Wrist splint for carpal tunnel syndrome

A wrist splint is a brace that looks like a fingerless glove. It stabilizes your wrist in a straight and sometimes slightly bent-back position. Wearing a wrist splint minimizes pressure on the median nerve and allows you a period of “relative rest” from movements that make carpal tunnel syndrome worse.

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By Healthwise Staff, current as of November 14, 2014
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine, Anne C. Poinier MD – Internal Medicine, Specialist Medical Reviewer Herbert von Schroeder MD MSc FRCSC – Hand and Microvascular Surgery

Think about these guidelines when you use a wrist splint

When worn to stabilize the wrist during sleep, a wrist splint can reduce pain and pressure on the median nerve.
A wrist splint isn’t a substitute for good workplace design and proper body mechanics. Some experts advise against wearing a wrist splint while working, because doing so can strain the hand’s tendons.
A wrist splint is a helpful short-term treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. But long-term use can cause your muscles to weaken. During and after a period of splint use, exercise and slowly increase your hand and wrist movements. This will help prevent your wrist muscles from weakening.

Orthotists, physical and occupational therapists can make custom-fit splints from lightweight materials that may be more comfortable to wear than the off-the-shelf variety available in pharmacies without a prescription or from medical device suppliers by prescription.

Source HealthLink BC

Also see in HealthLink BC
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Should I Have Surgery?
Wrist Care: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Office Ergonomics