“Wrist braces hold the wrist in a neutral position to reduce pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms of CTS,” says Brian Hardy, MD, of Texas Orthopedics in Austin, Texas. Most wrist braces include plastic or metal splints that help hold your wrist in place and prevent any accidental twisting or bending.
We researched dozens of carpal tunnel braces and evaluated them for material, fit, feel, added features, and price.
Based on our research, these are the best carpel tunnel braces on the market today.
In addition, each brace features two rigid wrist supports made from 67% recycled plastic. One runs along the top of the wrist, and one is spoon-shaped and runs underneath. The rest of the brace is made of spandex and breathable mesh, and it is safe to hand wash.
Price at time of publish: $16
Instead of a metal splint, it provides compression and support through cushioned beads that can adjust to the shape of your hand. The brace is also made from lightweight material that allows your skin to breathe so your hand won’t get too hot and sweaty overnight.
Price at time of publish: $18
While they’re available in four sizes, make sure that you check the sizing chart before buying because the gloves are not adjustable like some other braces.
Price at time of publish: $28
The brace is made of lightweight, breathable mesh fabric and memory foam padding. It also has two supports—a splint and stabilizer—running along the top and underside of the brace. You can wear this brace at the office, around the house, at the gym, or even to bed.
Price at time of publish: $17
The Vive Wrist Brace is available in left-hand and right-hand iterations, as well as in three colors: black, beige, and gray. It is made from breathable neoprene material, and it can easily be machine washed. Just make sure you air dry it.
Price at time of publish: $13
Available in four different colors and designs, this brace is made of plastic and is adjustable. Just make sure you don’t over-tighten it, as that could put too much pressure on the nerves in your wrist. Also, we noted that this brace is not designed to be worn all day.
Price at time of publish: $25
If you’re looking for extra support, note that this wrap has a thinner construction—particularly around the thumb—and doesn’t offer heavy-duty compression.
Price at time of publish: $10
What to Look for in a Carpal Tunnel Brace
Material
Many wrist braces are made from a neoprene material, but any soft, breathable fabric will do. Nicole Lopez, MD, a New Jersey-based orthopedic surgeon, notes that you should try out a few options and see which one you like best, noting that “whichever material you find most comfortable is the best one for you.”
Fit
Brands that offer multiple fit sizes or adjustable braces can help you find the most comfortable fit for you. You should also pay attention to which hand the brace is made for. Many brands will sell braces specifically for men and women and for both left and right hands.
Design
While Dr. Lopez recommends starting your search for a brace with one that covers the hand through the forearm, braces are available in a variety of coverage options including full arm braces, gloves, and even bracelets.
If your wrist pain is mild, you might try a cheaper option like a basic hand and forearm brace. If you need carpal tunnel support at work or in a public place, you might want to wear something that looks a bit sleeker, like an ergonomic brace.
“The goal of bracing is maintaining alignment of the wrist to diminish the pressure within the carpal tunnel,” says Dr. Lopez. However, she notes that “the wristlet [type of brace] is not something that I have ever seen prescribed within the medical community for carpal tunnel syndrome.”
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“The safest and most appropriate way to approach CTS is stepwise, and the first line of treatment is nighttime bracing. If there is concern that a patient is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome with classic symptoms starting nighttime bracing is a great first step,” says Dr. Lopez.
“The most appropriate brace is one that has a solid piece that sits along the palmar surface of the wrist and hand,” says Dr. Lopez. “That piece should be supportive enough to prevent the wrist from flexing into a curled position. [Find one with] rigid support that maintains the wrist in an extended position.”
Additional reporting by Brittany Leitner
As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.
