This article is here to present you with 12 best carpal tunnel brace options and treatment plans. However, we decided to go do and touch basically every corner of carpal tunnel wrist brace and carpal tunnel syndrome. Which will provide you with the knowledge to choose the best carpal tunnel brace for yourself or your loved ones and with treatment plan options to help you improve your condition.
Let’s start by explaining what carpal tunnel is. The Carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist. It is about an inch wide and it is formed by the small wrist bones (carpal bones). The main purpose of the carpal tunnel is to protect the median nerve and flexor tendons than bend the fingers and thumb.
Since the wrist bones forming the carpal tunnel are very small and rather fragile, they often shift just slightly but enough to cause pressure to occur on the median nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
There are various treatments and we will take a closer look into those later on, but the least invasive thing one can do is to purchase a proper carpal tunnel brace to serve as additional support and protection against certain wrist movements that would cause the most pain. Carpal Tunnel Brace is there to prevent pain, enable you to perform activities that would otherwise be too painful and risky, and also to help you stabilize the wrist (especially during the night) in the correct position to enable healing.
We will go into detail regarding how the carpal tunnel brace works in the following section.
If you or anyone dear to you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, we highly advise you to continue reading through the entire article. We promise you won’t regret it.
12 Best Carpal Tunnel Brace
| Product Name | Picture | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Best Brace for Carpal Tunnel | ||
| 1. Mueller Green Brace |  |
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| 2. Vive Wrist Brace |  |
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| Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Sleeping | ||
| 1. Night Wrist Sleep Support by 3M Futuro |  |
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| 2. ACE Night Wrist Sleep Support |  |
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| 3. ComfyBrace Night Wrist Sleep Support Brace |  |
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| 4. ZOUYUE Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace |  |
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| Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Work | ||
| 1. M BRACE RCA Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Relief |  |
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| 2. Sparthos Wrist Support Sleeves |  |
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| 3. AidBrace Wrist Support Wrap |  |
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| Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Work | ||
| 1. Premium Doctor Arthritis Wrist Brace |  |
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| 2. BraceUP® Adjustable Wrist Support |  |
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| 3. ComfyBrace Premium Lined Wrist Support |  |
|
How Does Carpal Tunnel Brace Work?
As already mentioned above, carpal tunnel brace works in a way to offer additional support and protection to your wrist. There are various types of carpal tunnel brace options and they all offer a different level of support. We will explain all those types in one of the following sections.
All carpal tunnel brace options are designed to stabilize your wrist in only certain positions, thus eliminating the position that causes you pain. It depends on the level of your condition and the activities you are performing to what amount the carpal tunnel brace should limit your wrist’s mobility. The goal is to eliminate or at least limit the pain and give you the ability to perform activities that would otherwise not be possible for you.
In the following section, we will divide 12 best carpal tunnel brace options into 4 categories, based on the main purpose of use.
- Brace for sleeping must be as comfortable as possible, yet still prevent wrist banding. It is shocking that most people bend their wrists during sleep.
- Brace for working must be very firm and provide extra support and stability. Of course, it depends on the type of work, but is way better to be safe than sorry, right?
- Brace for typing is another rather specific type of carpal tunnel brace. It must offer proper support but cause no discomfort, thus this type is normally as minimalistic as possible.
There are many other specific types of carpal tunnel brace options, especially when we go into various sports but we decided to focus on the above categories as they are what most people face on a daily basis.
Top 12 Best Carpal Tunnel Braces
In this section, we will take a closer look at the best 12 Carpal Tunnel braces. To make the list even more useful for you, we’ve divided the winner of our selection into four categories, including an overall best brace for carpal tunnel, best carpal tunnel brace for sleeping, best carpal tunnel brace for working, and best carpal tunnel brace for typing.
Let’s dig in and let’s help you determine which carpal tunnel brace is the best choice for you, shall we?
