The term “volar” describes the flexor surface of the wrist, hand, or forearm, which is the area on the palm of your hand that runs parallel to your forearm.
A volar wrist brace is a device that reduces movements and offers comfort and support by stabilizing a palm injury. Any discomfort you have is lessened and the injury heals more quickly when the joint is immobilized by a volar brace. The brace can also easily be removed to examine the injury.
This article discusses volar wrist braces and all the essential things you should know about them.
What Makes a Volar Wrist Brace Different?
A volar wrist brace will help you enjoy comfortable compression throughout the day or night. Whether you are sleeping, active, or relaxing, the brace will provide your entire wrist with protection, support, and compression.
How Can You Benefit from Volar Bracing?
- Protection and Faster Healing
First and foremost, a volar brace helps your wrist stay protected from further injury and promotes faster healing. - Comfortable Pain Relief Day or Night
A volar wrist brace will help you enjoy comfortable compression throughout the day or night. Whether you are sleeping, active, or relaxing, the brace will provide your entire wrist with protection, support, and compression. - Use the Brace Interchangeably on the Right or Left Hand
Many volar wrist braces can be used on either the right or left hand. This means you won’t have to replace the brace whenever you need to switch hands. (However, this feature is not available in all volar braces. Make sure you purchase one that’s interchangeable if this is a feature that you require.)
What are Possible Disadvantages of Using a Volar Wrist Brace?
Like all types of braces, volar braces can have some complications. These conditions are described below, along with tips on how to prevent these issues from happening while you wear your brace.
Pressure Sores
A volar brace can cause pressure sores, but this can be prevented by loosening the straps. Make sure to wear your brace correctly and at the proper tightness.
Tissue Damage
Volar bracing may damage the nerves and blood vessels, which can be prevented by loosening the straps and reducing how long the brace is worn. The duration for wearing the brace depends on the reason why you have to wear it in the first place and varies from 2 weeks to 3 months. Consult your doctor if you notice the brace affecting circulation or nerve response.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis, which is an irritation to the skin, can be prevented by ensuring that you are not allergic to the perforated leather or neoprene from which volar wrist braces are made. Additionally, ensure that the brace is clean or sterile before wearing it.
Range of Motion Issues
Reduced range of motion due to immobilization can be prevented by removing the brace when not needed. For instance, you shouldn’t wear the volar wrist brace to the shower.
Thermal Burns
Occurrence of thermal burns, which can be prevented by loosening the straps and removing the brace when not needed.
When Should You Use a Volar Wrist Brace?
You can use a volar brace for these types of injuries:
- Tendon inflammation
- Wrist fractures
- Ligament inflammation and injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Can a Volar Brace Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Volar braces are undoubtedly one of the most prevalent forms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. The brace has a semi-rigid brace that goes under your wrist and into the palm of your hand, which is where carpal tunnel syndrome most frequently manifests. Many people suffering from mild carpal tunnel are advised to wear the volar brace for a few weeks.
The volar brace provides additional comfort by maintaining the joint in a neutral posture while still enabling the fingers to move freely. Any carpal tunnel pain affecting the wrist and palm will be effectively and efficiently treated in the neural position.
Constructed from rigid, heavy-duty materials yet soft and breathable to provide all-day support and comfort.
Suitable to be worn during the day or night.
How Should a Wrist Be Positioned in a Volar Brace?
The first step to proper positioning of a volar wrist brace is ensuring it is clean of any skin irritants, dirt or debris that may affect its functionality and your comfort.
Then, position the brace with the cushion facing up and place your hand in the center of the brace with the fingers and thumb placed in their respective spots.
Fasten your straps around your arm beginning with the base of your wrist and working your way towards your elbow. Tighten or loosen the straps as appropriate for maximum comfort and support.
How to Choose the Right Volar Wrist Brace?
Wearing the wrong brace can cause more harm than good, so you need to be extra cautious when buying a volar wrist brace.
Start by identifying the type of injury or condition you’re suffering from. Every condition is different and must be treated differently. For example, a wrist brace for treating a sprain is not the same as a brace for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Once you’ve identified your condition, you can choose a volar brace designed for that specific issue only. As always, consult your physician or physical therapist for guidance on which brace to choose for your condition.
Conclusion
Volar wrist braces protect and support your wrist in a neutral posture, which helps to reduce discomfort and pain. If your wrist injury doesn’t improve even after using a volar brace for several weeks, consult your doctor.
