Hand & Wrist Braces

Hand and Wrist Braces at Walgreens

You use your hands to accomplish so many tasks every day. Until you suffer a medical condition or injury that affects your wrist, hand or fingers, you may not fully appreciate just how much you rely on your hands. If a condition or injury is making it difficult for you to function at your best, your doctor may recommend that you use a brace for your wrist or hand. Walgreens has many options to meet your needs.

Solutions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A common condition, carpal tunnel syndrome affects many people and occurs when there is too much pressure on a specific nerve in the hand called the median nerve. This pressure decreases the passage of nerve impulse signals to the thumb and fingers, resulting in symptoms like tingling, pain or numbness. If your doctor has diagnosed you with carpal tunnel syndrome, he or she may recommend that you wear a special brace. In some cases, you may need to wear the brace only at night. Your doctor may also recommend that you wear the brace when doing certain activities, such as typing on a computer. Brace options for carpal tunnel syndrome include special gloves that help to reduce pressure on the median nerve as well as more traditional braces that support the wrist.

Braces for Arthritis Sufferers

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the lubrication and padding of the joints gradually breaks down. Many people develop osteoarthritis in the fingers, thumb or wrist, leading to pain and stiffness. There are many treatments available for arthritis of the hand or wrist. Some people benefit from wearing braces as a sole means of treatment or when used along with other treatment methods. Braces can provide support for the affected joint to lessen pain. They may also make it easier for you to perform certain tasks.

Using Braces for Injuries

Wrist and hand braces may be recommended for certain injuries, including sprains. Braces are also often prescribed after some surgical procedures to the hand or wrist. The purpose of braces after surgery or following an injury is to decrease the mobility of the joint in order to promote healing. In these instances, the brace may need to be worn throughout the day, during sports or exercise or while using a computer or doing other tasks that require rapid movements of the hands.

If you are experiencing pain, numbness or other symptoms of discomfort in your wrist or hand, it is important that you consult your doctor before trying to address the problem with any type of hand or wrist brace. Your doctor can perform an examination and possibly order tests to uncover the cause of your symptoms. He or she will then recommend a full treatment plan to address your symptoms. While a brace may likely be included in this plan, there may be other interventions required to address your symptoms. Your doctor will provide you with recommendations regarding the type of brace that you should wear, how often you should wear it and for how long. It is important that you follow his or her instructions and that you purchase a brace that is the correct size for your hand or wrist for best results.

This summary is intended for general informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should read product labels. In addition, if you are taking medications, herbs, or other supplements you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medication as they may interact with other medications, herbs, and nutritional products. If you have a medical condition, including if you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak to your physician before taking these products. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.