Overall Best Brace for Carpal Tunnel
There are many very good carpel tunnel brace options available on the market, which made it rather difficult for us to select one ultimate best overall carpal tunnel brace. As such, we choose two options, which are presented below.
1. Mueller Green Brace
Mueller Green is a great choice as it offers maximum versatility. It can be used in most day-to-day situations and even for sports activities. It is made of high-quality synthetic. Mueller Green’s carpal tunnel brace is designed for carpal tunnel syndrome patience and support for weak or injured wrists.
Mueller Green brace comes with two adjustable straps for custom fitting. It also has extra padding around the spoon for extra comfort.It is available in two sizes – small/medium and large/X-large, which are able to accommodate the wrist sizes of 12 – 20 cm. Moreover, is available for both left and right hands, as it comes in two styles.
Mueller Green carpal tunnel brace comes in black color, making it as universal as possible as it matches all other colors and types of apparel. This brace is also highly affordable. When washing this brace, you must be cautious. Wash only by hand in cold water and avoid using bleach and fabric softener. Use mild detergent and rinse thoroughly, then air dry it. Do not iron it.
2. Vive Wrist Brace
Vive Wrist brace is the second option according to our verdict when it comes to overall best carpal tunnel brace options. Like the above choice, it is highly affordable and also available for both left and right hands. It comes in a single universal size that is able to fit most hand sizes. It also comes in black color for maximum compatibility.
Vive Wrist Support is super lightweight and it offers maximum support to your wrist. Stabilizing and supporting the wrist, to reduce pain and inflammation and prevent re-injury. It is fully adjustable. The compression brace retains therapeutic heat to improve circulation and promote healing.
The Vive Wrist brace has a removable splint, which allows the full use of your hand, so you can easily complete everyday activities. Of course, the use of the splint is advisable if you have severe problems or intend to perform more wrist-demanding activities.
Vive Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace has two adjustable straps, which allow you to customize the amount of compression to effectively reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Aside from being a perfect solution for carpal tunnel patients, this brace is also great for arthritis, tendonitis, repetitive stress injury, post-surgery, sprains, and strains.
Vive Wrist Brace is made out of breathable neoprene, which keeps your hand and wrist cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Sleeping
As mentioned above, it is rather shocking how many people twist their wrist during sleep. Using a proper carpal tunnel wrist brace during the night can help with that issue. If you are waking up with wrist pain, use one of the below-presented braces. Moreover, sleep time is the ultimate healing time, it is when our body works hard to repair all the damage. As such, a good carpal tunnel brace for sleeping will help you keep your wrist in the most optimal position, which will speed up the healing process.
Carpal tunnel brace for sleeping must also be as comfortable as possible; you will have it on all night and it must not disturb your sleep.
There were again too many great options for us to choose a single one, thus we have selected four great options for you to choose from.
1. Night Wrist Sleep Support by 3M Futuro
This carpal tunnel support brace is specially designed for nighttime. It offers extreme comfort and support. This doesn’t mean it cannot be worn during the day as well. Though, due to its design, it will limit your ability to perform certain activities properly. As such, we recommend this one mostly for nighttime use.
Night Wrist Sleep Support by 3M Futuro has a universal design, which means that a single model fits left and right hands and also most hand sizes. It is suitable for 5.25 – 9-inch wrist circumference at the smallest point.
Night Wrist Sleep Support by 3M Futuro provides moderate support to injured wrists. It helps provide relief from symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The cushioning packed inside the brace helps protect your wrist and helps promote a neutral hand position during sleep.
It comes with a removable palmar splint for customizable support. Night Wrist Sleep Support brace has an easy-to-use sleeve design, which was created with the support of an expert panel of engineers and medical professionals.
Night Wrist Sleep Support comes in navy color, which is supper suitable for nighttime but also works with various clothing if you decide to wear it during the day. Compared to the two above-presented braces, it is almost double the price, however, still well worth the investment.
