Sure, several post op patients will be coming specifically for a splint and the script will say so. Often in the outpatient setting though there are patients coming for conservative management that would greatly benefit from a splint but the script does not include that. What do you guys do in such scenarios?
Based in US for reference.
Hello, I am 24 m and have been concerned with my fingers for the past 3 months the pain in my thumb IP joint and my index finger pip joint the pip feels more like a burning sensation and that one worries me less. However, my thumb IP joints clicks if frequently? And for lack of better word feels off putting and kind of wrong. I've measured pinch strength between thumb and index and it measures 15. There's a snapping sound at my IP joint in when I extend it close to the max of its range. If I use a putty for a little while, I'm going through some thumb and finger exercises, the thumb pain goes away and however it will come back within 40 minutes of me stopping. For years I have been able to pop my thumb IP joint by extending it all the way back (I have hitchhiker's thumb ) And quickly moving it forward and often doing it when I would make finger guns to sell the effect corny but I like it. It just randomly developed into a very odd feeling there and I can't really describe it. The refractory for the pop is somewhere within 5-6 minutes I've had x-rays. They say no osteoarthritis makes sense. No tenderness where the A1 pulley be generally. No tenderness anywhere. The pain can honestly be ignored and worked through. I just don't like that idea. I've been on physical therapy for a month and a half. No real change. Been dogmatic in it using a topical anti-inflammatory on said knuckles and bracing them at nights and use a full amount of Athletics tape or a plastic ring I believe that is called a oval 8 ring. I do a fair amount of work thought the weak Fixing Small electronics for work
I am hopefully about to start my dentistry journey and I've had a lot of interviews but I am stressed the point of breaking down. the thing I've been working the past 6 years to do might end before it even starts.
If if you could help it would be really nice. I'm at my wit's end. Nothing seems to work in the long-term I'm about ready to break down
What splints do you guys prefer, PIP or MCP blocking splints? Does it depend for you if it still clicks/catches?
Our surgeons now want us to also do differential gliding exercises with these patients, but would you keep doing it if they trigger with each rep?
What’s the usual timeline you use splinting and treatment sessions?