A wrist brace or support can be used to conservatively treat many injuries to which the wrist joint is vulnerable. A well designed brace will provide mild to moderate support for weak, unstable or injured wrists by keeping them in a less stressful position, giving you pain relief and allowing your injury to fully heal. Wrist splints can provide pain relief to individuals afflicted by carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or tendonitis (also known as de Quervain’s syndrome) of the wrist or thumb.
Some of the other injuries that can be successfully treated using a wrist support include:
A wrist brace can also be used to proactively prevent sprains and strains of the wrist. It does this by providing support for weak unstable wrists that may be vulnerable to more serious injuries if subjected to physically demanding tasks without such protection.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is probably the most significant of the injuries treatable with a wrist brace. According to the Journal of Hand Surgery, approximately 5% of US adults are affected with the condition at any time. In 2010, 8% of adults employed in the US reported that they had experienced carpal tunnel at some point in their lives and 4% reported experiencing it over the past 12 months.
Wrist braces for treating carpal tunnel are meant to be worn while sleeping and usually have a metal or plastic splint that inhibits bending of the wrist. The purpose of the splint is to keep the wrist in an extended position during sleep and reduce the pain normally felt by carpal tunnel sufferers upon awakening in the morning and trying to straighten their wrists.
For more information on how a carpal tunnel wrist support can help ease the pain of that condition, please read our post on the ins and outs of managing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are searching for information that will help you choose the most suitable brace for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, please have a look at our post on choosing a carpal tunnel wrist brace.
Hand and wrist braces fall into the following categories:
We provide below some tips that may be of use to patients who have been advised to wear a wrist support and would like to know how they can get the most benefit from this device.
If you are wearing a wrist brace to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, you should wear the brace to bed. Most people tend to bend their wrists while asleep and, if they have carpal tunnel, experience severe pain when trying to straighten them upon awakening. A carpal tunnel wrist brace will address this problem by keeping the wrists in a straight and neutral position while sleeping.
However, if you are wearing a brace to treat weak, unstable or injured wrists, you should wear your wrist brace mainly while awake and performing tasks that employ your hands. That is when your wrists will need the support that these supports provide.
Many of these braces are made from materials that are specially designed to be non allergenic and breathable. As a result, these materials may not be suited to machine washing and/or drying. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care & maintenance of your brace to ensure it continues to perform as intended for as long as the patient needs.
The correct sizing for your wrist brace is absolutely essential. If your brace is a sized one, please be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s sizing charts in selecting the size that is right for you. This will ensure that you get the amount of support you need to treat your injury without experiencing undue discomfort.
If you have additional questions on choosing a brace to help you manage a wrist injury, please consult our post on things to know about these braces. You may also find additional relevant information in our post on the benefits and risks of wearing a wrist brace.
For additional information on the features of particular braces below, please consult our knowledgeable customer service personnel. If you need medical advice about the wrist injuries treatable with a wrist brace, please consult with your healthcare professional.
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Mueller Sport Care’s Adjustable Wrist Support treats weak, injured or unstable wrists without reducing range of motion.
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Treatment for wrist pain, general wrist support
The Bio Skin Boomerang comfortably provides compression and support to treat wrist pain for minor wrist problems. The wrap is easy to apply and is universal left or right. Constructed of Bio Skin’s patented, Ultima 2SL™ material, the Boomerang is comforatble to wear, while providing optimal wrist support. Bio Skin is hypo-allergenic and 100% neoprene free and latex free, so you don’t have to worry about skin irritations.
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Wrist brace for carpal tunnel syndrome and more
The BioSkin DP3 Wrist brace was designed to be the most comfortable and functional wrist brace ever. Constructed with Bio Skin`s patented Ultima 2s material, the DP3 features a thin layer of ultra-soft micro-fleece against the skin, which wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry. There are no laces and the straps don`t need to be threaded through loops to be tightened, so the brace can easily be applied with one hand. The dorsal and palmar stays are removable and can be reshaped by hand to customize the shape of the brace. The DP3 is low profile and allows full use of your fingers, while limiting motion in the wrist to ease the pain caused from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, sprains, and bursitis.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Elastic Wrist Support features a lightweight elastic knit that provides firm support and maintains a full range of movement.
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An easy on/off wrist support with adjustable compression. One Size and fits either wrist.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Green Fitted Wrist Brace supports your weak or injured wrist while your thumb and fingers maintain full range of motion.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Hg80 Wrist Brace features steel springs to help stabilize your wrist. Ideal for wrestling, volleyball and squash. Fits either wrist.
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The McDavid Hyperblend Wrist Support combines the supportive qualities or perforated neoprene and the compression of advanced knit materials to produce a lightweight wrist brace with superior compression to other traditional wrist supports.
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Wrist brace to control motion of the CMC and MP joints
The Bio Skin Wrist / Thumb Spica controls motion in the CMC and MP joints by protecting the thumb and wrist against painful movements, while allowing full use of the fingers. Constructed with Bio Skin’s patented Ultima 2s™ material, the Wrist / Thumb Spica features a thin layer of ultra-soft micro-fleece against the skin, which wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry. The brace has no laces, so it can easily be applied with one hand.
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The McDavid Wrist Brace / Adjustable has a medical quality splint that adds further support and stability. It also incorporates hook and loop closures for custom fit and comfort.
Level 3: Maximum Protection – Relieving pain from conditions such as carpel tunnel, arthritis, tendonitis and sprains
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Mueller’s Wrist Brace With Splint uses a removable and padded splint to stabilize the wrist for carpal tunnel treatment. Adjustable tabs and breathable fabric augment an already comfortable design.
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Mueller’s Wrist Brace, Black is designed to help patients maintain a neutral wrist position and reduce morning carpal tunnel pain. Adjustable wraparound strap and breathable materials increase wearing comfort. One Size. Fits left or right.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Wrist Sleeve is a wraparound design with adjustable straps.
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The McDavid Wrist Sleeve / Adjustable/Elastic provides mild compression for soft tissue support with less heat retention.
Level 2: Advanced Protection – Support, pain relief and to promote healing
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LP Support’s Wrist Splint supports weak or overstretched wrists and also treats carpal tunnel courtesy of its removable spoon stay. Its neoprene construction helps keep the wrist joint warm.
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Mueller’s Wrist Stabilizer brace features an extra long (6.5″) removable metal spoon stay to treat carpal tunnel and two padded side splints for lateral support. Made from breathable fabric for extra wearing comfort.
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The Wrist Support from LP helps to stabilize weak or slightly injured wrists without excessively restricting joint movement. Its nylon / spandex construction also provides comfortable four way compression.
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The Mueller Wrist Support Wrap has an easy on/off design and a neoprene construction for warmth and promotion of good blood circulation through the wrists. Made from breathable fabric for additional wearing comfort. One Size.
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The McDavid Wrist Wrap / Adjustable has a 4-way stretch and provides thermal/ compression therapy. It has hook and loop closures for custom fit and comfort.
Level 1: Primary Protection – Wrist support, helping to promote healing and pain relief