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Exercise Daily – When your wrist hurts, you may not always be able to pinpoint the cause. At some points, however, you can! For instance, when you fell and used your hand to brace the impact. You might use wrist wrap for pain in such cases.
However, it’s possible that your wrist discomfort developed more gradually, and you’re wondering what’s causing it. Several factors might be contributing to your wrist discomfort. Therefore, it is important to determine the actual cause.
Before we get into the five most prevalent causes of wrist pain, let’s take a brief look at the structure of the wrist and how it functions.
Anatomy of the Wrist
The wrist is produced when the two bones of the forearm – the radius (the bigger bone on the thumb side of the arm) and the ulna (the smaller bone on the pinky side of the arm) – come together with the carpal (wrist) bones to form the wrist joint.
A complicated joint is made up of eight tiny bones connected by ligaments, tendons, and muscles rather than a single joint like the elbow.
The unusual structure of bones and ligaments in your wrist allows you to move your wrist in a variety of directions, including up and down, side to side, and in a circle. Wrist discomfort may be caused by any of the components being damaged.
What’s Causing Your Wrist Pain?
There can be a number of factors contributing to the precipitation of wrist pain. Before you use a wrist wrap for pain, you need to determine the cause of it. Let’s talk about the possible factors. However, make sure to discuss this with your medical health specialist.
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
The most common cause of wrist pain is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which travels from the forearm through the wrist, becomes swollen and inflamed. It results in pain and discomfort.
It is because of the injury to the nerve that sensory impulses are not delivered properly. Itching, numbness, or burning sensations in your fingers and hand are common during this time.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive Stress Injuries (also known as overuse Injuries) are caused by activities and sports that need the same action to be done repeatedly.
It is possible that this repeated action can irritate your nerves and tendons, leading to wrist discomfort, edema, and a loss of muscular strength.
Everything from hammering to playing tennis to typing — any activity that is done repeatedly – may lead to stress. It is possible to have wrist discomfort when doing even simple tasks such as cleaning, painting, playing cornhole, or gardening.
In this case, de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (commonly known as Mommy’s thumb) is an example of an overuse condition. It is caused by repeated stress damage to the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist and up the side of your wrist and forearm, causing inflammation and swelling.
You can use a wrist wrap for the pain to help with repetitive stress injuries.
Arthritis
This condition, which may affect any joint, including the wrist, causes swelling, loss of movement, and stiffness. Even while arthritis may begin with minimal symptoms, it has the potential to worsen, resulting in pain and decreased mobility.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a condition that occurs when repeated stress injuries create swelling or inflammation of a tendon. The early stages of tendinitis may be characterized by scorching or shooting sensations, as well as weariness or weakness.
However, prolonged stress produces inflammation of the connective tissues around the joint, which results in increased suffering and disability.
Fractures or Sprain
The risk of damage, sprain, or fractures to your wrist increases when you fall onto a stretched hand. Tenderness, pain or swelling in your wrist and a restricted range of motion are all frequent symptoms.
TFCC (Triangular Fibro-Cartilage Complex) injuries, which may develop as a result of an accident, such as a fall on your hand, can cause persistent wrist discomfort. A wrist sprain may be very painful and result in a loss of range of motion in the affected wrist.
How to Alleviate the Wrist Pain?
Now when you know the causes, let’s talk about alleviating the pain that comes with injury, arthritis, tendonitis, or any other condition. There are many things you may do to alleviate wrist pain.
Preventative measures, rest, and support for your wrist are the most effective therapies for wrist discomfort. Wrist wrap for pain that provides support, stability, and protection may be worn to allow your wrist to recover.
Among the most often used medical devices in the contemporary world are wrist braces, which are available in a variety of designs. Why are they so common? This is due to the fact that they are quite beneficial.
In reality, the word “wrist wrap” is a very broad term that refers to any particularly made garment that is meant to support, protect, or limit the mobility of the wrist. They may be customized to suit either the right or left hand.
Some braces are universal. It depends on how you arrange them, and so they can be worn on either wrist. Wrist braces keep your wrist safe after an accident or prevent an injury from occurring if you are aware that there is a possibility.
When it comes to chronic wrist pain, they are commonly advised or even prescribed by physicians as part of specialized treatment programs.
Why Do You Need a Wrist Wrap For Pain?
Here is a brief run-down of the most prevalent reasons (but not all of the reasons) to wear a wrist wrap for pain. This article is for you in case you’re still not sure whether or not you should be wearing one.
Sports Training Assistance
The majority of people think of wrist braces as a treatment for pain or injury. However, athletes are well aware that they may be used to avoid damage as well as to treat it. Not all braces used to protect or splint an injury are stiff in nature.
