Anyone who's been exposed to a long, frequent, or increased level of force on their wrist and hands—due to prolonged typing, carrying heavy objects, using vibrating tools, or participating in repetitive motions—is at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
It's often associated with pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand or wrist. The pins-and-needles sensation springs up when a sudden pressure is applied to your median nerve, which runs from the middle of your forearm to your hand.
The good news is, majority of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome cases are mild and easily treated. Using a wrist brace for carpal tunnel can help alleviate pain and improve wrist function. However, certain circumstances are better suited for more intensive treatments, such as surgery. Read on to learn more.
Usually, the thumb and index or middle finger are affected first, which may shoot up to the wrist or forearm, particularly when you're holding something. According to one of the studies in NCIB, moderate is when the patients have no muscle weakness or atrophy, median sensory and motor responses are present, and only mild abnormality on nerve conductor testing.
If you're in these categories or experiencing wrist pain at night, non-surgical methods like wrist splinting or bracing can be used to manage the carpal tunnel symptoms. A wrist brace for carpal tunnel helps to promote healing, reduce pain and swelling, as well as improve flexibility in your wrist by providing support and stability.
Tip: Durability, breathability and flexibility of the fabric are the factors you need to consider. We also encourage choosing those with either thumb loops or adjustable straps to ensure you can get the right fit.
Conservative measures like cortisone injections, oral corticosteroid therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first line of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Most patients respond to these treatments, however, symptoms recur in some patients after stopping the treatment.
Tip: There can be too many treatments for CTS, like magnet and laser therapies, that have been proven to be non-effective, so make sure to consult your doctor before trying them.
The Koprez® Carpal Tunnel Brace for Sleeping is a great option for patients who are in this category. This comfortable and adjustable brace is designed to prevent wrist flexion, extension and radial deviation during sleep. It also features an incredibly thin metal plate that works like the external ligaments of the wrist, providing maximum support for the hand and wrist, while retaining flexibility.
Repetition is the most common culprit of carpal tunnel syndrome. The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome is highest among workers like typists, assembly line workers, and other professions that involve repetitive motions.
The Koprez® Wrist Brace is specifically designed for these types of workplace tasks. The lightweight, adjustable wrist brace helps support the wrist area while permitting a full range of free movement and dexterity. It's most ideal to wear a brace during the day, especially during certain activities that trigger flare-ups.
Tip: After you take it off, be sure to massage your wrist and exercise it to keep the muscles loose and reduce stiffness.
When carpal tunnel syndrome is severe, relief may not be found from any type of braces or splinting. The patient may need to undergo a surgery known as carpal tunnel release, where a surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Recovery is usually successful, but the patient will need to receive treatments such as physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility in the wrist.
Tip: Approximately 90% of people who undergo this surgery experience relief from their carpal tunnel symptoms. You can use a wrist splint or wrist brace for carpal tunnel as a post-operative measure to keep you from over-stressing your wrist.
Experiencing cracking sound in your hand or wrist? That may be one of hand arthritis symptoms.
Some other possible causes of hand and wrist pain or numbness need to be ruled out before diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include tendonitis, arthritis, pinched nerves in the neck, nerve compression in the upper arm, and diabetes. Wrist braces may not be suitable for managing some of these conditions, so you should speak to your doctor before using one.
Tip: It's also important to understand that wearing a wrist brace for long periods of time can lead to stiffness in the joints, so make sure to take regular breaks.
In severe cases, you may also experience a loss of grip strength because the median nerve doesn't provide sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers. Braces and splinting can't help in these cases, and surgery may be the only option.
Overall, bracing and splinting can be a helpful way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome.
Just like with any other ailments, the sooner you start taking steps to get treatment, the better. Waiting too long may induce worsening pain and symptoms, so make sure to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. You'll soon find your way to recovery with your wrist brace or splint from Koprez®. So don't wait any longer and order your brace now!
