Stabilizing your wrist may help reduce pain and inflammation. (Getty Images)
Pain, discomfort and numbness in your fingers can make everyday tasks like pushing a shopping cart or pulling the garbage can to the curb incredibly painful. And while hand and wrist pain can arise from any number of causes, a common culprit is carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS is a neurological condition that occurs when there's compression of the median nerve — one of the three major nerves of the forearm and hand. Pressure on that nerve often results in a tingling sensation, pain and numbness that can make living everyday life more challenging. While it's important to see a health care provider for wrist pain or numbness, one of the most common treatments for mild-to-moderate CTS is bracing. Dr. Raymond Hwang, vice president and medical director at Lantern, says, "Braces help keep the wrist in a neutral, slightly extended position, which relieves pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can reduce numbness, tingling and pain."
Certified hand therapist Brenda Cummings says, "Wrist braces for carpal tunnel work by keeping your wrist in a neutral position to alleviate pressure from the median nerve." To be effective, Cummings says, a brace should prevent you from being able to bend your wrist more than 15 degrees in any direction.
To help find the best wrist braces for CTS, we spoke with orthopedic experts to learn what to look for in carpal tunnel-specific braces, and what to avoid. We learned that a rigid insert or stay (typically made of metal) is key to stabilizing the wrist. These stays may be found on the back of the wrist, the palm of the hand or on both sides. A dorsal support brace (those with stays on the back of the wrist) is often best for CTS since it prevents flexion, but depending on your level of pain or discomfort, a simple wrist brace or wrist wrap worn while sleeping may be the better choice.
Using our experts’ feedback, we evaluated more than 20 wrist braces for CTS, rating each based on construction, materials used, breathability, brand reputation, user and in-house tester reviews, cost, comfort and efficacy. These are the eight wrist braces for carpal tunnel that made our cut.
Update, June 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best wrist brace for carpal tunnel remains unchanged.
For: Carpal tunnel as well as tendonitis, radial nerve compression, arthritis, repetitive strain injury | Sizes available: XS to XL | Material: Thermoplastic
The RCAI wrist brace for carpal tunnel doesn't look like your average drugstore wrist support brace, but that's a good thing. This is a dorsal-style splint with a rigid posterior component on the back of the wrist that leaves the palm side relatively open. "The dorsal brace might seem awkward at first, but this type of brace works best for carpal tunnel symptoms," explains Cummings. She notes dorsal braces are an excellent choice if you need daytime wrist support, but they’re comfortable enough to wear while sleeping. The dorsal support effectively keeps your wrist in a neutral position while the open palm allows for daily activities, such as typing.
While this brace is one of the most expensive on this list, dorsal splints are generally pricier than compression sleeves or wrist wraps. That said, RCAI's brace is more affordable than many of its dorsal counterparts. It's also more accessible since most dorsal splints are only available on medical sites. And not to worry: Its commercial availability doesn't minimize its quality. It's constructed with lightweight thermoplastic and a soft, moisture-wicking liner.
Because this brace is left/right-specific, make sure you order the proper brace depending on your needs.
For: Carpal tunnel, nighttime bracing | Sizes available: One size | Material: Cotton, nylon and neoprene
Morning pain or tingling in your hands can be a telltale sign of CTS, which is why nighttime bracing to prevent CTS flare-ups is an often-recommended therapy. "Wearing a brace at night can help relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome." says Hwang.
The BraceOwl carpal tunnel wrist brace was specifically designed for nighttime comfort and support, so you don't wake up with excessive pain and tingling. Where this brace really shines and sets itself apart is in the built-in bead pocket at the palm that applies gentle pressure to help circulate blood flow while sleeping, even when your arm stays stationary for hours. The brace also features a removable metal splint so you can find the right amount of support and structure for your needs.
For: Carpal tunnel, arthritis, tendonitis, sprain, injuries, wrist pain | Sizes available: X-small, small/medium, medium/large, large/x-large | Material: 75% foam, 15% polyester, 5% plastic, 5% metal
Don't let the low price fool you, the Featol Wrist Brace offers three adjustable straps for customizable comfort and comes in four sizes (x-small to x-large), making it a viable option for a range of people who suffer from carpal tunnel. We do want to note that the brace is not interchangeable between arms, so be sure you purchase the brace for the correct arm. To add to the customizable comfort, the brace has a removable aluminum palm stay and two fixed plastic splints to provide stability and wrist support.
