The Best Wrist Brace

Buying Guide

Wrist braces can be a great way to immobilize your wrist to prevent injury or help you rest it while it’s healing. It can even help prevent wrist pain for gymnasts and athletes. But wrist braces aren’t meant to be an all-in-one cure for injury. It’s important to know a wrist brace’s benefits and limitations.

If you’re starting to notice certain activities tax your wrist, a brace could be a great option. You can buy them over the counter, although it’s always best to have a talk with your physician if you’re having any sort of health issues. Wrist braces can be used to help with the following conditions:

• Injuries like strains and sprains
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis
• Arthritis

When you start shopping for a wrist brace, you’ll notice a large selection with little to differentiate between each. You’ll want a brace that is stiff enough to hold your hand in the desired position, but comfort is still a factor, particularly if you’ll be wearing it for hours at a time.

In addition to a material that gives you a little stretch, breathability is important. You probably won’t want sweaty hands while you’re working, and the right type of material can help with that. Some wrist braces build in memory foam to help cushion your wrist and keep it comfortable while it’s being supported.

Sizing is also an important factor. You’ll find many braces that claim that one size fits all. In many cases, this might work, but those with hands that are larger or smaller than usual will likely find they don’t get the support they need. You can also find braces that are custom-fitted to give you more personalized support.

If you have health insurance, you could save some money. However, you might need to make a visit to your physician to have one medically ordered. If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, over-the-counter wrist braces qualify as a medical purchase.

• Some wrist braces include compression to help control swelling and provide support. Before using a brace with compression built in, check with healthcare providers to make sure it’s the right option for your particular issue.
• For milder aches and pains, a wrist brace with massaging elements could provide additional relief.
• To optimize support, consider a wrist brace with a splint included. Some are removable for those days you just need lighter support, but a splint is one of the best ways to immobilize an active area like the wrist.
• Most wrist braces will need to be hand washed and set out to dry, so keep in mind cleanup won’t be as easy as tossing it in the laundry.
• If you’re allergic to certain materials, like latex, pay close attention to the materials used to make your wrist brace.
• Durability is an important factor. Neoprene is a thick, breathable fabric that can last longer than thinner materials. If your wrist brace includes Velcro, you may want to store it with the Velcro fastened to reduce the risk of it picking up debris or catching on the fabric of the brace.
• Wrist braces typically use one-size-fits-all or reduced sizing. You might find the only options are Small/Medium or Large/X-Large, for instance. A prescribed brace might have more precise sizing to help you find a better fit.
• Some wrist braces use straps and Velcro to help you adjust the fit to exactly what you need. This is a great way to ensure your brace grows with you over the years for a long-lasting option.
• If you’ll be sleeping in your wrist brace, comfort will be a top priority. Look for a lighter-weight material that breathes. For overnight wear, a supportive build will likely be more important than being able to move your fingers and thumbs.