Wrist Brace Can Be One Of The Most Helpful Tools When Dealing With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

By Tom Nicholson

Carpal tunnel syndrome can appear for anyone, but it's most prevalent in the 20 to 50-year-old age group. People of this age are usually in the workforce and do repetitive wrist or hand movements daily, for several hours a day. Studies also show that women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome more than men do, although men, too, suffer from this disability. One reason is that the women in general have smaller wrist bones and therefore have less space for the tendons that exist in the carpal tunnel. Therefore, they are more susceptible to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and the inflammation that is part of it.

One conclusion for this factor is that some women have naturally smaller wrist bones therefore leaving less space for the tendons in the carpal tunnel and being more susceptible to inflammation and symptoms of carpal tunnel.

In addition, it may get worse over time, and if you have had injuries to your wrists or hands, you may have a greater propensity to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than someone else who has not had this type of injury. Those who have chronic diseases like diabetes, lupus, or cancer, or who have been pregnant may also be more at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome than other people.

Being proactively prepared so that you can minimize and even eliminate symptoms will help prevent further damage, and will also keep symptoms from reappearing in the future. It may also help you to talk with someone else who has carpal tunnel syndrome, but remember that his or her experience can be very different from your own. Therefore, what works for someone else may not work for you. Do keep an open mind and try different possible treatments until you find something that works for you.

Getting help is the first step to battling carpal tunnel, and seeking treatment early on is the best solution regardless of age or severity of the symptoms. Having a proactive treatment plan in place will keep you from creating further damage to the tendons and median nerve of your hands as well as giving you the education you need in order to keep your symptoms from flaring up in the future. Talking with other people who have had experience with carpal tunnel syndrome can be beneficial, but remember that not everyone's situation is the same. What might work for someone else may not work for you. Although it is good to keep an open mind and try different possible treatments, yours may differ slightly that your neighbor's overall plan.

Obtaining a wrist brace can be one of the most effective tools when dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you choose a short or long brace, one that you wear during the evening or the day, there are a number of choices to help you gain your wrist strength back and guide through your days with a minimal amount of discomfort. Some wrist braces can go around the hand while leaving mobility for your fingers and thumb while others are designed specifically for the wrist and do not include the fingers in the brace at all. No matter which brace you and your family physician choose is best for your recovery plan, be sure to include regular stretching and exercises in order for the muscles to regain strength and avoid atrophy while healing. - 29957

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