2. ACE Night Wrist Sleep Support
ACE Night Wrist Sleep Support is very similar to the above-presented brace. It follows the same single-model principle, which means one size fits most hand sizes and both left and right hands. Moreover, it has the same high-quality cushion that offers extreme comfort and great support.
ACE Night Wrist Sleep provides stabilizing support to injured wrists and helps provide relief from symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and other wrist injuries. Cushioning beads help promote a neutral hand position during sleep. Moreover, it has a palmar splint for stabilizing support. Its easy-to-use sleeve design enables hassle-free applications and adjustments.
Based on the 2015 TNS Brand Health tracking of braces, supports and elastic bandages the ACE Brand is America’s most trusted brand of braces, supports, and elastic bandages. It is also supported by an expert panel of engineers and medical professionals. It is in the same price range, as the above brace.
3. ComfyBrace Night Wrist Sleep Support Brace
ComfyBrace Night Wrist Sleep Support Brace is another brace we believe can be your best carpal tunnel brace and help you overcome this nuisance. This brace has an ergonomic hand splint that gives your injured wrist the support it needs during sleep or rest. The hand brace is ideal for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendon or for those that need support for their weak, injured or post-cast wrists.
ComfyBrace Night Wrist Sleep enables you to forget about your usual wrist braces that are too loose or too tight. The ComfyBrace hand splint is designed to fit everyone. With its hook and loop fasteners, you can rest assured that the brace will fit perfectly for maximum support and comfort all night long.
The ComfyBrace wrist support strap was designed to fit right and left hand. The hand splint is very easy to use. With its slip-on-sleeve design, it makes the fitting fast and simple.
The ComfyBrace has cushioned beads and is very soft for maximum comfort. Moreover, the material is breathable and does not hold any moisture. The hand protector was made to last and it is extremely durable. This brace is slightly pricier than the above models, yet still available for under $30.
4. ZOUYUE Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace
Compared to the above-present three models, ZOUYUE Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace isn’t strictly intended for sleep time. It is suitable for various daytime activities as well, which is its advantage over the above three models. On the other hand, it has less cushion and thus offers less comfort and protection. As such, it won’t do as a proper job in cases when maximum support is needed.
However, this carpal tunnel brace will give your injured wrist the support it needs during sleep or rest. The hand brace is ideal for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendon. It is available in two sizes – medium and large to cover writ circumference of 5.1-9.8 inches (measured at the smallest point). It comes in the left hand and in right-hand models. Moreover, it is black, which is the most universal and durable color.
ZOUYUE Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace is a lightweight, durable wrist splint for carpal tunnel stabilization of the wrist in a neutral position for optimal relief. The splint is also removable, allowing you more flexibility while providing adequate wrist support.
The wrist brace has adjustment bands to make it fit any hand, though the proper size selection is in order. With its hook and loop fasteners, you can rest assured that the wrist brace left hand or right hand will fit perfectly for maximum support and comfort. The compression carpal tunnel brace retains therapeutic heat to improve circulation and promote healing.
ZOUYUE Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace is made out of high-quality, soft and breathable fabric, which provides a comfortable feel and protects your skin. It is also extremely durable.
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Work
When it comes to carpal tunnel brace for work, it is very important to provide a lot of protection but at the same time enable maximum mobility. Based on these criteria we’ve chosen three models that are presented below.
1. M BRACE RCA Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Relief
M BRACE RCA Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Relief is a minimalistic heavy-duty brace. It is highly practical since it covers only a very small portion of your wrist and leaves your hand completely uncovered. However, despite its small size, it offers a very high level of support and additional protection against bumps and hits, as it has hard protection.
The brace can be worn in various positions either closer to the wrist or higher up the arm to get the effect that best suits your condition. It comes in a regular size that fits most wrists and in black universal color.
The M BRACE RCA is simple to use. It provides a functional approach to wrist-related problems by supporting the normal structure of the wrist, allowing the body to heal itself. The device has been reduced to a brace that supports the carpal tunnel without debilitating constriction and immobilization.
