Wrist Braces & Wrist Support

Wrist support and Braces

Wrist injuries are one of the most prevalent conditions presented to GPs and A&E departments.

While a broken wrist will require the use of a splint or Plaster of Paris cast, wrist sprains and repetitive strain injuries may require the use of a simple wrist support or a more complex rigid wrist brace.

As in the ankle joint, wrist anatomy makes the joint vulnerable to overuse injuries. Sore and aching wrists, or weak wrists may deteriorate into more painful conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Choosing a brace will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment for a simple wrist sprain might be taping with a cohesive medical tape, elastoplast, or the use of a Tubular bandage to offer compression and some pain killers to ease the pain. Tens has also been used as a treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndome.

For the pain of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury a brace with a splint will be required to hold the wrist firmly in place.

While wrist sprains are common in all sports, the repetitive nature of tennis and other racquet sports may require continuous wrist support. Sports braces in these sports must not impede the free movement of the fingers, so must be designed differently from the hospital style wrist supports. The PSB Sports Wrist Support is a good example of a well designed sports brace.