The role of hand grips and palm protectors

Hand Spasticity and Contracture

Introduction

Spasticity and contracture are two different conditions. Spasticity is a type of muscle weakness that causes one or more muscles to "spasm" or tighten. Contracture is when a muscle shortens and becomes stiff, which can happen if an arm or leg is in the same position for too long. In both cases, the affected muscles can't be moved normally.

The exact causes of spasticity and contracture will vary from person to person, but it's thought that damage to nerve cells in the spinal cord may play a role. Contractures commonly occur after people have had surgery on their hands or arms, such as after elbow replacement surgery (the operation where parts of your bones are replaced with artificial ones).

Hand spasticity and contracture can also be caused by a variety of neurological disorders, including stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, parkinson’ disease, and brain injury.

What is hand spasticity?

Hand spasticity is a condition that causes the muscles in the hand to contract involuntarily. Spasticity can affect both sides of the hand, and it's usually caused by damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which includes spinal cord injury or stroke.

Hand spasticity isn't painful but can make it difficult for you to perform tasks with your hands such as writing and holding objects like pens or coffee cups. The condition can also cause stiffness, muscle weakness, and joint deformities like clawing fingers where your fingers curl inward toward each other instead of remaining straightened out when relaxed at rest.

Our range of specialized products can offer valuable assistance to individuals who experience difficulty in holding cutlery or dining difficulties.

Adaptive Cutlery and Eating Utensils M240 - Sits comfortably in the palm of the hand, without the need to over-squeeze and over-strain the fingers.

Catchkin Napkin: Adult Bib M016 & M015 -Accidental drips and food mess can become embarrassing moments. Our catchkin offers discreet protection as it looks like a traditional napkin.

Catchkin Adult Toweling Bib M126 and Towelling Feeding Cape with Waterproof Backing M027 – For those who need extra protection.

What is contracture?

Contracture is a condition where the hand becomes stiff and immobile. This can happen due to a lack of movement, which makes it difficult for the muscles in your hands and fingers to stay flexible. Contractures may be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (a type of chronic inflammation in joints) or osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear damage).

• Spasticity - a condition that causes muscle spasms or stiffness in people with cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders.

How do hand spasticity and contracture affect people's lives?

Hand spasticity and contracture can have a significant impact on people's lives. People with hand spasticity and contracture often find it difficult to complete daily tasks, such as dressing or eating. They may also find it challenging to perform tasks they enjoy, such as playing sports or gardening. Hand spasticity and contracture can also affect people's confidence in themselves as they struggle with the effects of their condition on their everyday life.

How can you support those affected by hand spasticity and contracture?

To support those affected by hand spasticity and contracture, it is important to:

• Provide the individual with a hand grip. A hand grip can help reduce spasticity in the hands, allowing for greater control over movement. Hand grips are also useful for reducing pain associated with hypertonia or dystonia.

• Make sure they can access support services such as physio or occupational therapy. These services may be able to provide specific exercises that target the muscles of your client's hands and arms, which can reduce their symptoms over time.

• Offer to support them with everyday tasks such as dressing themselves or preparing meals if necessary.

The role of hand grips and palm protectors-

Hand grips are a valuable tool in the treatment of hand spasticity and contracture. Hand grips can help individuals with hand spasticity to exercise their hands, which in turn reduces pain and helps prevent the formation of contractures.

Hand grips come in many different shapes, sizes, materials and colors so it's important that you choose one that is comfortable for you as well as easy to use.

Our Medoris hand grips and palm protectors are a multi-functional design.

Firstly, it's a beaded hand grip. The tiny micro-beads mold in the palm of the hand, making it soft to touch and easy to position. They also distribute weight evenly under pressure, giving appropriate resistance when squeezed.

Perfect for gentle hand exercises, finger bending, and for stopping hand closure. This can be especially helpful for those recovering from a stroke or suffering from arthritis.

Secondly, it's a finger separator. The short finger stubs stop the skin touching, as well as preventing skin deterioration at the base and between the fingers.

Lastly, it's a palm protector. The soft barrel pad stops the hands and fingers from closing into the palms and prevents the nails from digging into the skin.

Hand Grip/Palm Protector - M063
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Finger Separator/Palm Protector - Low Profile - M112
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Finger Separator/Palm Protector - M083
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Hand Grip/Palm Protector-Low Profile - M113
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The benefits of using micro-beads in our hand grips.

Micro-beads are tiny balls of polystyrene that can be moulded into virtually any shape. They offer a variety of benefits to users, including:

Adapting to pressure - The micro-beads in our grips adapt to the shape of your hand, allowing you to have a customized fit.

• Preventing restricted blood flow - Micro-beads help promote circulation by providing cushioning between bones and skin, preventing irritation from compression.
• Light and breathable - Micro-beads maintain a small gap allowing airflow between the beads, dispersing heat and feeling cooler.
• Micro-beads are naturally hypoallergenic and bacteriostatic
• Micro-beads machine washable and dry-able.
• Rapid and easy positioning.

Hand grips can help individuals feel more comfortable in their everyday life.

Hand grips can help to reduce the pain associated with contracture, which can be caused by repetitive tasks such as tying shoes or buttoning clothing. Hand grips are a great tool for helping people with hand spasticity or contracture feel more comfortable in their everyday life by reducing pain, protecting the skin and improving hand mobility.