Carpal tunnel is one of the most common conditions affecting the upper extremity, occurring in people who maintain the wrist in unnatural positions for extended periods of time. If you spend majority of your day typing on a computer or if you work with high-powered tools, it’s not impossible that you might develop carpal tunnel syndrome – if you haven’t already.
The most common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is the immobilization of the affected joint. However, because it’s difficult to maintain the right wrist and hand position on your own, using a carpal tunnel brace will help speed up recovery. While there are lots of braces available, the sheer number of options can make it all too easy to make the wrong choice. So make sure you get the best carpal tunnel brace for you by reading this comprehensive guide.
Top 10 Carpal Tunnel Braces Chart
Buying Information for Carpal Tunnel Brace
Different people have different wrists, which is why not all carpal tunnel brace options will work well for just anyone. Add in the factor of preference, and it’s easy to assume that choosing a wrist brace requires some in-depth thought. Remembering these three considerations when buying your carpal tunnel brace will help you land the right choice for your wrist.
- Size or Fit. A carpal tunnel brace can either come in different sizes such as small, medium, and large, or can come as an adjustable one-size-fits-most variety. The best carpal tunnel brace for you is the one that will immobilize your wrist, but maintain a comfortable fit that permits blood flow.
As a general rule, you should afford an extra inch as allowance when choosing a size for yourself. For example, if a medium sized carpal tunnel brace fits a 5” – 8” wrist and yours is at exactly 8”, you should move up to the next bigger size.
- Material and Make. Doctors usually recommend people with carpal tunnel syndrome to wear a wrist immobilizer one hour at a time, allowing a 30 minute break in between usage to allow the skin to breathe. But that short hour can feel like an eternity if your brace traps too much heat.
Considering the material of the carpal tunnel brace will ensure comfortable use throughout the day. But be careful – braces that are made of stocking-like mesh can be more breathable, but they also provide a limited level of support. Make sure to purchase a carpal tunnel brace that offers comfort and breathability without sacrificing support.
- Style and Appearance. It’s of utmost importance to protect, support, and relieve your wrist when you have carpal tunnel, but that’s no reason to draw attention to it with an overbearing brace. Although it boils down to a matter of preference, choosing the right style will make it easier to comply with wearing schedules.
There are lots of carpal tunnel braces that cover up to 2/3 of the length of the forearm. If you don’t want to get frequent questions from family and friends about what happened to your wrist, it might be better to choose something less conspicuous.
Top 3 Best Carpal Tunnel Brace Reviews
1. Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace Green Line
Mueller is arguably the biggest sports medicine company across the globe, offering a wide selection of different products that aim to aid, heal, and improve physical function. Their Green Fitted Wrist Brace is considered one of the best carpal tunnel brace options in the market today.
What users truly love about this wrist brace is the fact that it provides the highest level of support without having to be too bulky. Wearing it under a long sleeved shirt or jacket can be done with ease thanks to the brace’s slim design.
It’s lightweight, breathable, and comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sized wrists. What’s more, the brace also has two adjustable straps that make it easy to achieve a custom fit on even the slimmest wrist.
2. Futuro Energizing Wrist Support
Another good option when it comes to wrist braces for carpal tunnel is the Futuro Energizing Wrist Support. A gel pad is fitted into the palm of the brace, providing a cushion during typing or writing. The ergonomic shape makes it easy to conceal the brace under certain clothing, and allows just enough movement for a high level of comfort.
While the gel cushion does provide some support, it also limits hand motion to some extent. Making a fist can be difficult and finger mobility can be restricted because of the thick pad. This somehow defeats the purpose of the lightweight material, which could have afforded a more comfortable fit without the gel.
What’s more, sizes are relatively small making them a little too snug for certain wrist sizes.
3. ACE Deluxe Wrist Brace
This carpal tunnel brace is held in place by three Velcro straps. This gives users a high level of support, ensuring the proper wrist alignment during use. Much like the Futuro Energizing Wrist Support, the Ace Deluxe Wrist Brace also has a gel insert in the palm area of the brace. This provides extra comfort and support when performing desk jobs.
Although the gel support for this particular brace is much less bulky than the Futuro’s, it’s not flaw-free. The Velcro straps which hold the brace in place on the wrist are prone to wear, losing grip just a few months after use. This means you may need to purchase more than one to replace the first when the Velcro starts to give in.