A person wears a wrist brace and massages their wrist.
Getty Images/Grace Cary

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Quick look at our top 10 braces for carpal tunnel syndrome

A number of factors can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, such as injury or trauma to the wrist, fluid retention during pregnancy, hormone issues, and repetitive stress. If symptoms persist, you will eventually need to seek treatment to address the underlying cause. Treatment will target what’s causing the symptoms, especially for symptoms that last longer than a few days.

But in the meantime, when the pain starts up, you may start looking for relief. For many people, the first step is buying a wrist brace. Wearing a wrist brace or splint on the affected arm for a few weeks can sometimes remove the pressure and relieve symptoms.

We asked two specialists what to look for when choosing a brace and what benefits it provides. They gave us their input on questions about braces for carpal tunnel syndrome.

We took all this information into account when choosing carpal tunnel braces. Read on to learn more.

Our criteria

Healthline used criteria recommended by the specialists we interviewed. This includes:

  • comfort
  • It can be adjusted.
  • A person can hold their wrist in a stable position.
  • The price range.
  • Customer reviews.

Price guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$20
  • $$$ = over $20

Best one-size-fits-most wrist brace

Armstrong Amerika Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Night Support

  • Price: $$
  • Material: neoprene blend

The Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace is designed for daytime wear. It is made of a material that is soft and stretchy and can be used in both right and left-handed models.

“The brace is only one size. It expands to accommodate a maximum wrist size of 9 inches, but it doesn’t provide as much customization as others on our list, and it won’t work for everyone.”

Customers gave this brace 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and many said that it is a good value for the price.

Pros

  • Wrists can be up to 9 inches in size.
  • It was made of material that was Breathable.
  • There are versions available in both right and left-handed.

Cons

  • It is only one size, even though it accommodates a range of wrists.
  • You need to wash it.
Shop now at Amazon

Best for night and day wear

BraceOwl Night Time Wrist Support

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: nylon, neoprene, and cotton fabric

The brace has an cushion support for the wrist and can be used for either the left or right hand. It is made of a latex-free fabric and only comes in one size.

“The company says that it can provide support during the day, even though the name may make it sound like it’s only for nighttime use. The metal splint can be removed in the morning for added flexibility.”

The overall rating on Amazon was 4.5 out of 5 stars, despite the fact that this brace had fewer reviews than other options. Customers think it is a good wrist stabilizer.

Pros

  • It can be used on both wrists.
  • The brace is made for long periods of time.
  • The metal is not permanent.

Cons

  • It is only one size.
  • “The company doesn’t say if it’s clean.”
Shop now at Amazon

Best for interchangeable right and left arm use

ComfyBrace Wrist Brace

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: proprietary breathable fabric

The three straps on this brace allow you to loosen or tighten the fit. It has beads that conform to the shape of your hand.

It works for both wrists according to the company. It could provide a lot of bang for your buck if you need support for your left and right side.

The brace has received good ratings on Amazon. This is one of the best reviewed options. Reviewers say that it is easy to put on and supportive.

Pros

  • You can adjust the fit of the brace with three straps.
  • It works for both wrists.
  • The company offers lifetime replacements.
  • reviewers love it

Cons

  • It is only one size.
  • It is not dirty but must be cleaned by hand.
Shop now at Amazon

Best wrist brace with a hot and cold pack

Featol Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace

  • Price: $$
  • Material: unspecified

The best feature of the Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace is its hot and cold gel pack. The company says that it will give you a chill after a couple hours in the freezer.

The brace has a metal splint that you can take out or leave in, which can be used to change the amount of stabilization you need. If you are looking for something that is not black, this brace is a good choice.

Reviewers give the brace high marks for its comfort and resilience, as well as the ice pack, and have given it thousands of reviews.

Pros

  • You can adjust the fit of the brace with three straps.
  • It comes with a cold and hot pack.
  • It is one of the only braces that is not black.

Cons

  • “The company doesn’t say what it uses.”
  • It is not dirty but must be cleaned by hand.
Shop now at Amazon

Best wrist brace with recycled materials

Mueller Green Fitted Wrist Brace

  • Price: $$
  • Material: recycled PET bottle lining

The fit of the Wrist Brace can be changed with two straps. It is available for both the left and right wrist in two sizes.

