Put a sock in it

If you have a patient that has ulnar nerve signs/symptoms or is post- surgery and requires a splint for night use to prevent elbow flexion and cannot tolerate a thermoplastic splint here is a cheap and comfortable alternative. Have your patient take a large athletic sock and cut off the toe. This sock will be slid up the arm, crossing the elbow. Make sure it fits snugly, but not too tightly. Then take the other sock (or two) and make a ball. Place the 'ball' in the antecubital fossa to prevent elbow flexion. This is a comfortable and affordable alternative for night use!

Contributed by Caren Deangelis OTR, CHT