Our hands guide us through the day, from the moment we brush our teeth in the mornings to the second we turn out the light at night. People with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are very aware of this because they often find themselves in need of a carpal tunnel brace to do those things, plus many other daily tasks, comfortably.
Meet the Experts: Michael Masi, D.P.T., C.P.T., a sports doctor at Masi Fitness; and Andy Fata-Chan, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist and coach at Moment Physical Therapy & Performance.
CTS is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve within the wrist, explains Michael Masi, D.P.T., C.P.T., a sports doctor at Masi Fitness, which causes tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Carpal tunnel braces may help relieve those symptoms by keeping the wrist supported and in a neutral position. “Individuals who perform repetitive hand movements, such as office workers who type frequently or manual laborers involved in assembly line work, may benefit from wearing a brace,” Masi adds.
If you notice early symptoms of CTS, trying a brace likely won’t hurt. However, if you feel like your pain is severe or don’t experience relief after wearing one, it’s worth seeking medical care because physical therapy or surgery may be necessary, says Andy Fata-Chan, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist and coach at Moment Physical Therapy & Performance.
Ahead, find some of the best carpal tunnel braces, according to experts, editor testing, and reviews.
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1
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace Overall
MUELLER Green Fitted Wrist Brace
Pros
- Two adjustable straps
- Affordable
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not machine washable
This wrist brace gets our best overall rank because it’s made by a sports medicine brand, affordable, and expert-recommended by Fata-Chan for its supreme “adjustability and comfort,” he explains. “It is also a brace that I have experience with, having recovered from a carpal tunnel injury, and it’s very comfortable to wear at night.”
The two adjustable straps allow for full range of thumb and finger movement, and the material strikes an ideal balance between supportive and flexible.
| Material | Spandex, latex-free plastic |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size |
2
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Working or Typing
FREETOO 2-Pack Wrist Brace for Carpal Tunnel Relief
Pros
- Easy to take on and off
- Barely noticeable, lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- A pet hair magnet
As a full-time writer, I, unsurpsingly, developed carpal tunnel symptoms three years ago. Before going the full-on diagnosis route, which my doctor told me required invasive testing, I decided to try a brace to ease the wrist pain that radiated into my hands, particularly my dominant right one that always rests on the keyboard or mousepad while I work.
I am two years into using this brace, which I ordered for its basic, non-clunky design and affordability, and I continue to wear it while working almost every day. It is easy to slide on and off and adjust the compression to my liking, and I have thrown it in the washer countless times. I no longer struggle with persistent pain, however, I can definitely tell the difference if I forget to wear it.
| Material | Nylon, neopren |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size |
3
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Large Wrists
ComfyBrace Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace (Pack of 2)
Pros
- Three adjustable straps
- Made for left and right hands
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Kind of bulky
This sturdy brace, which features a removable metal splint and a beaded cushion for added comfort, is a hit with Amazon customers with all hand sizes. That’s likely because it has three adjustable straps to tweak for a super-custom fit.
The splint in this brace also makes it great for those who need a little extra support, especially at night. In fact, many reviewers rave about its miracle work for morning wrist pain. It’s also made of breathable materials to keep your hands and wrist ventilated and sweat-free.
| Material | Undisclosed |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size |
4
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Mild Symptoms
Copper Compression Wrist Brace
Pros
- Multiple sizes available
- Slim profile
- Copper-infused support
Cons
- Prevention Digital Director Allie Early experienced little improvement after wearing one
If you have minor pain, or might also use a carpel tunnel brace for a wrist sprain or tendonitis, Fata-Chan recommends this brace. “It’s less rigid, which makes it more comfortable for people that need less stability,” he says.
Rather than making it reversible to fit left and right hands, the brand designed two separate braces to ensure comfort and functionality. Plus, both designs are available in two sizes, which is rare for these types of braces. The nylon brace material is infused with supportive copper, which helps the brace hold its shape and security long into use.
| Material | Copper-infused nylon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 2 |
5
Best Carpal Tunnel Brace for Sleeping
ACE Night Wrist Sleep Support
Pros
- Features splint and cushioning beads for maximum support
- Hassle-free sleeve design
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- Some say it falls apart after months of wear
During sleep is when carpal tunnel symptoms “tend to worsen,” says Fata-Chan, which is why many people either choose or are professionally advised to wear their braces overnight. For obvious reasons, that can be uncomfortable if you pick the wrong one, and this one has rave reviews for its barely-there-feeling support that extends through the palm and fingers (as opposed to daytime braces that leave room for finger flexibility).
One reviewer wrote that the “brace works better than I could have hoped for,” adding: “No more pain waking me up at night.The internal cushion provides all the structure and support I need … It’s wonderful to have no disturbed sleep.”
| Material | Undisclosed |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size |
How to choose the best carpal tunnel brace
Prioritize position: “The brace should keep your wrist in neutral or slight extension of 10 to 15 degrees to reduce tension,” says Fata-Chan.
Compression equals support: “Rigid support or semi-rigid support is important in order to provide enough stability to maintain the position,” Fata-Chan adds. You can accomplish this with both compression and/or a metal splint within the brace, most of which are removable. “The level of support should match the severity of your symptoms,” explains Masi.
Comfort is key: “Prioritize finding a brace that offers a comfortable fit and is adjustable to accommodate swelling or varying wrist sizes,” says Masi. “Materials such as neoprene or spandex are breathable and prevent excessive sweating, making them ideal for extended use.”
Can you wear carpal tunnel brace all day?
The most common prescription that you’ll see is wearing a brace at night, which is when symptoms typically worsen, Fata-Chan says. However, carpal tunnel braces can be worn during the day, depending on personal needs—for instance, if you experience the most pain while at work while typing or doing repetitive hand motions, it’s best to wear one then.
“The general recommendation is to wear the brace during the activities that have a tendency to sensitize the pain,” Masi says. “This is mostly from occupational demands or from getting into odd positions while sleeping at night. I would not recommend wearing braces for any longer than what is needed. It is important not to completely deprive the tissues in the area from activity or daily demands as this could lead to atrophy through tissue deprivation.”
How we chose the best carpal tunnel braces
We spoke to sports medicine professionals Michael Masi, D.P.T., C.P.T., a sports doctor at Masi Fitness; and Andy Fata-Chan, P.T., D.P.T., a physical therapist and coach at Moment Physical Therapy & Performance who recommended their favorite carpal tunnel braces and informed us of how to shop for the best ones. We also utilized our staff’s experiences and customer reviews to narrow down the top picks.
Why trust us?
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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