A lot of risks are always present in sports. For instance, you can’t deny the potential of accidentally overextending and producing a sprain. Apart from that, the risk of twisting uncomfortably out of alignment exists at all times.
Numerous sports, as well as the preparation for them, may result in repetitive motion injuries as well. In order to avoid these frequent injuries and the associated downtime, athletes should wear a tight elastic wrist brace.
This will prevent the wrist from moving beyond a healthy range of motion. In certain instances, it will distribute the stress over a larger region.
Repetitive Working Tasks
Of course, athletes are not the only ones who might suffer from repetitive motion injuries. The majority of individuals perform something at work on a regular basis that might cause harm to their wrists or other critical joints over time. Hence, they might need a wrist wrap for pain!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when you spend most of your time working with your hands on a keyboard. Due to the digital aspect of contemporary life and work, it is quite widespread among the numerous desk-based vocations.
Work that requires repetitive small-motion finger manipulation can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Other activities that need high levels of vibration, such as jackhammer operating, may also cause the condition.
Many individuals use wrist braces for sleeping mostly at night and type on an ergonomic keyboard during the day. This helps to relieve pressure on the nerve that runs through their neck.
Reduce Swelling
Your wrist will likely swell dramatically after a sprain or other mild internal wrist injury. Therefore, it is necessary that you make efforts to avoid and lessen the inflammation. Your wrist will become more sensitive and harder to move as a result of the swelling that has occurred.
The RICE principles (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) of injury recovery should be followed to minimize and regulate edema.
After a sprain, a wrist brace has two purposes:
- Provides support for the affected region
- Compresses the wrist to keep swelling at bay
While you may use an elastic bandage, a wrist wrap for pain with straps is more convenient. This is because it is quicker and simpler to put on and take off.
The length of time you should wear a wrist brace should be decided by the severity of your injury. Other than that, the activities you want to participate in throughout your recuperation and the amount of time is it takes for the swelling to subside are also important.
Prevention of Extended Injury
Once the swelling from a wrist injury has subsided, you will no longer need the compression. However, you will still need to protect the injury from additional harm as a result of improper usage.
If you’re like most people, you don’t probably have the luxury of taking several weeks off from work. You might lift something heavy, or hold it at an incorrect angle, or simply forget that your wrist is in recovery. This is because once it stops hurting, you might not take it seriously.
In this case, a stiff wrist brace or wrist support may serve to provide mobility restriction. It will prevent you from overextending while a tendon heals, providing armor to protect you from inadvertent hits.
A wrist wrap for pain may also act as a tangible reminder that your wrist is still wounded and that it needs to be handled with gentleness at this time.
Tenderness
Tenderness in the wrist tendon is a kind of repetitive motion injury. It is often induced by excessive usage of the wrist. It is quite similar to and is sometimes mistaken with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tendonitis is a type of arthritis that affects the tendons in your wrist. Arm muscles will stiffen as a result of overuse without warmups and workouts, which is something that often happens among office workers and manual laborers.
A hand brace for tendonitis may help to alleviate discomfort and limit the amount of damage.
Wrist Wraps Buying Guide
Wrist braces are used for a variety of purposes, including support, recuperation, immobilization, compression, and protection.
A perfect wrist brace is available for everyone! Whether you’re an athlete trying to avoid injury, a diligent desk worker, or anyone recovering from a common wrist sprain, wrist wraps might help you!
The right wrist brace will help you achieve your goals while also keeping your wrist safe in the future. A few things to think about while selecting a wrist brace are as follows:
Materials
Because wrist wrap for pain may be worn for extended periods of time, durability and breathability are critical considerations. Memory foam may be used in the construction of certain wrist braces, which may improve comfort.
Sizes
There are a variety of sizes available from many different brands. However, some companies provide a one size fits all design. Wrist braces for youngsters are also available from certain manufacturers.
Movement
It may be necessary for a person wearing a brace to maintain flexibility in their fingers. Some wrist braces provide more movement than others, depending on the requirement. Therefore, you should choose accordingly.
Cost
The price of a wrist brace varies based on the materials used, the size of the brace, and the design. Therefore, the cost is an important factor in deciding the wrist wrap.
Top 10 Wrist Braces
MUELLER Green Fitted Wrist Brace (Editor’s Choice)
Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace is the finest choice to start when it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also the most affordable. With hundreds of excellent reviews, this wrist brace has shown to be quite successful at alleviating many types of wrist discomfort.
