Hand contracture after stroke
After a stroke, spasticity on the affected side can draw the fingers into the palm. At first the hand can still be opened with help; over months it may close completely, with the nails pressing into the skin.
This is the point at which everyday care becomes difficult. The palm cannot be cleaned or dried, the skin softens and becomes sore, and washing the hand causes distress for the person and for whoever is helping them.
The Carrot Splint is designed for exactly this hand. It goes in deflated, drawn gently behind a placement wand, so nothing has to be forced open. It is then inflated a little at a time until the fingers lift away from the palm, and no further. With the hand open, the skin can be cleaned, dried and protected.
The cloth cover carries progress markings, so the therapist and the family can see how far the hand has opened from one week to the next. As it opens, the Carrot can be inflated a little further.
The Carrot is used in hospital stroke units, by community rehabilitation teams and by families caring at home. One size fits either hand.