When to Use a Wrist Brace

From Dr. Z - Carpal tunnel syndrome specialist

When to Use a Wrist Brace

Wondering whether or not you need a wrist brace? First determine what's causing the problem you have. For example, did you sprain your wrist? Do you have pain, numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers? Do you have a tired or overworked hand?

In fact, hand or wrist pain is the most common reason for using a wrist brace. Usually, the pain is due to having a simple wrist sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis of the wrist, or a tired or strained wrist. Each of these conditions require that you brace your wrist differently.

When to wear a wrist brace

Using the proper wrist brace for the exact condition you have is important. Otherwise, you’re just wasting money and not solving the real underlying problem. Below are the 4 most common conditions which normally require a wrist brace as a first-line treatment.

1. Wrist brace for general hand pain

Maybe you’ve simply overworked your wrist or hand over the weekend on a home-improvement task. Hyper-bending the wrist or prolonged gripping can do this. It results in strained tendons and ligaments.

In fact, there are several harmful activities which are known to cause hand strain. They're listed here.

In such an instance, an all-purpose wrist brace will work just fine. It will allow your hand to rest - which is what's needed. You can buy these at almost any pharmacy or department store. They usually cost $10-20.

Look for brace that supports your wrist in the neutral (flat) position by having a metal “stay” or “spine” on the palm side. Wear this type of wrist splint as needed ONLY to minimize painful movements until symptoms subside.

2. Wrist brace for repetitive stress

Don’t just assume your hand pain is merely from being overworked. If your hand issues are due to repetitive stress then you may be looking at wrist tendonitis or even worse; carpal tunnel syndrome (see below).

These occur when you make fast, forceful or prolonged repetitive movements with your fingers and hand. For instance, a grip-and-release action (as when using many hand tools) for long periods of time will create a repetitive stress disorder.

Generally, pain is the most common symptom of repetitive stress. But numbness and tingling in the fingers and hand, as well as weakness, are other common signs of this condition.

When you consult with a doctor, they should give you a few pieces of advice.

First, the doctor should tell you if you have tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes, it's hard to tell the difference.
Second, the doctor should advise wearing a brace for tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Third, the doctor should show you which brace works best for you and your body type.

The doctor may give you a prescription for a particular model of wrist brace. Generally, you should wear this brace sparingly during the daytime, especially when you are working hard with your hands. However, wear it continuously at night as you sleep until symptoms disappear.

Do you have symptoms of carpal tunnel? Complimentary self-test

3. Wrist brace "certified" for carpal tunnel syndrome

To treat carpal tunnel syndrome you need a specific type of wrist brace. It's called a "certified" carpal tunnel brace because it has a specific design feature. In fact, it has all of the features of a brace for tendinitis as above, with one major exception.

A certified carpal tunnel brace does NOT have a metal "palmar spine" on the palm side. If it does, then it’s not a "certified" carpal tunnel wrist brace (even though the label may advertise it as such). Therefore, be careful; a palmar spine will cause more damage to your wrist joint. Click here to learn about choosing a carpal tunnel brace.

That’s because carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem of extreme pressure inside the wrist joint. At night, when you unconsciously bend your wrist, a metal spine at that point presses on the wrist joint. This further increases pressure inside.

As a result, your carpal tunnel symptoms will be much worse in the morning. Over time, you may even develop more severe carpal tunnel syndrome.

Alternatively, a certified carpal tunnel brace will have the spine located elsewhere on the brace. Generally, that location will be on the side(s) of the wrist or on the back of the hand.

Also, you may need a wrist brace right after carpal tunnel surgery. The post-surgery requirements are identical to needing a certified carpal tunnel brace. Of course, just insure the brace does not irritate the surgical site.

How severe is your carpal tunnel? Complimentary Quiz

Click to take Quiz

4. Wrist brace for tendonitis

Tendonitis is also called "wrist tenosynovitis" or "wrist tendonitis”. It's sometimes spelled “tendinitis”. Symptoms of wrist tendonitis

It's when the tendons of the forearm are inflamed and become swollen. These are the tendons which allow you to grip (flexor tendons) or extend your fingers (extensor tendons).

When they're inflamed, it’s helpful to rest your wrist and hand with a wrist brace until symptoms subside. Wearing it sparingly during the daytime (when over-working your hand), and constantly during sleep is helpful.

First, choose a wrist brace that holds the hand in the neural (flat) position.
Second, make sure it has a metal stay (or spine) in the palm side of the splint (unlike for carpal tunnel).
Finally, make sure the brace extends at least half way up to your elbow. This helps prevents stres on the wrist joint.

Conclusion

When you wear a wrist brace for wrist or hand pain you should consider the reason for that pain to begin with. If you have an ordinary problem like hand pain, wrist pain or wrist tendonitis, then most generic braces will work just fine. However, generic braces should never be used when treating carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition has very specific issues that most wrist support devices do not address.