person holding up their wrist that's in a wrist brace. there is a bandage right above the elbow. their lips show--they look distressed

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Wrist braces help limit movement by stabilizing and protecting your wrist. Wrist braces are designed to remove pressure from the median nerve, which causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist braces also alleviate pain, inflammation, and stiffness due to repetitive strain injuries or conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis. Plus, they can help you recover from an injury or surgery.

It is always a good idea to talk with your doctor before using a wrist brace to make sure it is suitable for your needs.

Take a look at some of the best wrist braces. You will learn about their benefits, tips for use, and what to look for when shopping.

Wrist braces hold your wrist in a straight position and reduce movements that cause irritation. Wrist pain and inflammation can be alleviated from repetitive movements. They can help you recover from an injury.

In the case of CTS, using a wrist brace to stymy your wrist decreases pressure on the median nerve. You may need a wrist brace in the evenings or while you sleep if you experience symptoms of CTS at night. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the wrist brace.

We considered the following criteria to find the best wrist braces.

  • Wrist support: We chose braces that support the wrist in a neutral position.
  • Size options: Our selection includes braces that are adjustable or available in different sizes.
  • Comfort: The wrist braces on this list are lightweight and breathable and use durable materials.
  • Price: We included wrist braces offering quality and value for the price.
  • Customer feedback: The wrist braces on this list have mostly positive customer reviews.

Pricing guide

Wrist braces are inexpensive. The wrist braces are in a range of prices.

  • $ = under $15
  • $$ = over $15

Best for overall support

Mueller Carpal Tunnel Wrist Stabilizer

Price: $

The Carpal Tunnel Wrist Stabilizer is made of materials that are free of latex and neoprene. The brace strengthens your wrist so you can do your daily activities with ease.

The brace helps reduce pain by preventing you from moving beyond your range of motion.

The Carpal Tunnel Wrist Stabilizer is available in two sizes.

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Best for typing

OTC Professional Orthopaedic Low-Profile Wrist Brace

Price: $$

The OTC Professional Orthopaedic Wrist Brace keeps your wrist in a neutral position during repetitive tasks. It allows a wide range of finger and hand movements and reduces pressure on painful areas. The design features open sides to enhance the feeling of being in the air.

The brace is a good option for people with mild to moderate strains and injuries. It is available in three different sizes.

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Best for support in sleep

Mueller Adjustable Night Wrist Brace

Price: $$

The night wrist brace from the Mueller helps you sleep by keeping your wrist in a neutral position. The brace has padding on the inside to improve comfort and reduce pain.

The brace is suitable for many conditions. It is available in one size.

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Best for tendonitis

Copper Compression Wrist Brace

Price: $$

If you have a condition like arthritis or tendonitis, the Copper Compression Wrist Brace can help. The range of motion is enough for daily movements despite the restriction of movement. It protects your wrist so it can heal and recover.

The Copper Compression Wrist Brace is comfortable and has antimicrobial properties that may prevent odor. The brace is available in two sizes.

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Best for all-day wear

Futuro Comfort Stabilizing Wrist Brace

Price: $$

“The Futuro Comfort Stabilizing Wrist Brace is designed to provide hand and finger mobility while stabilizing your wrist. It’s a great option if you need some level of support and freedom of movement for work. It is made of lightweight materials to help provide all day comfort. The design has three straps and a palmar splint.”

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Best for affordability

Vive Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace

Price: $

The Vive Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace is an inexpensive option that protects your wrist while alleviating pain and swelling.

If you need more movement or flexibility, the metal splints that you can remove are included in the ambidextrous design. The material of the brace is lightweight and comfortable.

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Best for carpal tunnel syndrome

BraceUP Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace

Price: $

The Carpal tunnel Wrist Brace can help relieve pain. The brace allows you to perform daily tasks with full finger dexterity. Users say it is comfortable to wear while sleeping.

This brace is also good for tendonitis. It is available in two sizes.

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Best with a removable splint

Vive Health Wrist Brace

Price: $

If you prefer more flexibility or support during physical activities, the Vive Health Wrist Brace has aremovable splint. If you have arthritis, you can wear the splint during flares. The brace helps alleviate pain during sleep.

This brace is helpful for stress injuries. It is available in one size.

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There are several characteristics to look for when buying a wrist brace. It is important to find a wrist brace that matches your needs based on your symptoms, lifestyle and daily activities.

Take the following factors into account to narrow down your selection.

  • Customer reviews: Read online reviews to get a feel for customer satisfaction and the product’s effectiveness and durability.
  • Material: Choose a soft, breathable fabric that is easy to wash, stays cool, and prevents moisture and odor.
  • Fit and comfort: The brace must provide support and comfort. Opt for an adjustable design or select one that’s available in different sizes.
  • Mobility: Look for a wrist brace that limits your range of motion enough to prevent overuse injuries and pressure to the median nerve. It must also allow enough mobility for you to perform your daily activities. If you only plan to wear it at night, you may select a more restrictive brace that allows blood flow.
  • Uses: You may decide to buy a different wrist brace for working and sleeping, or for days when you need more support due to exacerbated symptoms.

“Wrist braces are usually safe to use if you follow your doctor’s instructions.”

There are a few precautions to consider.

  • Your wrist brace needs to be loose so that you can have blood flow.
  • Wrist braces can irritate your skin.
  • If you have braces with latex, avoid them.
  • “Don’t wear your wrist brace all the time, it may cause your muscles to weaken”

“If your carpal tunnel symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks of wearing a wrist brace, talk to your doctor.”

They may suggest a different design or suggest treatments involving wrist or nerve gliding exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections.

Your doctor may recommend alternative therapies if you need them.

“If treatments don’t reduce your symptoms within 3 months, surgery is a possibility. This is not common.”

How long should you wear a brace?

“Depending on your symptoms, the time of day, and activities you plan to do, how long you wear a wrist brace can be different. Follow your doctor’s recommendation.”

When you first start to wear a wrist brace, wear it for a few hours at a time during your most challenging activities. You can gradually wear the brace for longer periods over the next few days. You can wear a wrist brace all night if you wear it at night.

If the brace causes any pain, you should remove it.

How tight should a wrist brace for carpal tunnel be?

If you’re using a wrist brace to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, it must provide comfort yet be tight enough to offer support and stability. Loosen or remove your wrist brace if you experience loss of circulation, numbness, or tingling.

“If the brace makes it difficult to move your wrist or fingers, loosen it. A wrist brace shouldn’t be a problem.”

Wrist braces support your wrist in a neutral position, which may help bring relief to wrist discomfort and pain. They prevent repetitive movements, which is helpful for conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. Some wrist braces also reduce compression of the median nerve, which causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Use this list to find a wrist brace that works for you. If a wrist brace doesn’t help, talk to your doctor about other options.”