The inner lining is made from recycled bottles, which makes it one of the more eco-friendly options.

The overall rating of this brace is 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers liked the fit and support of the brace.

Pros

  • It uses recycled materials.
  • There are two sizes for each wrist.
  • Customers like the fit and the way they are.

Cons

  • The size range is not the broadest of the items on the list.
  • It is not dirty but must be cleaned by hand.
Shop now at Amazon

Best selection of sizes

OTC 8″ Wrist-Thumb Splint

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: Lycra fabric

“There are different sizes of this brace, with the left and right models available. If you are concerned about finding a brace that fits your wrist, this option might be worth trying. You can choose from a wide array of sizes, and you can also modify the brace’s straps to fit your body type.”

Amazon customers gave this a rating of 4.5 out of 5. One customer who was having trouble finding a small brace for her wrist said it was very comfortable and not too bulky.

Pros

  • The brace protects your thumb.
  • It has the largest selection of wrist braces.
  • It has foam to provide comfort.

Cons

  • It is one of the more expensive options.
  • Some people may not want thumb stabilization.
Shop now at Walmart

Best wrist brace you can get in-store

Walgreens Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer

  • Price: $$$
  • Material: unspecified

The wrist is held immobile and the brace is used to relieve pressure on the median nerve. It is available in S/M and L/XL.

The convenience factor is worth accounting for, even though it is more expensive than other brands. There are only a few other braces you can find at a local store.

The low and high end of the brace can accommodate people with wrist circumferences less than 5.5 inches.

The straps can be adjusted to fit the wrist. The product has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • You may be able to get it at a local Walgreens.
  • It has foam to provide comfort.
  • You can adjust the fit with three straps.

Cons

  • It is one of the more expensive options.on our list
  • “It only comes in two sizes, and won’t work for people with wrists larger than 9 inches.”
Shop now at Walgreens

Best budget wrist brace

Yosoo Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace

  • Price: $
  • Material:unspecified

The metal splint can be removed for washing. It is one of the lower-cost options that still provides stability and support for your wrist.

It might not fit if you have large wrists. It is a one-size model that can fit wrists up to 9 inches. If you are looking for a brace for your right hand, steer clear of this one, it is only designed for the left wrist and is not interchangeable.

Customers like this product. It has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The opening for the thumb was not large enough for one customer.

Pros

  • You may be able to get it at a local Walgreens.
  • It has foam to provide comfort.
  • You can adjust the fit with three straps.

Cons

  • It is one of the more expensive options.on our list
  • “It only comes in two sizes, and won’t work for people with wrists larger than 9 inches.”
  • It is only designed to fit the left wrist.
Shop now at Walmart

Best breathable wrist brace

Zofore Sport Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Support and Metal Splint Stabilizer

  • Price: $$
  • Material: neoprene

The wrist brace is available for both hands. It has a metal bar for wrist protection and two wide straps. You can buy a larger version of the brace.

The brace has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon for its support. If you are concerned about the brace getting too hot or lacking breathability, it is a great option because there are no reviewers who complain about it. One reviewer from Florida says it feels comfortable even if it gets hot.

Pros

  • Reviewers love how it is.
  • The wide straps may make it better at providing compression.
  • It is available in two sizes for the right and left wrist.

Cons

  • Reviewers say the size is not accurate and runs small.
Shop now at Amazon

Best lightweight wrist brace

Zouyue Adjustable Splint Wrist Brace

  • Price: $$
  • Material: nylon, polyester, and Spandex

The brace has a metal bar for stabilization and is available in both right and left-hand versions. It comes in medium and large sizes and has two straps that can be adjusted to fit your wrist.

It is one of the lightest braces on our list, weighing just 1.76 ounces.

The brace was given 4.5 out of 5 stars by customers on Amazon.

Pros

  • It is very light.
  • It comes in two sizes so you can find something that fits you.
  • The company claims the fabric is soft.

