Carewell's Best Carpal Tunnel Brace + Doctor-Approved Tips for Choosing One
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand and wrist problems, affecting up to 20% of adults. Though anyone can develop it, carpal tunnel tends to affect certain groups. This includes people who use hand tools, those who work on assembly lines, and heavy keyboard users.
Treatments like ice, over-the-counter pain medication, and bracing often relieve carpal tunnel pain. But what is the best carpal tunnel brace? We connected with Clayton Alexander, MD, to find out.
Dr. Alexander is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He focuses on elbow, wrist, and hand surgery, and has specialized fellowship training in advanced hand procedures. Below, we highlight our best carpal tunnel braces and provide Dr. Alexander’s tips for choosing one.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
“Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is when the median nerve –– one of the main nerves going to your hand –– gets compressed in the tunnel between your forearm and hand,” explains Dr. Alexander. “This compression causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain, and sometimes weakness in the hand.”
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects people of all ages, but it’s most common in older adults. If you care for a loved one who complains of wrist pain, a carpal tunnel brace may help.
How Does a Carpal Tunnel Brace Help Reduce or Relieve The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?
A carpal tunnel brace “holds the wrist in a position that is least likely to put pressure on the median nerve,” Dr. Alexander says. This relieves hand and wrist pain, making it easier to work and do other tasks.
Researchers have confirmed the benefits of carpal tunnel braces. One study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, concluded that people with CTS who wore a hand brace or wrist splint for at least three months experienced a reduction in symptoms and improved functionality.
What Factors Should Someone Consider When Shopping For a Carpal Tunnel Brace?
Dr. Alexander says that carpal tunnel braces come in many different constructions and materials. However, for a brace to be effective, it needs to have “a hard metal or plastic stay (rod) that prevents the wrist from bending, and therefore holds the wrist straight.”
“As long as the brace holds the wrist straight, the other features of the brace can be chosen for the comfort of the patient,” Dr. Alexander explains. “Some braces have abundant padding, while others are quite minimalist and small.”
Bottom line: “As long as the brace is comfortable, well-fitting, and holds your wrist straight then it should be effective.”
Carewell’s Best Carpal Tunnel Braces
We carry several different carpal tunnel braces at Carewell. The products featured below are a mix of our highest-rated and best-selling braces. When possible, we’ve included real user feedback under the heading “Hear It From a User/Caregiver.”
1) Ossur Exoform Left Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support
This Ossur carpal tunnel brace is designed to be worn on the left hand and wrist. It’s made of comfortable, flexible materials that conform to your hand, while supporting a full range of motion. There’s even extra room at the base of the thumb, making it easier to type, hold hand tools, and pick things up.
Price: $17.77
2) Ossur Exoform Right Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support
This brace has all of the same features mentioned above. But is designed for use on the right hand and wrist. It boasts an anatomically correct fit, and provides smooth, controlled resistance for a wide range of hand and wrist movements.
Price: $21.27
3) McKesson Left Wrist Splint & McKesson Right Wrist Splint
This McKesson wrist splint provides CTS support and aids in wrist immobilization. It has a wraparound design with hook-and-loop tabs, ensuring a comfortable fit.
The pre-formed aluminum palmer spans the length of the wrist, helping hold your wrist straight in the proper position.
Key Benefits & Features:
Hand washable
Soft, durable construction for comfort and compressive support
Comes in three sizes –– small, medium, and large
Hear it from a caregiver
“Adjustable, very comfortable, and very stabilizing.”
- Sarah H.
Hear it from a caregiver
“Lightweight [and] easy to adjust. I’ve had one for my right hand for years and it still holds up.”
Price: $8.19 - $8.24
Price: $8.19 - $8.50
4) ProCare ComfortFORM Wrist Brace, Right Hand & ProCare ComfortFORM Wrist Brace, Left Hand
These durable, lightweight ProCare wrist splints help control painful CTS symptoms. They’re made of foam laminate Lycra which provides comfort and breathability.
They have a preformed aluminum stay (rod) and a hook-and-loop strap to hold the wearer’s wrist in the proper position. And, they’re very easy to apply and remove.
Price: $14.00
Price: $17.60
Need Help Selecting a Carpel Tunnel Brace? We’re Here For You!
Choosing a carpal tunnel brace for yourself or a loved one can be challenging. If you’re worried about making the wrong decision, get in touch. Our friendly Care Specialists are familiar with all of our products and can make personalized recommendations that meet your needs. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com.
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace - Commonly Asked Questions
1) How often should I wear a carpal tunnel brace?
Dr. Alexander says he typically recommends people with CTS wear their braces only at night. That’s because “most of the time, CTS causes symptoms that are either worse at night or exclusively at night. In addition, wearing the brace at night is the easiest time of day to do so, as it doesn’t interfere with use of the hand.”
Still, if you have severe daytime symptoms, you might benefit from wearing a brace during certain activities, like driving or typing.
2) How can I extend the life of a carpal tunnel brace?
A well-made carpal tunnel brace can last for a year or longer, but it will eventually wear out. Dr. Alexander recommends “taking care of your brace the way you would take care of any other piece of clothing or outerwear.” Follow the manufacturer’s wear instructions and clean your CTS brace regularly to prevent odors and buildup.
3) What if my wrist still hurts after I start wearing a carpal tunnel brace?
“Carpal tunnel braces are often effective, but they don’t always work for every patient,” Dr. Alexander says. “Some people can’t tolerate wearing them. If the brace doesn’t completely alleviate your symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek further treatment to avoid nerve damage in the future.”
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Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.