With over 27,000 5-star ratings that praise it for its fit, feel and structure, this is an effective, budget-friendly brace that has loads of endorsements that speak to its performance. One reviewer even got their doctor's approval: "The doctor's office said the brace probably looked as good or better than what they would give me."
For: CTS, arthritis, compression | Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Copper-infused soft breathable fabric
If you have arthritis, you're likely all too familiar with the pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling that comes with the often-debilitating condition. Couple that with morning CTS pain, and you're spending the first few hours of your day trying to get your hands to work. There's only so much that arthritis pain relief creams can do. These copper compression gloves offer an easy-on, easy-off functionality that can help provide support during flare-ups without the immobilization and finger restrictions that come with traditional wrist braces.
The compression gloves are made with moisture-wicking material to keep your palms and fingers sweat-free. And thanks to the durable, copper-infused machine-washable material, you don't have to worry about the gloves getting dirty with daily use — just throw them in the laundry with your other washables.
For: Carpal tunnel, minor wrist injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, sprain, wrist pain | Sizes available: One size fits most | Material: Proprietary high-quality breathable fabric
This ComfyBrace wrist brace was explicitly made to be worn overnight and offers unparalleled comfort to those who find sleeping with a rigid brace difficult. You can use this brace on either wrist, and it provides gentle pressure to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling that tend to flare up at night. It also has a removable palm splint for ergonomic support. The easy slip-on sleeve design offers comfortable wear day and night.
Customers love this wrist brace. There are over 35,000 five star reviews. One customer raves, "I wear these braces overnight following weeks of waking in the middle of the night by bothersome tingling and numbing in my hands. These braces have [eased] the discomfort tremendously, I’m able to sleep through the night again!!"
For: Carpal tunnel, tendinitis, cysts, sprains and arthritis | Sizes available: One size | Material: Copper-lined 65% neoprene, 35% nylon
You can use the Dr. Arthritis Copper Wrist Brace during the day or at night. Unlike the other braces on this list, it covers only the palm and wrist, rather than the length of your forearm, allowing for more dexterity and comfort.
This low-profile brace is also the favorite of our in-house tester who suffers from CTS. She says it's the best she's ever used: "I've found that this one has better durability than any other brace I've used — the Velcro is still going strong after multiple machine washes — which can likely be credited to it being doctor-designed with typical patient pitfalls in mind."
She adds that it's especially good if you're looking for a wrist brace that helps with other conditions, like arthritis. She prefers to wear it while sleeping but also wears it during the day for flare-ups because "it's not too restricting but stiff enough to reduce swelling."
For: Carpal tunnel, arthritis, tendonitis, repetitive strain injury, sprains | Sizes available: XS, S/M, M/L, L/XL | Material: Neoprene, Velcro | Structure and design: Removable palmar stay
While heat and cold therapy haven't been extensively researched when it comes to the conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome, one small pilot study suggests that using heat and cold therapy may help reduce CTS symptoms. This is why the Featol wrist brace, with a reusable hot or cold therapy gel pack, may be worth trying. The brace runs from your palm to halfway up your forearm and features a removable palm stay and three large adjustable straps to ensure a snug, yet comfortable fit. There is only one gel pack included with the brace, but you can always buy replacement packs if needed.
For: Carpal tunnel, tendonitis, stroke recovery, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures and sprains, post-surgery recovery | Sizes available: X-small, small, medium, large, X-large | Material: Breathable cotton and neoprene
A resting hand splint is — you guessed it — best used while at rest. Whether that's as you're sleeping or just lounging around, resting splints promote healing by keeping your wrist immobilized and in a proper position. This brace features four straps — one for your thumb, one for your fingers and two for your wrist. Of course, the design of the brace means that it restricts your hand and finger movements, but in doing so, helps reduce compression of the median nerve to relieve pain and discomfort.
