Carpal Tunnel Stretcher | Splint

prusaprinters

Firstly: This device is EXPERIMENTAL. As such, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK! I am NOT a doctor, this is NOT medical advice, and nothing I say should be construed as such. This device has NOT been evaluated and/or approved by any medical science body or governmental agency. Again, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK! OK, with that out of the way…I designed this device to help treat my carpal tunnel syndrome. I am self employed, use my hands for wok, and I cannot afford to let my business shut down for the 4-6 weeks (per wrist) the surgeons are telling me I will need to take off. Additionally, I'd like surgery to be my last resort. I'm not saying this is the proper thing to do,  but this is what I've done with so far good results.Based on research I have done, and again this is NOT medical advice (consult your doctor), theses stretchers should not be worn for more than 16 hours per day daily for 6 weeks, then 1-2 times per week after for maintenance, if needed. This is the plan I've followed anyway. After 8 weeks, I would say I had a 80-90% reduction in symptoms.General info, no particular order:Screws are M3x8. The pad needs to be flexible, and I used VarioShore TPU for the foaming action.The rest of the parts can be PLA, PETG, whatever.The springs were sourced from a hardware store assorted springs tray. I have included .step files in case you need to modify the design to fit locally sourced springs.Spring tension should not be much. This needs to be a stretching that takes place over WEEKS. Just a gentle tug is all. If I can find what the part number or specs of the spring were, I'll update.Designed to use 1" medical tape.The tape bottoms and caps should be connected with the solder iron welding method. The spring should still be able to rotate when completed.Parts should be printed solid.Yes, there will be supports under the main body. No big deal, the pad will take care of comfort. I may update this posting later if I missed any info.