Hesitant about surgery?
When it comes to managing carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is often considered the last resort. Many people are understandably hesitant due to the lengthy recovery time, the surgery itself, or even the thought of alternative treatments such as injections.
Instead, many prefer less invasive options like wearable solutions such as braces and gloves. But do these alternatives actually provide the relief they’re hoping for?
And with so many options available, which ones stand out?
Let’s find out.
All You Need to Know in One Glance
If you need a quick answer, check this out:
What Are Your Options?
The right wearable for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall condition. Choosing the right option can make a significant difference in managing discomfort and preventing CTS from worsening.
So, what are the best wearable options? Let’s explore the different types of support available and how they can help.
Splints and Braces for Carpal Tunnel
Splints and braces help with carpal tunnel, but they work differently.
Splints keep the wrist in a fixed position to reduce pressure on the median nerve. This works well for fractures, but experts disagree on whether complete immobilization helps CTS.
Doctors may recommend splints for recovery from surgery or injury. They are often worn at night to prevent harmful wrist movements during sleep.
In contrast, braces are softer and allow more movement. They provide support without fully restricting the wrist, making them more comfortable for daily wear.
Compression Gloves
Compression gloves are a popular choice for people who do repetitive tasks like sewing, crocheting, typing, or using tools.
These gloves provide gentle pressure and warmth, which may help with circulation and reduce hand fatigue. Some even include built-in heat to ease stiffness and pain.
As carpal tunnel syndrome develops from strain on the median nerve, many believe compression gloves can help prevent it or stop mild cases from getting worse.
However, research suggests that compression gloves are more effective for other conditions such as arthritis than for CTS. While they can reduce swelling and joint pain for arthritis sufferers, they may actually worsen carpal tunnel symptoms by putting more pressure on an already compressed nerve.
That’s why it’s important not to purchase compression gloves without medical advice. If you’re experiencing CTS symptoms, check with your doctor first.
Gloves: in or out?
Research on wearing braces is mixed. A review of a number of studies found that wearing a splint at night may provide short-term relief, but there’s no clear evidence that one type of splint or wearing schedule works better than another.
It’s also unclear if splinting is more effective than other treatments like exercises or oral steroids.
To be precise, more research is needed to understand how well gloves and braces work in the long run.
The Future of Carpal Tunnel Treatment
One thing is for certain: no single solution works for everyone.
Some people find relief with braces, while others need splints, therapy, or even surgery. Because symptoms and severity vary from person to person, it’s hard to say which treatment is the best. Research continues, but in the meantime, patients need an answer that fits them only.
Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, technology can create personalized solutions for CTS relief. At DynaGaunt, we’ve developed AI-powered gloves that detect your symptoms and determine if you have CTS or not.
By using smart detection and real-time feedback, our device helps monitor wrist movements, detect strain, and provide guidance to prevent further damage.
This solution primarily focuses on detecting carpal tunnel syndrome before it gets serious. As you find out where you’re standing on the spectrum, you will have a better vision for your future steps towards possible treatments.
Hopefully, yours is not that serious!
