Pain or Numbness in the Fingers? Time to Buy a Wrist Brace

Sudden pain, tickling or numbness in fingers is a common condition that generally affects people in jobs like packaging or data entry. The repetitive movement of fingers can irritate nerves leading to pain, swelling, and loss of muscle strength. These symptoms indicate Repetitive Stress Injuries, and a common RSI is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The median nerve that goes through your wrist passes through the carpal tunnel which is a narrow path that consists of bone and ligament. If there is swelling in your wrist, it squeezes the tunnel putting pressure on the median nerve and causing pain and numbness. If there is excessive pain you might need to consult a professional. However, aids can help reduce the pain and provide relief. An orthopaedic aid like a thumb support or a wrist support can be of great help based on the severity and extent of pain.

Other conditions where you can find a thumb support or wrist support useful are:

Arthritis - Types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis which is a chronic inflammatory condition, and osteoarthritis which is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage that cushions joints.

Injuries like Skier's Thumb or Gamekeeper's Thumb - These refer to the stretching or tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb.

Thumb injuries like sprains, fractures, and dislocations often happen from the sudden impact of falling to the ground.

Common Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Aching, painful feeling near your wrist

Numbness in thumb and first three fingers

Tingling pain or pins and needles in your fingers

Weaker hand grip

Frequent dropping of things

If you feel that your carpal tunnel syndrome pain has expanded to wrists from thumbs, a wrist brace can be a better option.

Below are its advantages:

Wrist Stabilisation

A wide range of braces is available to cure injuries and ailments. Most of the wrist aids available help stabilise the wrist joint. Wearing a brace ensures that there is no additional movement happening which could increase pain. This enables the user to carry out daily tasks without interfering with the healing process.

Reduction in Swelling

When you immobilise the wrist with a support, it restricts movements thereby reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Improves Healing Post-surgery

Patients who have undergone wrist surgery may wear a wrist brace to protect the site of the surgery and facilitate faster healing.

No Major Restrictions on Daily Activities

A brace is one of the most flexible orthopedic braces available. A number of users believe that aids like thumb or wrist braces can hinder their daily activities. So, they avoid wearing them despite acute pain.Certain braces allow the user to move the finger and thumb joints, thus allowing the continuation of regular activities.

People can use these braces even during activities that involve excessive movement of wrist and hands. They can also wear these braces while sleeping. They can also improve sleep by both protecting the wrist and immobilising it.

Studies suggest that wearing braces can improve the symptoms within a few weeks. But it entirely depends on how intense the symptoms are. It can be helpful if the symptoms are moderate. However, it is advisable to consult a health care provider if the symptoms aggravate.

Things to Keep in Mind to Avoid Excessive Pressure On Wrists:

Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. It would be ideal to keep it in a neutral position.

Cold hands can make stiffness even worse. Try keeping your hands warm.

Take breaks at regular interval while working

Final Remarks

Orthopaedic aids like a thumb support or a wrist brace provide short-term relief and enable you to effectively carry out your daily tasks. If the pain or numbness in your fingers is bothering you, using braces can be a smart choice.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.