This ultra-lightweight brace (less than half an ounce) allows for the normal user activity. This small and practical brace enables for the healing to take place even while the user continues to engage in the work or leisure activities that may have brought about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) symptoms in the first place.
The M BRACE RCA maintains the normal U-shape of the carpal tunnel without compressing it so that the median nerve irritation is minimized and healing may commence. By allowing expansion and retraction without interference, the resultant contact between the median nerve and the carpal tunnel wall is effectively ended.
The M BRACE RCA is made from top-quality materials. It measures a mere 1-1/4 inches by 3 inches while the ultrasonically attached Velcro-brand heavy-duty strap is one-inch wider and comprised of double-layer “skin-friendly” folded-loop material. It comes with two optional Latex-Free adhesive foam pads in (1/8″ and 1/4″ thicknesses) along with an illustrated Important User Information sheet.
M BRACE RCA Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Relief is an innovative device that combines simplicity and comfortable as well as effective therapeutic and preventive solutions in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is in the same price range as the majority of the above-presented sleep braces.
2. Sparthos Wrist Support Sleeves
Sparthos Wrist Compression Sleeves is for those of you who don’t require maximum support and are mostly looking for compression that will relieve the pain.
This wrist support sleeve is very affordable and comes in pair, which means that there are two sleeves in a single package – one for the right hand and one for the left hand. It is available in four different sizes, including small, medium, large, and X-large, which makes it suitable for kids, women, and men. It further comes in four different colors: blue with light blue pattern, brown patterns, pink with white patterns, and black with gray patterns.
This brace will help you get through your day without pain and discomfort. Sparthos wrist sleeve offers compression and improves blood circulation, relieving symptoms of arthritis, osteoporosis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, sprains or general wrist aches. Its targeted compression improves blood circulation, which is the key factor of fast recovery.
It is suitable for all occasions – at home, work or in the gym. Sparthos is a perfect sleeve that knows no limits; it is suitable for professional athletes, bank employees, full-time moms, or anyone in between.
Tight and seamless Sparthos wrist sleeve fits like a second skin. It is crafted from top quality breathable yarn and designed to accompany you anywhere. Moreover, it is highly affordable, especially considering the fact that you get a pair.
3. AidBrace Wrist Support Wrap
AidBrace Wrist Support Wrap is another great choice for work. It is designed to offer you maximum mobility. It leaves your palm al free as possible since it only hooks your thumb.
AidBrace is very affordable as well. It comes in black color for maximum compatibility with all types of clothing and occasion; suitable for office work as well as any terrain jobs. It provides comfortable compression in the wrist for added support to weak wrists and warmth to help increase circulation to promote the healing process.
Furthermore, it is made out of soft neoprene with rolled edges, which allows for the tightest fit and flexibility to continue your day without stiff restriction. AidBrace Wrist Support Wrap fits both left and right hand. It comes in a single size that fits most hand sizes. Its neoprene wicks moisture and dries fast, which makes it great for all-day use.
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Typing
There are many of us typing a lot during work and even free time these days. As such, we decided to present you with some best carpal tunnel brace options for typing. Below are three models that we believe are the best ones currently available on the market.
1. Premium Doctor Arthritis Wrist Brace
Premium Doctor Arthritis Wrist Brace is an all-around carpal tunnel brace, suitable for all types of work and different sports activities that require a lot of wrist mobility. Moreover, based on our research and testing it is one of the best braces for typing. It offers a perfect combination of support, comfort, and pain relief. It is made out of high-quality materials and designed by doctors to deliver the best treatment. Its black color and one-size-fits-all make it very practical. Moreover, a single model is suitable for both left and right hands.
Premium Doctor Arthritis Wrist Brace has a secure strap system, which creates a super comfortable, NON-SLIP support. It is great for those returning from an injury or those who just need wrist support. It comes with a doctor written handbook that will provide you additional useful information about your condition, treatment options available, best tips, and exercises that can optimize the strength and functionality of your wrist to prevent injury as well as aid recovery.
