What Is The Use of Wrist Braces In CTS?
Posted on October 26, 2009
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Carpal tunnel syndrome can make almost every aspect of your life difficult. The symptoms of the disorder can make even the simplest everyday activities an ordeal. The pain, numbness, tingling and weakness can make it hard to get through your daily routine and you may put off things out of fear of the shooting pains up your arms which can be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Work can become especially challenging and if you work with your hands, the weakness and pain can make it difficult for you to even keep your job!
Depending on the exact stage of your carpal tunnel syndrome, you may need to use a number of tools in order to begin your healing process.
Anti-inflammatory medication, hot or cold compresses, stretching and muscle exercises or even the use of wrist braces are all common forms of treatment for those who suffer from carpal tunnel symptoms. One or more of these methods can be used together in order to help alleviate any discomfort and help you regain the strength back in your hands and wrists. Your family doctor will be able to help you determine the exact course of action to take when it comes to dealing with all of your carpal tunnel symptoms.
Many carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers find wrist braces to be effective in treating their symptoms. Wrist braces are usually worn while you’re sleeping and they are designed to keep the wrists immobilized so that no stress can be placed on them as you sleep; you should also keep your wrists elevated and relaxed as you sleep. Wearing a wrist brace while sleeping is all many carpal tunnel sufferers need to get relief from their symptoms, but some find that they need to wear them during the day while working as well. Wearing your wrist braces while you work prevents strain to the wrists from overdoing it and from repetitive motion causing pressure on the median nerve. You can find braces which are flexible enough to wear while working and others which are made to totally immobilize the wrist as you sleep.
Wrist braces are made from many different materials; all of them can work well, so the choice of material is really up to you and your preferences. Find braces which give you relief from your carpal tunnel symptoms yet are comfortable. From cotton/polyester blends to neoprene to specially made materials which trap heat to assist the healing process, there are plenty of options. Your choice will depend on what you need your braces for and when you will be wearing them. Keep in mind that wrist braces are generally made for either the right or the left hand and are not interchangeable. However, having a comfortable individual fit for both hands can maximize comfort and help you to heal from carpal tunnel syndrome more quickly, so this is actually a good thing. No matter what kind of brace you decide on, the most important thing is to see your physician before going shopping for one; ask him or her what they recommend as a course of treatment to effectively relieve or cure your carpal tunnel syndrome. Along with wrist braces, perform stretches and gentle exercises and you’ll soon have relief from carpal tunnel symptoms.
What makes carpal tunnel a repetitive stress disorder? It is a RSD in that it is caused by performing reptitive motion, such as playing racket sports, or working on an assembly line repeating the same action over and over again. There are many different levels of treatment in trying to relieve the pain of CTS, but one easy, effective treatment is simply practicing carpal tunnel exercises.
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