Carrot Splint, palm cone, foam roll or resting splint: which one for a closed hand?
Four products are commonly used for a contracted hand. They are not interchangeable: each suits a different stage of opening. This table is written from the carer's point of view, not as a clinical recommendation.
| Carrot Splint | Palm or finger cone | Foam roll or palm protector | Rigid resting splint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fits a fully closed hand | Yes. Goes in deflated, drawn in with a wand | Usually no. Must be pushed in | No. Needs a partly open hand | No. Fingers must be extended first |
| How the opening is set | Inflated gradually, by comfort | Fixed by the cone size | Fixed by the roll diameter | Fixed by the splint shape |
| Lets you clean the palm | Yes, while in place and after removal | Limited | Limited | Yes, once fitted |
| Progress can be recorded | Yes, markings on the cover | No | No | No |
| Washable | Carrot rinsed, cover hand-washed | Depends on material | Often not, or wears quickly | Wipe clean |
| Typical role | Opening a closed hand; the first stage | Maintenance | Maintenance, mild contracture | Maintenance and positioning once open |
Once the hand has opened enough, some people move on to a foam roll or a resting splint for maintenance. The Carrot is the tool that gets them there.