The resting hand splint from BraceAbility is available in five sizes, from extra-small to extra-large. It's made with padded materials, so it's also comfortable.
Three stages categorize the symptoms and level of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Stage 1: Frequently waking in the night with a sensation of a swollen, numb hand or severe pain that radiates from the wrist to the shoulder. There is also tingling in the hand and fingers. After waking, hand stiffness usually persists.
Stage 2: The symptoms are present during the day, especially if you stay in the same position for prolonged periods or perform repeated movements or tasks with the hand and wrist. This is the stage where you may have lost so much feeling in your hands and fingers that you frequently drop things.
Stage 3: This is the final stage where atrophy can set in and the median nerve may respond poorly even to more advanced treatments like surgical decompression. In this phase, sensory symptoms decline.
Comfortable fit: Carpal tunnel braces keep your wrist in a neutral position. Immobilization is important because wrist flexion puts pressure on the median nerve; bracing prevents this pressure. However, in order for the brace to work, it needs to fit correctly. It should be snug enough to provide adequate support, but not so tight that it restricts circulation or causes skin irritation.
Material: A big part of comfort has to do with quality materials. Neoprene is one of the best material choices since it offers compression, warmth, elasticity and breathability. Mesh fabric can also add to a brace's overall breathability. Softer materials, like memory foam, can provide padding for additional comfort. Some braces use copper-infused fabrics, which can help deodorize the brace. Most of these wrist braces are not machine-washable, but you can hand-wash some of them.
Structure and design: Most braces have a rigid insert on either the dorsal side (i.e., the back of the wrist), the palmar side, or both. Small studies indicate a dorsal support brace may be best for carpal tunnel since it prevents flexion without adding more pressure to the median nerve. Palmar support can be beneficial, too; just make sure that the rigid stays don’t press in on the median nerve or that they’re removable.
Length is also important. "A wrist brace that is too short may apply more pressure to the median nerve," says Cummings. Look for a wrist brace that doesn't stop directly at the wrist and instead extends about halfway up the forearm.
Cost: Finally, cost is something to consider. The best wrist brace for you is one that is comfortable and effective, but more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.
To determine the best carpal tunnel braces, our team looked at over 20 different wrist braces and evaluated each based on their efficacy. The truth is, there are many wrist braces on the market, but not all of them work well to alleviate the specific symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. We considered factors like the overall structure and design of the brace, the amount of stability it provides and how comfortable it is to wear. Finally, we consulted two orthopedic experts, including a hand pain specialist and an orthopedic surgeon to get their input on which braces are the best options for CTS.
Dr. John Thomas, a board-certified hand surgeon, says that wrist braces can be extremely beneficial for mild to moderate carpal tunnel, especially when used overnight. "Most people like to curl up and fully flex their wrists at night," he says. "This places pressure upon the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and increases symptoms."
In addition to bracing, treatments for CTS include oral anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections and, in severe cases, surgery to decompress the carpal tunnel and increase space for the median nerve.
You shouldn't consider wrist braces as a permanent fixture in your life. Instead, Thomas says, they’re best worn for a few weeks. If symptoms don’t improve, it’s a sign you might need to try a more intensive form of treatment. Dr. Melissa Boyette, an orthopedic surgeon, says, "I would caution against wearing a brace longer than a few weeks if a physician has not evaluated you." She warns that prolonged bracing can lead to stiffness and weakness in the forearms and wrists.
Hwang recommends taking frequent hand/wrist stretching breaks, especially for those with repetitive hand motions at work. He also says, "Prevention through ergonomic workstations, exercises, and avoiding excessive wrist bending is important for those at risk." You can also try oral anti-inflammatory medication or a pain-relieving cream for immediate relief.
Dr. Melissa Boyette, orthopedic surgeon; hand and wrist specialist, Bradenton, Fla.
Brenda Cummings, OTD, OTR, CHT, certified hand therapist, Fort Collins, Colo.
Dr. Raymond Hwang, orthopedic surgeon and medical director at Hinge Health
Dr. John Thomas, orthopedic hand surgeon, New York City
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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