So many of the everyday activities we take for granted are not possible without healthy hands and wrists. From writing a note to opening a can of soda to shampooing our hair, our hands and wrists are some of our most essential tools.
The hands and wrists are also some of the most intricate and vulnerable areas of the human body. As a result, many people suffer from pain in their hands and wrists. Wrist braces can be a valuable tool in preventing or easing wrist pain as well as rehabilitating injured wrists.
Who uses a wrist brace?
Quite often those who suffer from wrist pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tendonitis, arthritis or other wrist injuries or sprains find that wearing a wrist brace reduces pain and other discomfort in the hands and fingers. For example, a study by Arthritis Care and Research found that the use of wrist braces helps pain and improves hand movement in individuals with inflammatory arthritis.
Researchers have also found that the use of a wrist brace while typing can assist in keeping the hand in a more natural position and prevent aggravating wrist injuries.
What is an appropriate use of a wrist brace?
Using a wrist brace can be especially important at the early acute stages of a wrist injury. A wrist brace allows injured wrist tissues to rest as the wrist begins the process of recovery.
Some people like to wear a wrist brace at bedtime because it is not unusual to sleep with the wrist in a bent position. Wearing a wrist brace at night can reduce swelling and keep from further irritating the condition.
How do you use a wrist brace?
First you choose a right or left wrist brace. For example, if you are having pain in your left hand, you choose a wrist brace specified as "left." Slip your hand into the wrist brace and tighten the strap closest to your wrist. Tighten the strap that runs over the thumb next. Press and hold your thumb and little finger together to make sure the wrist brace is not too tight. Try to wear your wrist brace two hours on and one hour off whenever you are using your wrist.
How do you prevent the use of wrist braces?
Remember that a wrist brace alone cannot prevent injury or reinjury from repetitive stress movements or overuse. Be sure to take plenty of breaks from the activities that caused you to use a wrist brace in the first place. Make adjustments to your work area and habits to ensure that your wrists are not bending upwards as you type at your keyboard. Rest the hands often when typing by resting your hands on their sides, not on the wrists.
In addition to wrist braces, many mousepads, typing pads and split keyboards are designed to relieve wrist pain. Much of the wrist pain people suffer every day from repetitive motion disorders that cause them to use wrist braces can be avoided through rest breaks, exercise, proper posture, proper technique, use of protective equipment and properly designed work stations.
