Elbow & Arm Splints - Long Arm Splints, Tennis Elbow Splints

While often used interchangeably in product descriptions, an elbow splint or elbow fracture splint is usually used for temporary immobilization and does not go around the entire arm like an elbow brace does. Another distinction can be made when referring to tennis elbow support, as a tennis elbow splint is actually a narrow compression brace, also labeled as a counterforce brace.

A long arm splint goes the entire length of the forearm and part of the upper arm and protects the elbow, forearm, and wrist, while also immobilizing them after fractures, trauma, nerve repairs, and other orthopedic surgeries and conditions. Opt for a long arm pre-cut splint to save time. It is designed to fit large arms and can be easily trimmed to fit smaller sizes.

Elbow surgery can take about 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal and an elbow splint or cast may be required in the first 2 weeks. While you may be able to return to your daily activities in 3-6 weeks, tennis elbow surgery requires a long break from playing sports, about 4-6 months, and strength exercises may be necessary for as long as a year.

The most common conditions that require elbow splinting supplies are sprains, stress fractures, tennis elbow, arthritis, cubital tunnel syndrome, and golfer's elbow. An NCM Spectrum Elbow Splint can also be required after soft tissue injuries or surgery and for conditions that require contracture management or otherwise result in self-harm. Lesser conditions will fair well with just arm slings.

Dynamic elbow orthoses are hinged braces that deliver gentle and consistent tension, helping improve range of motion (ROM) quickly, without the risk of tissue damage or significant pain. They are also known as ROM elbow braces and they protect the elbow early after a ligament injury. Another special type of elbow brace is the Progress-Plus Elbow Turnbuckle Orthosis. It applies a force that gradually increases elbow flexion or extension and is ideal after surgical repairs and contractures. You can also set the amount of extension or flexion on a comfy Goniometer Elbow Orthosis, which is made of a malleable metal splint core covered in foam.

It is best to keep arm splints, bandages and casts dry at all times, which is why cast protectors are recommended for showering, bathing, and playing water sports. Besides protecting your arm splint from water damage, you should also pay more attention than usual when stepping in and out of the shower as it is more difficult to keep your balance when one arm is immobilized.

There are several sleeping positions that you can try when wearing an arm or elbow splint until you find the most comfortable one for you. First of all, it is important to have several pillows, rolled towels, or blankets handy so that you can prop yourself up. You can also replace them with orthopedic positioning devices, such as bed bolsters and a 45° arm elevator, as needed. If you are a side sleeper, you will most likely need a stack of body pillows. Fold two body pillows in such a way that you leave a gap in the middle for your arm so that you don't lie on it, and top them with a long pillow, like a roof that keeps them in place. You can also sleep on the healthy arm side, hugging a body pillow and allowing your injured arm to rest on top.