Premium Doctor Arthritis Wrist Brace is made of a high-quality blend of 65% neoprene, 35% nylon and the only support of its kind to be COPPER LINED. It is equipped with a strap system that tailors support and optimizes results for all-day wear.
This brace is suitable for various conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel, thumb arthritis, tendonitis or tendinopathy, ganglion cyst or a wrist sprain/strain. It is also highly affordable, ranging between $10 – 20.
2. BraceUP® Adjustable Wrist Support
BraceUP® Adjustable Wrist Support is another great choice for typing. It also comes in a single size that fits most hands. Though we prefer the black model, it is also available in a light-gray version. Its easy-on system allows for fast installation and very sturdy support.
BraceUP® Adjustable Wrist Support is made out of durable neoprene-blend materials for strong support, soothing warmth and comfort, which helps relieve weak or sore wrist in no-time. The material allows for good breathability, which means that your hand won’t be sweating while typing at all.
The thumb loop makes wrap around easy to put on and take off. The single unit fits both left and right wrists, so no need to worry whether you will pick the right model.
If you are dealing with wrist pain or just a slight discomfort while typing, put the BraceUp on and experience sudden relief. Moreover, it allows you to start typing with additional support after an injury or surgery, and of course, helps to cope with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and enables your wrist to heal as well. BraceUP® Adjustable Wrist brace is available for under $10.
3. ComfyBrace Premium Lined Wrist Support
ComfyBrace-Premium Lined Wrist Support is another ComfyBrace’s brand model among our top 12 carpal tunnel brace list. This model is very suitable for typing as is offers perfect support, yet it doesn’t restrict your hard at all. It comes with an ergonomic hand splint that gives your injured wrist the support it needs during activities or rest. The hand brace is ideal for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendon or for those who need support for their weak and post-cast wrists.
ComfyBrace-Premium Lined Wrist Support is designed to fit everyone. You can rest assured that the brace will fit your wrist perfectly for maximum support and comfort. The ComfyBrace wrist support strap was designed to fit right and left hand. The ComfyBrace hand brace is very soft for maximum comfort. It is made from high-quality, breathable materials and does not hold any moisture. The hand protector is made to last and will definitely surprise you with its durability.
Using ComfyBrace Premium Lined Wrist Support can help you say goodbye to the wrist pain you’ve been dealing with during typing. Focus on the words and not the pain from now on. It comes in a black color to match all of your clothes. Moreover, it is also rather affordable, making it a well worth investment.
What to Consider When Buying Carpal Tunnel Brace for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
We did our best to provide you with 12 best carpal tunnel brace options for you to choose from. However, there are many other brace options and models available on the market. As such, we decided to create a detailed shopping guide that will help you choose the best carpal tunnel brace for your needs even if you decide to deviate from the above list.
We have divided this guide into several categories that you must pay extra attention to.
Types: There are various types of carpal tunnel brace options. In this category, we will list the most important types. Of course, most braces cover several types at once.
- Wrist brace – focuses support in the wrist area as opposed to the palmar aspect of the hand; although, there are some that are also wrapping up the thumb. Wrist brace focuses more on flexibility and is not as rigid as some braces that cover full hand. Thus you will have an extensive range of motion, which is ideal if you need a lightweight brace with simple support.
- Standard brace– typically recognizable by their rigid aspect. They are often made of stiff materials. They come with advanced Velcro systems, which provide compressive support and adjustability. The fingers and thumb are exposed in these braces, so you don’t lose too much function in that respect. They do, of course, limit your mobility extensively.
- Night brace – typically extend up the arm and cover the entire palm in order to offer a high level of fixation. The best ones come with extra cushion, which provides extra comfort and protection. It depends on a brace model whether the finger and the thumb are mobile or fixed.