Cons

  • “A few reviewers say it isn’t comfortable for long-term wear.”
Shop now at Amazon

Brace Price Sizes Material
Armstrong Amerika Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Night Support $$ one size neoprene blend
BraceOwl Night Time Wrist Support $$$ one size nylon, neoprene, and cotton fabric
ComfyBrace Wrist Brace $$$ one size proprietary breathable fabric
Featol Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace $$ – small/medium
– medium/large
– large/extra large		 unspecified
Mueller Green Fitted Wrist Brace $$ – small/medium
– large/extra large		 recycled PET bottle lining
OTC 8″ Wrist-Thumb Splint $$$ – extra small
– small
– medium
– large
– extra-large		 lycra fabric
Walgreens Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer $$$ -small/medium
– large/extra-largre		 unspecified
Yosoo Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace $ one size unspecified
Zofore Sport Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Support and Metal Splint Stabilizer $$ – small/medium
– large/extra large		 neoprene
Zouyue Adjustable Splint Wrist Brace $$ – small
– medium/large
-large		 nylon, polyester, and spandex

Experts say that you should look for a few things in a brace.

Immobilization of the wrist

Since the whole point of a brace is to keep your wrist from bending, you want to choose a brace that accomplishes that. Debdut Biswas, MD, who specializes in orthopedic surgery of the hand, wrist, and elbow at the University of Illinois, says that braces with a metal bar or insert is a good way to ensure wrist immobility.

The correct size

Carpal tunnel braces are usually female. The experts say that the most important thing is to size the brace correctly. Measure your wrist before buying a brace. Check the packaging to see what is recommended.

Comfort and fit

Theresa Marko, DPT, OCS, a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of Marko Physical Therapy in New York City, says that you have to make sure that the brace you get is not too tight. The brace should be snug, but not cause any pain.

Cost

“You might want to consider price. There are models that cost triple digits, but the two guys don’t think you need to spend that much to get an effective brace.”

What to avoid

“If you want your wrist to move or bend, avoid braces that are too soft. Some people will choose a soft wrap because they think it will be adequate and comfortable. He says that a soft wrap won’t be able to prevent the wrist from bending.”

The purpose of a carpal tunnel brace is to help you with the carpal tunnel by stymiesing your wrist and removing the pressure on your nerve that is causing the pain.

The symptoms will get worse if the pressure on the nerve is increased. A well-fitting brace will hold your wrist in place. When your wrist is bent, it puts more pressure on the nerve, and that causes symptoms to get worse.

You might have questions about how to wear a brace. People often ask their doctors and physical therapists questions about wrist braces for carpal tunnel syndrome.

How long do I need to wear a brace if I develop carpal tunnel syndrome?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the length of time you need to wear a brace can vary. If you would be willing to try it for a couple of weeks, I would be happy to help.

Will I need to wear a brace permanently?

“A brace can help, but it shouldn’t be considered a permanent solution. If symptoms aren’t improving and the brace is becoming a necessity, I would encourage someone to consider other treatment options, which may or may not include surgery.”

Should I wear my brace at night?

According to Biswas, yes. He says that nighttime is the most effective time to wear it, as many people bend or flex their wrists while they sleep.

Can I continue to type or do repetitive actions while wearing a brace?

If you need to, you can, says Marko. She suggests that you give your hands and wrists a break while you do other activities, and then wear your brace while you are typing.

Can I swim with my brace — that is, get it wet?

“If you feel you need to keep your brace on, you can get it wet. It is ok to get it wet, says Marko. You want to dry it out. I would suggest having two braces if you are going to do wet things. Hang it up to dry after you use it, because it’s only for swimming or water sports.”

Is an over-the-counter brace as effective as a custom brace?

“Yes, says Biswas. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a carpal tunnel brace. There are many affordable braces for sale online and in your local grocery and drug stores.”

Should I wear braces on both wrists or only on the wrist that is hurting?

“If you are not experiencing carpal tunnel pain, you don’t need to wear a brace on your wrist. If you have pain in both wrists, it is fine to wear braces.”

Talk with a doctor if pain persists

A well-fitting brace can help you manage carpal tunnel syndrome. A brace is not a long-term solution.

If your carpal tunnel pain continues for a while, you should talk to a doctor. You might have a condition that requires treatment or surgery to address the underlying cause.