In addition, you must pick between a left or right-wrist-oriented brace when ordering the Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace. The wrist wrap for pain is available in two sizes.
Metal spoons are used to stabilize the bottom of your wrist, with another metal stay placed on top of it to provide more stability. You may wear the brace all year round since the straps can be adjusted for regulated compression.
The material of Mueller Green wrap is lightweight and breathable. In addition, the fabric has been treated with an antibacterial treatment, which will keep it from getting stinky or disintegrating too rapidly over time.
Pros
- Breathable
- Good Circulation
- Antimicrobial Finish
- Prevents odor
Cons
- Not intended for long-term use
Wellgate PerfectFit Wrist Brace (Best Budget)
Although the majority of carpal tunnel braces are reasonably priced, the Wellgate for Women PerfectFit Wrist Support is an excellent choice. If you want a top-rated product at a low price, this is your call.
Using this memory foam brace, you may relieve wrist discomfort caused by disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It offers both support and compression.
The Wellgate for Women is a place where women may go to have their needs met. PerfectFit Wrist Support is particularly created for persons with thin arms. However, it is not a viable solution for people who have more muscular arms.
Designed for a comfortable fit, this wrist wrap for pain is available in either a left or right wrist orientation and is constructed from calming memory foam and soft fabric.
You can modify the compression by pulling on the velcro straps on each side of the brace. It features a stiff plastic splint that fits under your wrist and a more flexible stabilizer on top. You can use the product while working or resting, as well as during downtime.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Memory foam cushion
- Lightweight
- Can be used while sleeping
- Comes with a splint and stabilizer
Cons
- Latex allergy
Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves (Best For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
When it comes to wrist braces, some individuals prefer compression gloves to wrist braces. It is important for people if their discomfort is more concentrated in hand.
If you’re searching for a glove that can help you reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the Copper Compression Arthritis Gloves are a great option. They have received high ratings from thousands of reviewers.
It is possible to buy these fingerless gloves in four different sizes, ranging from small to extra big. They give support in the hand and wrist while yet enabling you to move freely. The copper infusion in these compression gloves is what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Copper has been shown in tests to help decrease inflammation. Therefore, it is the best wrist wrap for pain. Regardless, the gloves offer appropriate compression to alleviate discomfort while yet enabling you to go on with your usual duties without interruptions.
Pros
- Availability in 4 sizes
- Focuses hand compression
- Copper reduces inflammation
Cons
- Difficult to adjust
Vive Wrist Brace (Best Splint)
When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, keeping your wrist in a neutral posture is frequently an effective approach to lessen discomfort. A wrist brace like the Vive Wrist Brace may assist you in doing exactly that.
What’s even better is that you may take the splint out of this device and wear the brace while working or doing other tasks that require a full range of motion.
In addition to being available in either left or right wrist orientations, the Vive Wrist Brace is equipped with a lightweight, detachable metal splint that maintains a neutral posture for your wrist.
This device, like many others, features two velcro straps that enable you to change the compression level. It also maintains therapeutic heat to aid in the improvement of circulation and blood flow.
Pros
- Removable splint
- Improves circulation
Cons
- Available in one size only
M BRACE RCA Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Relief (Best During Work)
Many individuals need wrist support while working, yet many standard braces are quite restricting. They make even the most basic of motions difficult to perform.
In contrast, the M Brace RCA’s innovative design gives wrist support while keeping your hands free. Hence, you can wear this wrist wrap for pain throughout the day at the office.
The best thing is: It is more in the style of a bracelet than a regular splint. The lightweight design helps to retain the typical U-shape of the carpal tunnel. Hence, it helps to minimize nerve compression while allowing your hands to remain free to carry out your daily activities.
It is possible that this device may prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from deteriorating. It will enable the nerve to begin healing since it reduces irritation of the median nerve.
Pros
- Flexible fit
- Freehand movements
- All-day wear
- Non-bulky
Cons
- One size only
BraceUP Adjustable Wrist Wraps (Typist’s Choice)
Typing is a common cause of wrist pains, and the activity grows more uncomfortable as the problem progresses. For those seeking for a wrist brace to make typing more tolerable, the BraceUP Adjustable Wrist Support is best.
It has a unique design that allows for more movement than typical braces. It is available in a single size and may be worn on either wrist without restriction. The brace is simple to use.
You just insert your finger through the thumb loop and wrap the brace around your wrist, stabilizing and compressing it. They are great for both sports and typing. The BraceUP wrist wrap for pain comes packaged in a drawstring bag for simple storage.
