Relief CTS with a Wrist Brace

By Tom Nicholson

The information age has brought about many changes and one of the biggest is the change that has taken place in the type of jobs people hold and the leisure activities they undertake. Many more people are working on a computer on a daily basis and performing repetitive tasks while seated rather than doing more physically demanding jobs. Staying seated and doing the small repetitive type of motion required to operate a computer has become so wide spread that more and more people are suffering the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Everyone seems to know someone who has suffered the pain and/or numbness of this debilitating condition.

Most people seek the advice of a medical practitioner when the pain becomes so severe as to interfere with their day to day activities. Changing your activities and developing a treatment plan is the only way to heal a case of carpal tunnel syndrome. Often, family physicians will offer a diagnosis, but some will refer you to a specialist. It may be helpful to seek a second opinion, particularly if you are not satisfied with the first diagnosis or need reassurance on the treatment plan offered by the first physician. Make sure you understand what they are telling you about your condition and don't be afraid to ask questions.

One of the first steps you can take to help alleviate the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome is to purchase a wrist brace. They are available at any local pharmacy and come in a variety of styles and sizes. They are made out of different types of materials and you may end of trying several before you find the one that works well for you. A wrist brace will help support your wrist and make your daily work and sleeping less painful. Ask the sales staff to help you find the right brace with the right fit. A brace should relieve the pain and numbness you are experiencing when worn regularly. If it does not, return it and try a different brace.

Some people wear their brace while they work. It helps to keep the wrist immobile while performing the usual tasks and gives it a rest from the repetitive motion ordinarily required. It also helps the person wearing the brace to get used to holding the wrist at a better angle while working. It offers additional support while lifting as well. Many people, who wear a brace all day, take it off at night. At this point it is a good idea to let the wrist and hand relax and do a few stretching exercises. Gently move your wrist back and forth to loosen the ligaments.

There are many people who will only wear their wrist braces at night. This may be the only treatment plan in place for those who have no time during the day to wear their brace or cannot perform duties while they have it on. Keeping a wrist brace on at night can prevent prolonged wrist flexion or extension while you sleep. Be sure to take some time for your wrist stretches and exercises no matter if you are using the wrist brace during the evening, the daytime, or both. - 30540

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