When is a resting hand splint typically worn?

A resting hand splint is typically worn during the acute phases of injuries. This period often involves significant inflammation or pain, where the primary goal is to immobilize the wrist and fingers to allow for healing while preventing further injury. By keeping the hand in a resting position, the splint provides necessary support and reduces the risk of joint or soft tissue damage.

In this context, wearing the splint during acute phases helps to manage swelling and pain, allowing for a better environment for recovery. The splint also assists in maintaining proper alignment of the hand structures, which is crucial at this stage.

Other options, while they may suggest different uses of splints, do not align with the primary function of a resting hand splint. After rehabilitation therapy, the splint's role would likely shift toward facilitating movement rather than immobilization. During active motion exercises, wearing such a splint could hinder movement and restrict the very actions the individual needs to perform. Long-term wear usually pertains to different types of splints designed for ongoing support or for chronic conditions, rather than immediate injury management, which is the focus during acute phases.