- Splint type– advanced braces, the ones that offer maximum support typically come with a splint. There are many types of splint:
- Plastic vs. metal– normally metal splint provides more stability but extra weight. In addition, a metal splint can easily damage your skin in case of brace material break, thus many prefer to focus on a plastic splint. There are also some professional types of brace that have splints made out of carbonfiber. Of course, they are very expensive.
- Removable vs. integrated – removable splints are great for those of you, who need an option of extra support on one hand and extra mobility in the other. This means that removable splint offers a much wider use range. On the other hand, integrated splint typically represents even better support.
- Compression style– the right amount of compression is extremely important with any carpal tunnel brace. Velcro is perfect for this, thus most use this option. There are also some that use bolts, laces, which are less practical, however, Velcro tends to wear out over time but can normally be replaced.
- Fit Style – braces are either designed to fit both left and right hand or they are hand-specific. For those of you who often experience issues on both hands, it makes sense to get universal type but if you have issues only on one hand, then you can choose a hand specific model. It is way more important to focus on the support and mobility the brace offers.
Size: When purchasing a carpal tunnel brace make sure to check the size. There are many models that fit most hands but it still makes sense to measure your wrist’s circumference at the smallest point. This is extremely important if you have an extra narrow or extra wide wrists. It is important that brace fits you well, otherwise, it can cause additional pain or not offer enough support.
Purpose: You should consider the purpose of use. If you don’t have any specific purpose, we advise you to go with the most universal brace, however, if you need a brace for more specific purposes, such as specific sports, work, typing, … then it makes sense to choose the one that will best serve you in that activity. Night braces can be amazing for faster recovery. For bowling, it is smart to get a special bowling brace, etc.
Material: It is important to choose a brace that is made out of high-quality material. Cheap products can cause skin irritation, inflammation, excessive sweating, moreover, they will not last long. Durability is even more important if you plan to use your brace during sports activities.
It also makes sense to choose materials that can be washed properly. In most cases, you will be limited to hand wash with mild soap and air drying.
Durability: Price is not everything. You can buy the cheapest brace, which may be three times cheaper than the quality one but if it lasts three times shorter, then you spend the same amount of money but have three times lower quality brace. Do you get the picture?
Durability is very important. High-quality material normally results in long durability.
The way you treat your brace also contributes to its durability. Make sure to dry it properly, don’t expose it to direct sun when not on your hand, make sure to wash it in line with instructions, etc.
Value: Value is super important. Buying the most expensive brace of the wrong type won’t give you the best results. So buy the right brace for you. Of course, it is somewhat normal to expect better value from known brands. If you want to stay on the safe side, stick to the 12 braces presented above. All of those provide great value for your money.
Reviews: Reviews will always give some feedback. Aim for products that have more than 20 products with an overall rate of 4.3 or above (on a scale 1 to 5)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms are usually found along the nerve path because of compression of the median nerve, which runs along the entire arm.
Your hand may feel tingly or like it has “fallen asleep” frequently. This can result in you dropping objects. Here is the list of other typical symptoms include:
- tingling, numbness, and pain in your first three fingers and the thumb,
- muscle weakness of the hand,
- wrist pain experienced at night that prevents you from sleeping properly, and
- pain and burning sensation that travels up your arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
We have explained what carpal tunnel syndrome is in the introduction paragraph. Herein, we will discuss the thing that can cause this unpleasant and painful syndrome.
The pain in your carpal tunnel occurs due to excess pressure on the median nerve. Inflammation can even cause swelling. The most common cause of this inflammation is an underlying medical condition that causes swelling in the wrist and sometimes obstructed blood flow.
Below is the list of the most frequent conditions linked with carpal tunnel syndrome:
- thyroid dysfunction,
- fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause,
- autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis,
- high blood pressure,
- fractures or trauma to the wrist, and
- diabetes.
Keep in mind, that carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended repeatedly. This type of motion of your wrist contributes to swelling and compression of the median nerve. Here are some of the most common mechanical causes:
- wrist position while using your keyboard or mouse,
- prolonged exposure to vibrations from using various hand tools or power tools, and
- all repeated movement that overextends your wrist or causes continuous stress your wrist, such as playing the piano, typing, or playing/doing various sports that cause extra strain on the wrist (gymnastics, martial arts, bowling, …).
