Our hands guide us throughout the day, from the moment we brush our teeth in the morning to the moment we turn off the light at night. People with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are well aware of this because they often need a carpal tunnel brace to do these things, plus many other daily tasks, comfortably.
Meet the experts: Michael Masi, DPT, CPTsports doctor at Masi Fitness; and Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, physical therapist and trainer at Physical therapy moment and performance.
CTS is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, he explains Michael Masi, DPT, CPTsports doctor at Masi Fitness, who challenges tinglingpain or numbness in the hands and the fingers, especially the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Carpal tunnel braces can help relieve these symptoms by keeping the wrist supported and in a neutral position. “People who perform repetitive hand movements, such as office workers who type frequently or manual workers involved in assembly line work, may benefit from wearing a brace,” adds Masi.
If you notice early symptoms of CTS, it may not hurt to try braces. However, if you feel like your pain is severe or you don’t get relief after wearing one, it’s worth seeking medical attention, as physical therapy or surgery may be necessary, says Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, a physiotherapist and trainer at Physical therapy moment and performance.
Below, find some of the best braces for carpal tunnel, according to experts, editor tests, and reviews.
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Pro
- Two adjustable straps
- Accessible
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Do not wash in the machine
This wrist brace earns our top overall rank because it’s made by an affordable, expert-recommended sports medicine brand by Fata-Chan for ultimate “adjustability and comfort,” he explains. “It’s also a brace I have experience with, having recovered from a carpal tunnel injury, and it’s very comfortable to wear at night.”
The two adjustable straps allow full range of motion for the thumb and fingers, and the material strikes an ideal balance between support and flexibility.
| Material | Spandex, latex free plastic |
|---|---|
| size | One size fits all |
Pro
- Easy to pick up and take down
- Barely noticeable, easy
- Accessible
Cons
- A pet hair magnet
As a full-time writer, I unsurprisingly developed carpal tunnel symptoms three years ago. Before going down the path of full diagnosis, which the doctor told me I had to invasive testingI decided to try a dental brace to ease the wrist pain that radiated into my hands, especially my dominant right one, which always rests on the keyboard or mousepad while I work.
I’m two years into this brace, which I ordered for its basic, uncluttered design and affordability, and I continue to wear it while at work almost every day. It’s easy to put on and take off and adjust the compression to my liking, and I’ve thrown it in the washing machine countless times. I no longer struggle with the lingering pain, however, it can definitely make a difference if I forget to wear it.
| Material | Nylon, neoprene |
|---|---|
| size | One size fits all |
Pro
- Three adjustable straps
- Made for left and right hand
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Kinda bulky
This sturdy brace, which has a removable metal splint and a beaded cushion for added comfort, is a hit with Amazon customers of all hand sizes. That’s because it has three adjustable straps to adjust for a super-custom fit.
The splint in this brace also makes it great for those who need a little extra support, especially at night. In fact, many reviewers rave about its miracle for morning wrist pain. It’s also made from breathable materials to keep your hands and wrist ventilated and sweat-free.
| Material | Undisclosed |
|---|---|
| size | One size fits all |
Pro
- Several sizes available
- Slim profile
- Copper infused support
Cons
- Prevention digital director Allie Early saw little improvement after wearing one
If you have minor pain or could also use a carpal tunnel brace for a sprained wrist or tendinitis, Fata-Chan recommends this brace. “It’s less stiff, which makes it more comfortable for people who need less stability,” he says.
Instead of making it reversible to fit left and right hands, the brand designed two separate straps to ensure comfort and functionality. In addition, both models are available in two sizes, which is rare for these types of braces. The nylon material is infused with supportive copper, which helps the device maintain its shape and safety for long periods of use.
| Material | Copper infused nylon |
|---|---|
| size | 2 |
Pro
- Features a splint and cushioning beads for maximum support
- Seamless sleeve design
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- Some say it falls apart after months of wear
During sleep, carpal tunnel symptoms “tend to get worse,” says Fata-Chan, which is why many people either choose or are professionally advised to wear their braces overnight. For obvious reasons, this can be uncomfortable if you choose the wrong one, and this one gets rave reviews for its barely-there support that extends through the palm and fingers (unlike day straps that leave room for finger flexibility).
One reviewer wrote that “the brace works better than I could have hoped for,” adding, “No pain that wakes me up at night. The inner pillow provides all the structure and support I need… It’s wonderful not to have disturbed sleep. .”
| Material | Undisclosed |
|---|---|
| size | One size fits all |
How to choose the best braces for carpal tunnel
Prioritize position: “The device should hold the wrist in a neutral position or in slight extension of 10 to 15 degrees to reduce tension,” says Fata-Chan.
Compression equals support: “Rigid support or semi-rigid support is important to provide enough stability to hold the position,” adds Fata-Chan. You can accomplish this with both compression and/or a metal splint within the brace, most of which are removable. “The level of support should match the severity of your symptoms,” explains Masi.
Comfort is key: “Prioritize finding a brace that provides a comfortable fit and is adjustable to accommodate swelling or different wrist sizes,” says Masi. “Materials like neoprene or spandex are breathable and prevent excessive sweating, making them ideal for extended use.”
Can you wear carpal tunnel braces all day?
The most common prescription you’ll see is wearing braces at night, when symptoms are usually worse, Fata-Chan says. However, the carpal tunnel brace can be worn during the day depending on personal needs – for example, if you feel the most pain at work while typing or doing repetitive hand movements, it is best to wear one then.
“The general recommendation is to wear braces during activities that tend to sensitize pain,” says Masi. “This is largely due to occupational demands or getting into awkward positions while sleeping at night. I would not recommend wearing braces any longer than necessary. It is important not to completely deprive the tissues in the area of daily activity or demands, as this could lead to tissue deprivation atrophy.”
How we chose the best braces for carpal tunnel
I spoke to sports medicine professionals Michael Masi, DPT, CPTsports doctor at Masi Fitness; and Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, physical therapist and trainer at Physical therapy moment and performance who recommended our favorite carpal tunnel braces and told us how to buy the best ones. We’ve also used our staff’s experiences and customer reviews to narrow down the top picks.
Why trust us?
For more than 70 years, prevention has been one of the leading providers of trusted health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to guide our health-focused product picks. In addition, prevention they also sift through hundreds of reviews – and often run personal tests by our staff – to help you make informed decisions.
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