Should I Get a Carpal Tunnel Brace?
A carpal tunnel brace is a useful tool when it comes to reducing pain and managing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist braces for carpal tunnel are often the first option when treating carpal tunnel syndrome because the brace keeps the wrist straight and takes the pressure off the affected nerve.
At Ovation Hand Institute, we are committed to providing relief to patients living with carpal tunnel syndrome; with clinics located in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee and Green Bay Wisconsin. Read on to learn what carpal tunnel syndrome is, how a carpal tunnel brace can benefit you, and what treatment options we have available.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm. A person may experience carpal tunnel syndrome when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. If left untreated, carpal tunnel symptoms can become worse over time.
If this condition isn’t treated in an appropriate time frame, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand. Some common dysfunctions a person may experience include a loss of sensation in the fingers and weakness in the hands. For this reason, it’s essential to pay attention to the early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain (typically in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers)
- Shock-like sensations that radiate down the fingers
- Hand weakness
When treated early, symptoms can be relieved by taking the appropriate steps, including:
- Exercises to improve nerve mobility
- Avoiding activities that aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome
- Wearing a carpal tunnel brace
There are several risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Anatomic factors, such as a wrist fracture, dislocation, or arthritis, can increase a person’s risk. Women are also at an increased risk of this condition. The reason may be that women tend to have smaller carpal tunnels when compared to men.
Other risk factors include nerve-damaging conditions like diabetes, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and working in certain environments like an assembly line.
What Does a Carpal Tunnel Brace Do?
Carpal tunnel braces are also known as wrist splints. These braces resemble a fingerless glove that fits over the hand. They come in various sizes, are meant to fit all hands, and are made from various materials, usually incorporating velcro to help stay in place on your wrist. These braces will stabilize your wrist in a straight or slightly bent-back position. When wearing a brace, it minimizes the pressure on the median nerve. These braces also relieve individuals from movements that can increase the symptoms of the condition.
Carpal tunnel braces work most effectively when the pain from carpal tunnel syndrome is minor to moderate. These braces are less effective when symptoms have worsened. Once symptoms become more severe, individuals may need surgery or will need to rely on other procedures to gain relief.
Get the Help You Need for Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you believe you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to get the condition treated as soon as possible. Carpal tunnel syndrome won’t go away on its own. In fact, the symptoms are more likely to worsen over time, leading to permanent damage. Luckily, early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with a carpal tunnel brace, which takes the pressure off the nerve, relieves symptoms, and allows your hand to heal.
At Ovation, we are committed to providing the optimal solution for carpal tunnel release. We utilize an ultra-minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require a surgical incision. As a result, most of our patients are back to work within one to two days. If you’re ready to live in comfort again, contact us to book a consultation and learn more about our cutting-edge carpal tunnel procedure.