Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve, usually from repetitive motions that put stress and pressure on the nerve. Examples include typing, sewing, using power tools, or playing musical instruments. Symptoms can range from tingling and numbness to severe pain along the length of your arm. Dr. Stewart Richmond, who also led the 2013 study from the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York in the UK, wrote in the published paper for magnetic bracelets: The Comfort Cool CMC Splint was designed with input from hand therapists and provides the support you need while allowing for full finger function. In fact, this wrist support has a unique design featuring a contoured wraparound strap that wraps around the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint and the first metacarpal for direct joint support. Carpal tunnel braces are typically designed with a crescent-shaped cuff that wraps around the wrist and is secured by fasteners. The design should have ample cushioning to protect the wrist from pressure points while allowing a decent range of motion. While some braces have removable splints that are stiffer and provide greater support, they may restrict movement. For long-term wear, the splint can be used during rest periods and removed when performing tasks that require flexion. The Copper Compression arthritis gloves provide constant pressure and the material is infused with copper to help promote healing. These gloves can be worn throughout the day and overnight to provide constant pressure and support. They have an inner grip to help keep them in place while worn. What We Like

The brace’s memory foam lining and adjustable closures pair to fit most wrist sizes, while the breathable fabric maintains air circulation. We found the brace surprisingly comfortable after an initial break-in period. It was easy to slip on, and the secure fit felt almost like a second skin. If you have larger wrists or dislike the feel of tight fabric, however, you may find this one too snug. While adjustable, the thumb hole doesn't offer as much versatility as other models, but those who are searching for a flexible solution to everyday pain will appreciate this brace. While the gloves aren’t technically adjustable, their stretchy construction allows them to adapt to various hand sizes. They did a good job of keeping hands from twisting or turning (i.e., preventing movements that can aggravate carpal tunnel symptoms), but the downside is that these gloves overheat easily. The gloves aren’t very breathable, so wearing these at night may feel like sleeping with normal gloves on. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

We also spoke to hand and orthopedic experts to find out what to expect from a carpal tunnel brace, including: With so many different types of wrist braces out there, it can be overwhelming to shop for the perfect one. Always work with your doctor when deciding what type of wrist brace to wear and whether or not you need one. Depending on your condition or whether you've sustained an injury, the best wrist brace will vary from person to person. Joints were assessed for pain and disability. An effort was made to ensure neither the doctor nor the patient could determine the type of the bracelet being worn. The Vive wrist splint has a variety of unique features, including cushioning inner beads and the gray color option. This wrist brace is reversible and can be worn on the right or left hand, and it has adjustable straps that help you find the most comfortable fit. When developing our list of recommended wrist supports, we consulted with a variety of hand and wrist specialists to determine what to look for when selecting a product. We also asked about different types of bracing, how long wrist braces should be worn, and whether they are always appropriate for treating wrist pain.

A combination of being frustrated with a difficult condition and the limits of both medicine and natural healing processes can lead patients to trying anything to get better. However, it is important to carry out your own research and find out the most effective treatments possible for a given condition and whether to expect a full cure. If you need a wrist support or brace that allows your hand and wrist to rest and recover—such as from nerve damage, after an accident, or post surgery—your healthcare provider may recommend what is known as a resting splint. The Braceability Resting Hand Splint is designed to support your hand and wrist, promote healing, and reduce pain and swelling.This brace offers the nighttime support you need to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with CTS. With a removable metal splint for added stability, it comes equipped with a built-in bead design that applies gentle pressure to the palm of your hand and helps keep your wrist in one position. to 4.7 stars: These carpal tunnel braces are excellent. They might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. If one of the types of bracelet in the trial could produce a minimum 20 percent improvement in tender and swollen joints, the bracelets will have been considered a meaningful indicator of clinical effectiveness. Because you’ll be wearing the brace, ideally, for six to eight hours per day, it should also be comfortable, which means the material shouldn’t rub or irritate your skin. You’ll know you’ve found the right brace for you when you feel better using it, notes Wu: “It should almost immediately make a positive change in [your] symptoms and feel good on [your wrist].”

Gloves like the Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves offer a different kind of carpal tunnel support. Instead of immobilizing the joint, they compress it to reduce pain and inflammation by increasing circulation. This particular model takes it a step further with copper-infused compression fabric. Copper is thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance recovery. While much research is still needed to confirm this benefit, many users have reported positive outcomes. What’s more, make sure your brace can be washed. Since wrist supports are worn on your hands, they’re likely to get dirty as you go about your day. Even if you wear a support at night, it can get sweaty as you sleep. You want something that can be cleaned effectively so that dirt and bacteria won’t adhere to your hands.Regardless of how often you plan to wear the brace, the materials should be durable to withstand the wear and tear of activities. Our hands take on more impact than we realize, so having a brace constructed with quality materials is critical. The fabric should have enough give that it can stretch (when needed) without ripping or tearing. Stitching should be tight and even, without any loose threads. The Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves felt incredibly soft during testing. We liked the snug fit; the non-slip material kept them in place when using our hands. However, the gloves are more form-fitting than other carpal tunnel braces and can get a bit warm with extended wear. This may be more of an issue for those with naturally sweaty hands. For the rest, the slim profile and stretchy fabric allow for a full range of motion—great for tasks that require tedious and precise movements.