Carpal tunnel syndrome, a musculoskeletal condition that results when tendons in the wrist swell and put pressure on surrounding nerves, causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, wrist, arm and shoulder. Without treatment, carpal tunnel usually worsens, but modifying activities and using nonsurgical treatments may prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from progressing, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Soft Hand Brace
Wearing a soft hand brace, such as the Manu brand brace, may prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from worsening, according to Italian researchers published in the January 2009 issue of the journal "Acta Neurologica Scandinavica" M.V. De Angelis and colleagues found that people with carpal tunnel syndrome who wore the Manu brace experienced fewer carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and had better function after three months, benefits comparable to those of a wrist splint. Long-term wearing of the hand brace beyond three months didn't offer any additional benefit or pain relief, however.
Neutral Position Splints
Harder braces, or splints, may also prevent the worsening of carpal tunnel symptoms. Wearing a splint that keeps the wrist in the neutral position as opposed to extended at a 20-degree angle, known as a cock-up brace, relieves pain and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, especially during the first month of wear, according to research noted in the February 2007 issue of the journal "American Family Physician." Wearing neutral position splints is most effective at preventing carpal tunnel from worsening when worn full-time, including during sleep.
Custom-Made or Prefabricated Splints
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, both custom-fitting braces made just for you or prefabricated braces available at drug and medical supply stores may offer symptom relief. According to the February 2007 issue of the journal "American Family Physician," custom-made splints generally offer more comfort and less rigidity than prefabricated splints. If you purchase a wrist splint off the shelf to prevent carpal tunnel pain, follow up with your doctor to check the fit and ensure the brace allows your wrist to rest in the neutral position. Most prefabricated braces provide 10 to 30 degrees of extension and require adjustment.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- "Acta Neurologica Scandinavica"; Efficacy of a soft hand brace and a wrist splint for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled study; De Angelis MV et al.; January 2009
- "American Family Physician"; Braces and Splints for Musculoskeletal Conditions; Jocelyn Gravlee et al.; February 2007
