National Health Service.

The doctor suggested an OTC splint for now rather than a custom one, with the hope being that by resting and easing the joint I can then exercise it and learn how to support it.

[info]lilacsigil

October 25 2009, 02:35:22 UTC 2 years ago

You don't need a splint to entirely cover your arm to support your wrist - you just need it to do up. Fit the wrist correctly - where you need the support - and buy a piece of velcro to extend the width of the splint's velcro. You might also prefer a style that has a palm split and wraps around the wrist like this, if that gives you enough support - I have big arms and tiny wrists, and this style fitted me much better.

That said, no commercially purchased splint will be as good as one made for you (or fitted by a professional), if you can get your doctor to refer you to an occupational therapist. They'll also tell you good ways to treat the condition, with more experience and knowledge than a GP. I have arthritis in my hands and the occupational therapist was awesomely helpful, without telling me to stop typing!

I've seen sporty splints in blue or black, but most of them are white or beige, sorry!

[info]uberaxl

October 25 2009, 03:00:41 UTC 2 years ago

I second having one made for you. I have both the over-the-counter one I got at the drugstore and a custom-fitted one and the custom fit is far more confortable and supportive for me.
Do you have a health-plan that supports a custom job?

[info]definatalie

October 25 2009, 06:14:00 UTC 2 years ago

An Occupational Therapist will help with finding a correctly sized splint!

I have RSI and went through some OT before I realised my workplace weren't paying for it (another awful, heartbreaking tangent) and the staff were amazing about caring for my injury!!

I currently use a Thermoskin wrist support which I bought from a chemist for about AUD$30. It was available from S to XL, I bought the medium size and my wrist is 18cm, and my forearm is 22cm.

[info]drachenfach

October 25 2009, 17:59:47 UTC 2 years ago

I tried the medium Thermoskin, but it didnt seem to come close to closing over my wrist. Maybe I'll take the large back and try again, without the intefering shop assistant.

[info]potatoprint

October 25 2009, 08:39:09 UTC 2 years ago

Go back to your GP and ask for an OT referral, definitely.

If you have a fairly local hospital with an Ot department, you could always just turn up and ask to speak to someone about wrist support recommendations.

[info]drachenfach

October 25 2009, 18:03:42 UTC 2 years ago

That's an idea- our hospital is right down the road.

Problem is that referrals take time -waiting lists in Worcestershire are dreaful at the moment- and my wrist is fucked up now. I will definitely push for a referral with the Doctor, but I need the support now, hence why I'm looking for off the shelf.

[info]disgracelands

October 25 2009, 12:18:43 UTC 2 years ago

My dad had the same problem, can't remember where he got his from, but I just googled XL wrist splint and came up with this in blue and black for a bargainous £7.49!

[info]lapillus

October 25 2009, 20:59:57 UTC 2 years ago

Especially if your livelihood is at stake I'd recommend getting one custom fit if at all possible. In the US it would probably be dealt with as a work related injury and paid for by the employer's work comp insurance (I know mine were). I'm not sure how it's handled in the UK, but may be worth looking into if the NHS won't pay for it.
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