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We put a lot of loads on our wrists and arms, particularly in this digital age where we’re constantly on our phones, tablets, or typing away at a keyboard. But do you know that one of the most common hand and wrist issues are carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects up to 3 percent of adults in the United States each year, and carpal tunnel release surgery is the most commonly performed nerve surgery—with over 400,000 surgeries being done each year.

This blog will take a look at the benefits of wrist brace for carpal tunnel and why it’s important to wear and have one.

The medical term for the pins-and-needles sensation or numbness in the wrist and fingers is called carpal tunnel syndrome. It is caused by inflammation or compression of the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Activities like typing, sewing, or playing an instrument that require repetitive motions of the wrist can lead to this condition. Other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

These contributing factors can lead to pain, weakness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Numbing and tingling symptoms in the hands are intermittent rather than constant symptoms. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can also extend beyond just your hands and wrists. Some people may experience numbness or tingling in their arms, elbows, and even shoulders.

The median nerve is responsible for the sensation and movement of your thumb and all the fingers, if it gets tight or irritated you may have symptoms like:

• Weakness when gripping objects
• Pain or numbness in hands
• "Pins and needles" feeling in the fingers
• Swollen feeling in the fingers
• Burning or tingling sensation in the fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Numbness or pain that is worse at night, interrupting sleep

A wrist splint or a wrist brace is an orthopedic device designed to support, restraint, or immobilize the wrist and hand. One thing about splints is that they're not only for immobilization purposes, they're also designed to mobilize, position and protect a specific body part. In the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist splint works by altering the mechanics of wrist movement wrist splints and used at night to help keep your wrist in a neutral position to reduce inflammation on the median nerve.

Wrist splints and braces have Velcro straps that can be adjusted to your comfort level and size. They're made from breathable materials, making it easy to wear throughout the night without getting too hot or uncomfortable.

The short answer is yes. Wrist splints and braces provide great relief for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Reduces Pain: Wearing a wrist splint at night keeps your hand in a neutral position, which helps to alleviate pressure on the median nerve and reduces pain.
• Improves Sleep: Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience pain and discomfort at night, which can disrupt their sleep. Wearing a wrist splint can help to reduce pain and allow for a more restful night's sleep.
• Prevents Further Damage: By keeping the wrist in a neutral position, the wrist splint prevents further damage to the median nerve and allows it to heal. This can help to avoid the need for surgery in some cases.
• Promotes Healing: Wearing a wrist splint can promote healing by reducing inflammation and allowing the median nerve to rest and recover.
• Cost-effective: Wrist splints are a cost-effective treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when compared to other forms of treatment like corticosteroid injections or surgery.
• Non-invasive: Unlike surgery, wearing a wrist splint is a non-invasive treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome and does not require any recovery time or rehabilitation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Different brands have different features, so it's important to find the right one for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing a wrist brace for carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Does it provide structural hand and wrist support?
• Does it have adjustable straps for a comfortable fit?
• Is it made from breathable materials to prevent discomfort or irritation?
• Does it have a neutral wrist position, with the option of slight flexion for more support?
• Is it recommended by healthcare professionals or backed by clinical studies?

Wrist braces are often recommended for nighttime use, as symptoms can worsen during sleep. You may not like to wear splints or braces during the day because they appear too bulky but at night, they can reduce the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, allowing people to sleep comfortably and wake up pain-free.

The optimal length of time to wear a wrist brace is within 6 weeks. This study demonstrated a high success rate of using braces for 6 weeks, with a majority of patients experiencing decreased pain in their wrists and hands. Extending the duration beyond 6 weeks did not result in any additional benefits.

However, if symptoms persist or worsen after this period of time, it is best to consult a doctor for further treatment options.

Aside from wrist braces, there are other treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome that can be used in conjunction with or instead of wearing a brace. These include:

• Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and stretch the hand and wrist muscles.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Splints for daytime use, which allow for more flexibility and movement while still providing support.
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
• Surgery, in severe cases where other treatment options have not been effective.

1. Wrist Flexor Stretch: Extend your arm in front of you, palm up. Gently pull the fingers back with the other hand. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
2. Wrist Extensor Stretch: Extend your arm with the palm facing down. Gently press the back of the hand with your other hand to stretch. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
3. Median Nerve Glide: Extend your arm forward, palm up. Bend your wrist, pointing your fingers towards the floor, then slowly lift your hand so your fingers point upwards. Repeat the motion smoothly.
4. Tendon Glides: Start with your fingers extended, then bend them into a hook fist, followed by a straight fist, and finally a full fist. Repeat smoothly.
5. Finger Stretch: Extend your fingers and gently pull them back with the other hand. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
6. Grip Strengthening: Using a soft stress ball or similar object, gently squeeze and hold for a few seconds, then release. This can help strengthen the muscles of the hand and wrist.