If you are noticing that it is getting more challenging to do daily activities with your hands, such as eating, picking things up, or holding a brush, a brace or splint may help you regain function and remain more independent.
Below you will find three types of braces and splints that can be helpful for people living with ALS.
Functional Wrist Braces
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If the muscles in your wrist are weak but you can still use your fingers, a functional wrist brace, also called a cock-up wrist splint, can help stabilize your wrist so you can use your fingers to do things like type, text, write, eat, and grasp. Choose a brace that doesn’t involve the thumb unless your thumb is very weak.
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Resting Hand SplintsIf your hands and fingers tighten or curl, a resting hand splint can help provide a prolonged stretch to the wrist and fingers, which may reduce stiffness and pain. The resting hand splint holds your wrist, hand, and fingers in a neutral position to prevent them from contracting.
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If you need a resting hand splint for each hand, alternate hands each night so you always have one hand free. If you find the splint uncomfortable, try to gradually increase your wearing time to get used to it.
If you find that you really can’t sleep with the splint, you can try rolling up a hand towel or washcloth and grasping it while sleeping. Another option is to wear the splint periodically during the day while relaxing. If the fit doesn’t feel right, your caregiver can try adjusting it, or you can contact the professional who fitted your brace.
If you find that you really can’t sleep with the splint, you can try rolling up a hand towel or washcloth and grasping it while sleeping. Another option is to wear the splint periodically during the day while relaxing. If the fit doesn’t feel right, your caregiver can try adjusting it, or you can contact the professional who fitted your brace.
Finger SplintsIf your fingers are curling so much that it’s preventing you from doing daily activities, Oval-8® Finger Splints can help align and stabilize the middle joints of your fingers. You can wear these splints during the day and/or at night. If multiple fingers need support, it's okay to wear multiple splints at once.
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What about arm slings?
If you have weakness in your shoulders/arms, the weight of your arms may pull down hard enough to create pain in your shoulders if they aren’t properly supported. Standard arm slings may seem like a good idea, but they can actually position your arm in a way that creates additional problems, such as tight shoulders.
However, a specialized sling that positions your arm downward, like the GivMohr® Sling, can help take the weight off your shoulders. Some people have found that wearing a utility vest can help support your arms. You can also try putting your hands in your pockets. When you are seated or in a reclined position, try positioning pillows in a way that supports your arms and shoulders.
However, a specialized sling that positions your arm downward, like the GivMohr® Sling, can help take the weight off your shoulders. Some people have found that wearing a utility vest can help support your arms. You can also try putting your hands in your pockets. When you are seated or in a reclined position, try positioning pillows in a way that supports your arms and shoulders.
Can stretching help?
In addition to wearing hand and wrist braces, you can maintain range of motion (ROM) by stretching your hands and fingers throughout the day. It is common for hands and fingers to flex while in a resting position, but if you notice your fingers curling inward, straighten them out from time to time.
One way you can do this is by resting your hand with your fingers stretched out on top of your leg while you are sitting. You can also roll a hand towel and position your fingers over the towel. Your caregiver can also help by stretching and even massaging your wrists, hands, and fingers. Stretching shouldn’t be painful. You should feel a comfortable stretch, and stop when you start feeling pain.
If your shoulder joints become tight and painful, you may find it challenging to lift your arms high enough to bathe or get dressed. If this occurs, you may be diagnosed with “frozen shoulder.” Range of motion exercises, whether you do them independently or with the help of a caregiver or professional, can help you maintain your flexibility.
One way you can do this is by resting your hand with your fingers stretched out on top of your leg while you are sitting. You can also roll a hand towel and position your fingers over the towel. Your caregiver can also help by stretching and even massaging your wrists, hands, and fingers. Stretching shouldn’t be painful. You should feel a comfortable stretch, and stop when you start feeling pain.
If your shoulder joints become tight and painful, you may find it challenging to lift your arms high enough to bathe or get dressed. If this occurs, you may be diagnosed with “frozen shoulder.” Range of motion exercises, whether you do them independently or with the help of a caregiver or professional, can help you maintain your flexibility.
How much will I have to pay?If you get a prescription from your doctor, Medicare should cover 80% of the cost of your brace(s) and splint(s). Medicaid, supplemental plans, and secondary private insurance should pay for the remaining 20%.
If you have Medicare but do not have Medicaid, a supplemental plan, or secondary private insurance, you will likely have to pay the remaining 20% out of your own pocket. |
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If you need a brace for each wrist, Medicare will pay for both. But keep in mind that Medicare will only pay for one type of brace for the same body part once every five years, based on the logic that a brace should last you five years. If you want two different types of wrist braces for the same wrist, the second one will probably not be covered.
Functional wrist braces are inexpensive, universally sized, and easy to find, so some people find it easier to buy one out of pocket online or in a store instead of going through insurance. Functional wrist braces with metal bars will provide good support, though if they feel too heavy, you can find lighter braces.
Finger splints will not be covered by insurance, but oftentimes your occupational therapist or orthotist can just give you some during your visit.
Before paying out of pocket for a brace or splint, ask you local ALS organization if they can lend you one from their loan closet.
If you do not qualify for Medicare—but have Medicaid and/or private insurance—find out what your durable medical equipment (DME) benefits will cover. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, be sure to ask about your DME benefits.
If you are facing out-of-pocket expenses that you cannot afford, ask your local ALS organization if they can lend you braces or splints from their loan closet. If not, talk with your DME provider and/or local ALS organization about financial assistance options.
Military veterans: Your coverage for equipment, including braces and splints, is different than what is listed here. Learn more.
Functional wrist braces are inexpensive, universally sized, and easy to find, so some people find it easier to buy one out of pocket online or in a store instead of going through insurance. Functional wrist braces with metal bars will provide good support, though if they feel too heavy, you can find lighter braces.
Finger splints will not be covered by insurance, but oftentimes your occupational therapist or orthotist can just give you some during your visit.
Before paying out of pocket for a brace or splint, ask you local ALS organization if they can lend you one from their loan closet.
If you do not qualify for Medicare—but have Medicaid and/or private insurance—find out what your durable medical equipment (DME) benefits will cover. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, be sure to ask about your DME benefits.
If you are facing out-of-pocket expenses that you cannot afford, ask your local ALS organization if they can lend you braces or splints from their loan closet. If not, talk with your DME provider and/or local ALS organization about financial assistance options.
Military veterans: Your coverage for equipment, including braces and splints, is different than what is listed here. Learn more.