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed using a combination of your history, physical examination and a test called nerve conduction studies. This is, of course, performed by the doctors.
The physical examination includes a detailed evaluation of your hands, wrists, shoulders, and neck to check out any other causes of nerve pressure. Your doctor will look at your wrists for signs of pain, swelling, and deformity of any kind. They will check the sensation in the fingers and the strength of the muscles in your hands.
Nerve conduction study is a diagnostic test that can measure the speed of your nerve impulse conduction. If the nerve impulses more slowly than usual because the nerves go into the hand, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tests
This is the list of tests you will typically need to perform to determine whether you are dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Tinel’s sign: Your doctor will tap on the underside of your wrist to test how your nerves respond. Many patients feel an electric sensation (as described by most patients).
- Visual and physical exam: In severe cases, your doctor might be able to see the muscle loss at the base of your thumb.
- Phalen’s sign: You’ll be guided to put your hands in a position similar to praying, then let them fall forward naturally. This position often triggers symptoms. You can actually try this one yourself.
- EMG and nerve conduction: Your doctor may recommend this advanced test, which is a more involved way to assess nerve function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
There are many various types of treatments to help you deal with and even fully recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatments are of course very different and can start in a sense of lifestyle change to surgery, which is the most invasive treatment.
The treatment chosen for you must match your condition and should be determined by your doctor. However, applying certain lifestyle changes and small non-invasive action can only benefit you.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises & Stretching
Before you perform any of the exercises presented herein, we advise you to consult your doctor and determine your actual current condition. However, most of these exercises can be performed in a very gentle way, which can cause no harm. STOP immediately if you encounter any pain.
- Shake It Out – This exercise is super easy. It’s especially useful at night when your symptoms can be worse. If you wake up with pain or numbness, just shake your hands out to get some relief.
- Fist to Stop Sign
- Make a fist.
- Slide your fingers up until they point toward the ceiling like you’re telling someone to stop.
- Repeat 5-10 times.
- Fist to Fan
- Make a fist.
- Fan your fingers outstretch them as far as you can.
- Repeat 5-10 times.
- Thumb Touches
- One at a time, touch the tip of each finger to the tip of your thumb so they make an O-shape.
- Repeat a few times.
- Basic Wrist Stretches
- Sit down at a table.
- Rest your elbow and arm on the table and let your wrist hang over the side, the palm of your hand facing up.
- Start with your hand in a straight, neutral position.
- Bend your hand toward you so your fingers point up toward the ceiling.
- Hold for 5 seconds.
- Return to a straight, neutral position.
- Bend your hand away from you so your fingers point down toward the floor.
- Hold for 5 seconds.
- Return to a straight, neutral position.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Do this up to three times a day.
Alternative Medicine
- Yoga includes postures designed for strengthening, stretching and balancing the upper body and joints, which may help reduce pain and improve grip strength.
- Hand therapy– certain physical and occupational hand therapy techniques may reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Ultrasound therapy can be used to raise the temperature of a targeted area of body tissue to reduce pain and promote healing. Research shows inconsistent results with this therapy, but a course of ultrasound therapy over several weeks may help reduce symptoms.
Nonsurgical Therapy
When the carpal tunnel syndrome condition is determined early on the below therapies may help and improve your condition:
- Corticosteroids
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Wrist splinting
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
We advise you to avoid surgery if possible. However, if your symptoms are more and more severe and don’t respond to any other treatments, your doctor might suggest surgery.
The goal of the surgery is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve by cutting into the ligament. There are two techniques that are normally used:
- Endoscopic surgery
- Open surgery
We don’t want to go into further details regarding this process. Make sure to discuss all your options and above surgery types with your doctor prior to going under the knife.
Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Relief
- Wearing a snug, not tight, wrist splint/brace at night. You can find these over-the-counter at most drugstores or pharmacies or online (use the above instructions).
- Taking short, frequent breaks from repetitive activities involving the use of your hands.
- If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can relieve the carpal tunnel.
- Perform some of the exercises explained above.
- Taking a pain reliever, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can serve a very temporary solution on days you need to get rid of the pain.
- Avoid sleeping on your hands by changing your sleeping pose.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Brace for My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Trying a brace is at least invasive action, thus it makes sense to give it a try. You can get many types of braces for $10, which can be the best-spent money if you get positive results.
How long should you wear a brace for carpal tunnel?
There are basically no limitations, though the goal is to do the best you can to get rid of the pain and get rid of the brace if possible eventually. Though, it is smart to wear a brace during sports and other activities that could cause wrist strains and pain.
Also, make sure that your brace is not too tight, you must ensure decent blood circulation.
Will a wrist brace help carpal tunnel/ Does a Brace Really Work for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
This fully depends on each individual’s conditions and the severeness of the syndrome. In most cases, the symptoms are relieved immediately. There are many cases when the syndrome is completely cured with the use of brace in combination with proper exercising and lifestyle changes.
How tight should carpal tunnel brace be?
You should never obstruct the blood flow. If you start to lose touch in your fingers or if they start to lose color, your brace is too tight. The brace should stabilize your wrist, yet still offer mobility (of course in line with the type of brace). Until you figure out the perfect tightness for you pay extra attention, especially with sleep brace.
Does compression help carpal tunnel?
Yes, compression in the right place is known to help carpal tunnel. It may not cure the syndrome but it will almost always reduce the symptoms.
Is CBD oil good for carpal tunnel?
If you are massaging the oil, it should work positively as it will increase the blood flow. Additionally, CBD oil’s pain relief effect might serve as pain relief. Consuming CBD oil will also serve and pain relief, though it is highly unlikely to remove the syndrome.
What causes carpal tunnel during pregnancy?
The build-up of fluid can occur during the pregnancy, which is essentially resulted in joint swelling. This can cause pressure on the carpal tunnel.
How should you sleep with Carpal Tunnel?
If you are dealing with Carpal Tunnel, you should consider wearing a sleep carpal tunnel brace and avoid sleeping in the fetal position and on your stomach. Preferred positions are either on the back or on the side (left side is a generally healthier option) with a pillow between your arms.
What Vitamin is good for Carpal Tunnel?
Vitamin B6 is often used as a conservative and adjunct therapy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, though its effectiveness is controversial and it is best to ask your doctor for guidance.
What is the Long-term Outlook Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
This really depends on your condition, the stage in which the syndrome was discovered and the action/treatment you undergo. Generally, people respond well to nonsurgical treatments. Moreover, the success rate of surgery is very good. Given these facts, you have a good chance of overcoming the issue, however, lifestyle change and consistency with proper exercising are needed to achieve good results.
How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?
It can take anywhere from several weeks up to several months.
What is the success rate of carpal tunnel surgery?
It is above 90%.
How much does carpal tunnel surgery cost?
The carpal tunnel surgery normally costs between $4000 – 12000.
How can I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
The best precaution is your lifestyle. A generally healthy lifestyle will help with preventing carpal tunnel syndrome greatly. Regular joint exercises, a lot of vegetable fat (avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, canola, nuts, sesame oil, …), avoiding long-term hand positing/posture such as typing (take breaks in between and perform some wrist exercises).
Final Thoughts
We have presented you with an extensive article regarding carpal tunnel brace and carpal tunnel syndrome, which should have provided you will the information you’ve been looking for. Based on our knowledge and experience, we can advise anyone dealing with this issue to give carpal tunnel brace a chance. Proper brace has helped many to deal or even overcome carpal tunnel syndrome and you could easily be the next success story.
Also, make sure to make the necessary lifestyle changes and take maximum care of your wrist and other joints.