Hand Braces & Wrist Braces

Wrist braces can help relieve a number of symptoms, including discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome or a sprained wrist. Braces help stabilize the joints and muscles, so their movements don't trigger unwanted symptoms, and you can focus on recovery. Your arm sits in a neutral position when you wear a wrist brace, which means it's straight.  

With the right brace for wrist support, you may be able to treat symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in your lower arms and hands. Your doctor may also recommend trying other treatments, such as over-the-counter pain-relief medications or gentle workouts with fitness and rehab equipment. 

Although wrist and hand braces can be effective to help alleviate pain and discomfort, it's important that you don't try to treat a condition or injury with a brace on your own. Your medical provider can discuss your symptoms with you, provide you with a diagnosis and recommend the best wrist or hand brace for your needs. As you shop for hand braces and wrist splints, be sure to pay attention to the sizing information to ensure that you select an option that will fit you properly. Also, bear in mind that some braces are intended for only the right or left hand or wrist. Others can be worn on either arm or wrist.

To wrap a sprained wrist, use a flexible bandage and wrap it around your wrist once, starting at the pinky side of your hand with the hand facing downward. Gently pull the bandage over to your thumb side, then wrap the bandage around your palm once. Cross it back down to the wrist, then wrap it again around the wrist area. Next, reverse the bandage to the pinky side of your hand and wrap it around the palm, then around the wrist again. If you have bandage material left over, keep wrapping it over the injured area to stabilize your wrist, being careful not to wrap it too tightly. Keep the bandage secure with some medical tape or use a self-adherent wrap for stability.

Braces for wrist carpal tunnel symptoms help keep your wrists straight. This is important because carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can worsen if you have too much pressure on your median nerve. Frequent movements, such as bending or flexing your wrists, can create inflammation in your arm. These movements may also put excess pressure on your nerves, including your median nerves.  

Always check with your medical team before trying slings and splints or braces for wrists, legs or other parts of your body. Your doctor may also have you bring your wrist brace to the office. That way, your health care provider can make sure you're wearing the brace correctly and using it for the right activities. 

Wrist braces help relieve pressure on your median nerve, which is the nerve that helps your forearm, fingers, hands and wrists move. When you move your arm or hand, you may use nearby muscles and joints that may unintentionally put pressure on your median nerve. Braces for wrists help prevent this pressure by keeping your forearms straight. You may not experience immediate relief, so expect to wear your brace more than once unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Your health care provider can help you decide how long to try a wrist brace before exploring other treatment options. 

Wrist braces can provide symptom relief for many people with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Severe cases may require additional treatments, such as surgery. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight or following an anti-inflammatory diet.