How Long to Wear a Wrist Splint: Evidence-Based Timeline
How long should you wear a splint on your wrist?
The Quick Answer
For acute sprains without fracture: **2–6 weeks** of intermittent splint use during aggravating activities. For carpal tunnel: **minimum 8 weeks of nightly wear** before expecting symptom improvement. Duration depends on diagnosis—discontinue when pain-free through functional activities. Never exceed 6 weeks of continuous daytime wear without medical supervision to prevent stiffness and muscle atrophy.
Why We Ask This
Patients either discontinue splints prematurely when pain temporarily improves (before tissue healing completes) or wear them excessively beyond medical necessity—both extremes compromising recovery through re-injury risk or iatrogenic stiffness.
The Practical Science
Ligament healing follows predictable phases: inflammatory (days 1–7), proliferative (weeks 2–6), remodeling (months 2–12). Splint duration aligns with proliferative phase when collagen fibers are vulnerable to re-injury from excessive loading—typically 4–6 weeks for wrist ligaments.
In Clinical Practice
A patient with grade 2 wrist sprain wears a splint during all weight-bearing activities for 3 weeks, then transitions to daytime-only wear during sports for weeks 4–6 while performing progressive strengthening—achieving full return to activity at week 8 with no residual instability.
References & Context
ADVICE AFTER A WRIST SPRAIN - Royal United Hospitals Bath"You have sprained your wrist joint but you do not have any broken bones. This is a common injury. You may be given a removable splint to wear to support the wrist. This should be used for two to six weeks to enable you to use the arm more comfortably whilst the injury heals."