There might be times when you begin to experience mild tingling or numbness in some of your fingers. You decide to ignore this, then a few weeks pass, and you can no longer grip objects such as forks or even pens. These signs could mean that you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). If you begin to experience such symptoms, you could consider choosing a wrist brace but you should visit an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, such as Dr. Bennett, for an effective treatment plan for carpal tunnel syndrome in Houston.
Treatment for CTS depends on the severity of the condition. The first line of treatment is often medication like ibuprofen and the recommendation to wear a wrist brace to relieve the pain. Surgery is often the last resort when you fail to respond to other treatments and symptoms seem to worsen, causing a high risk of permanent damage.
There has been a significant rise in non-invasive treatments of CTS. The goal for these treatments is to reduce swelling in the tendons, relieve pain, reduce tendon activity, reposition the nerves as well as decompress the wrist.
Decompression is a technique used for people with mild CTS, with the most common method involving choosing a wrist brace. Braces help to relieve the pain symptoms as well as reduce wrist movements. If you want even more relief consider physical therapy for wrist pain.
Things to consider when looking for a CTS brace:
Types of Braces
- Wrist Brace
This type of brace supports the wrist as opposed to the palm. The support allows for some range of motion, so this brace is ideal if you require a lightweight brace that still provides support.
- Standard Brace
These are rigid braces made out of stiff material. They are made from Velcro systems, which offer compression support. These types of braces allow movement of fingers and the thumb, which allows a level of functionality.
- Night Braces
The sleeping position for people with CTS matters as it could worsen pain on your wrists. Night braces keep your wrist in the best position when you sleep, thereby cushioning them.
Splint Types Found in Braces
- Metal vs. Plastic Brace
Most people prefer plastic splints due to their lightweight features. Metal splints are also not safe if they burst or break through the brace and should be considered when choosing a wrist brace.
- Removable vs. Integrated Brace
Removable braces are flexible, meaning they allow motion and are therefore ideal, especially throughout the day when one is rarely still. Integrated braces are best for people whose CTS requires lots of wrist support.
- Reversible vs. Hand-specific
Reversible wrist braces are suitable because they can be worn on either hand and are therefore considered more practical. Hand-specific braces take into consideration all aspects of each hand, are better in their design, and are a better fit as well.
Best Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Braces
- Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace
This an affordable wrist brace that goes for $13 on Amazon and is also useful in reducing wrist pain. The buyer gets to choose whether they want a left hand or right-hand oriented brace. This brace is also lightweight, can easily be adjusted, and has a unique antimicrobial fabric that prevents it from developing a funky smell.
- Wellgate Wrist Brace
This is a women’s brace designed explicitly for less muscular people. It’s affordable, comfortable, and is fitted with soft fabric. It’s also lightweight, flexible, and can be used at work or while sleeping.
- Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves
These arthritis gloves are suitable for people with CTS due to their copper-infused material which people believe reduces inflammation and promotes healing. According to online reviews, these gloves offer great support and flexibility when choosing a wrist brace.
The bottom line is that CTS is manageable, and it only requires choosing the right treatment option for you. This is why it’s best to visit a professional such as Dr. Benett for compassionate and specialized care.