Pros
- Usable on either wrist
- Adjustable
- Bag for storage
Cons
- Limits thumb mobility
ComfyBrace Night Wrist Sleep Support Brace (Nighttime Choice)
It is possible that sleeping in an uncomfortable posture could exacerbate wrist discomfort. That is why you may want to consider using wrist support when sleeping.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, maybe painful to wear at night, which is why items like the ComfyBrace Night Wrist Sleep Support Brace have been built specifically for this purpose.
Designed to give optimum support while still being comfortable enough to wear while sleeping, this wrist brace is ideal for athletes. It comes in a single size that can be worn on either hand. It has hook and loop fasteners that let you modify the compression level.
The concept of this brace is quite unique. It uses cushioned beads instead of a metal splint to offer support for your wrists. It has been praised by users for being unexpectedly effective since it adapts to the particular form of your hand.
Furthermore, since the wrap is lightweight and breathable, your wrist will not overheat at night.
Pros
- Cushioned beads for support
- Conforms to the shape of the hand
- Lightweight wrist wrap for pain
- Comfortable for nighttime
Cons
- Difficult to adjust
- One-size only
FUTURO Night Wrist Sleep Support
With its soft and breathable fabric, the FUTURO Night Wrist Sleep Support is not only comfortable but also has great moisture-wicking capabilities. Because of this, you may wear it overnight without experiencing excessive perspiration or wrinkles as a result.
Cushioning beads play an important role in the elastic construction, which allows the wrist to be wrapped with the least amount of compression.
In addition to being completely adjustable, the FUTURO Night Wrist Sleep Support also helps to keep the hand and wrist in a neutral posture while sleeping.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Can be worn on any hand
- Adapts to the hand shape
Cons
- Only one size availability
Imak Wrist Wrap
The IMAK SmartGlove is a device that relieves wrist discomfort resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendinitis. The slip-in design encourages the use of a neutral wrist posture that is ergonomically suitable.
The SmartGlove comes with a detachable stay that may give additional support to the wrist. It is made of breathable fabric which may be worn on either the left or right hand, depending on the user’s preference.
It is possible that the SmartGlove wrist wrap for pain will not be the greatest solution for someone who has received an acute wrist injury due to the fact that it requires a bit more effort to pull on.
Pros
- Beaded cushion for support
- Breathable fabric
- Can be turned inside out
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Difficult to put on for people with a wrist injury
McDavid Wrist Brace
The elastic wrist support of the McDavid Wrist Brace is constructed of breathable fabric. Hence, it is effective at supporting soft tissue while not trapping in heat. It includes an adjustable strap that allows you to alter the amount of compression.
The McDavid wrist support may be worn on either the left or right wrist. The best thing about this wrist wrap is its availability in a variety of protective levels. The levels are as follows:
1st Protection level is used to treat minor injuries such as sprains or instabilities.
2nd Protection level is good to address mild ligament discomfort and instabilities.
3rd Protection level offers the most comprehensive wrist support.
Pros
- Least heat retention
- Adjustable straps
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Excessively strong velcro closure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a wrist brace help with pain?
Yes, wrist braces may also help to relieve the discomfort, inflammation, and stiffness that can result from repetitive strain injuries or disorders such as arthritis or tendonitis. Additionally, the wrist wrap for pain may aid in the recovery process after an accident or surgery.
Why does compression help wrist pain?
The compression given to the far end of the radius and ulna aids in the prevention of these two bones from spreading. This may help to relieve some of the strain in the ligament and alleviate discomfort in the wrist.
Is it bad to wear a wrist brace all the time?
Many physicians advise against using wrist wraps for pain on a 24-hour basis. This is because your wrist muscles have to work harder against the inflexible brace resulting in increased stress injury to the tendons.
What should I wear for wrist pain?
You should try wearing a wrist wrap or brace, which may be beneficial since it maintains your wrist in a straight and neutral posture.
Should you sleep in a wrist brace?
Many people who have mild to severe wrist pains use a night brace for a few weeks to alleviate their symptoms. The sensations are greater at night because your hand is more prone to flex as you sleep, which makes them worse overall. Fortunately, the nighttime wrist wraps prevent this from happening.
Conclusion
Experimenting with a wrist wrap for pain is a great approach to get started on your recovery from a wrist injury. Modern technology, such as antibacterial capabilities, odor-fighting additives, and breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics, provides a wide range of alternatives for you to choose from.
Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace is an excellent choice for anybody seeking a wrist brace that offers comprehensive support. Those seeking a brace that is especially beneficial when working on a computer may find the BraceUP Adjustable Wrist Support to be the most useful option.
If you have used any wrist support band, brace, or wrap, share with us in the comment section below.
