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Wrist and Hand Braces: Types, Common Conditions and How to Choose
There are several types of wrist braces, and each one does a different job. Wrist splints hold the wrist straight for carpal tunnel and tendonitis, thumb spicas rest the thumb, and hinged braces, fracture splints and resting hand splints protect the hand and wrist during recovery.
Hand and wrist problems are common, and many of them respond well to the right support. Fractures are one example: about 1 in 6 broken bones treated in US emergency rooms is a broken wrist, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Overuse problems like carpal tunnel and tendonitis are just as common in people who type, lift or grip all day.
This guide answers the question "what type of wrist brace do I need?" It covers the main types of wrist support, the conditions they help and how to choose. Each section links to a full guide, or you can shop hand and wrist braces by condition.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions We Help With
- Carpal Tunnel SyndromeNumb, tingling fingers, often at night. Night splints hold the wrist straight.
- Wrist Splints vs BracesFirm splints hold the wrist still; softer braces support it while you move.
- Wrist TendonitisPain with wrist motion from overuse. A brace with a stay rests the tendons.
- De Quervain's TenosynovitisPain on the thumb side of the wrist. A thumb spica helps most.
- Thumb Pain and InjuriesArthritis, trigger thumb and sprains. Thumb splints support the joint.
- Hand and Wrist ArthritisStiff, achy joints. Wrist and thumb braces ease pain during tasks.
- Hand and Wrist ContracturesA wrist or fingers stuck bent. Resting splints hold a gentle stretch.
- Broken Wrist and Post-SurgeryRigid and hinged braces protect the bone as it heals.
- Sprained WristA stretched ligament from a fall or twist. A splinted brace limits bending.
- Broken HandA boxer's fracture or hand surgery. Hand splints protect the metacarpals.
- Wrist HyperextensionA wrist bent too far back in sport. Wrist guards limit that motion.
Wrist and hand pain by the numbers
1 in 6broken bones treated in US emergency rooms is a broken wrist (distal radius fracture)Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
3 to 1women to men affected by carpal tunnel syndromeSource: StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)
2 to 3 timesmore likely: women compared with men to get thumb arthritisSource: AAOS OrthoInfo
What Are the Different Types of Wrist Braces?
Wrist and hand braces fall into five main groups. Some hold the wrist straight, some rest the thumb, and some protect a break or hold a stretch. Knowing which group fits your problem narrows your choice fast.
Most braces come in right hand and left hand versions, so check the side before you order. A few fit either hand.
Wrist Splints
A firm stay holds the wrist straight, day or night.
Lace-Up Wrist Braces
Adjustable laces and a stay for all-day wrist support.
Thumb Spica Splints
Hold the thumb still, with or without the wrist.
Hinged and Fracture Braces
Protect a broken wrist or hand during healing.
Resting Hand Splints
Support the wrist, hand and fingers for arthritis and contractures.
What Is the Best Wrist Brace for Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on a nerve in the wrist. It causes numbness and tingling in the thumb and first fingers, and it often wakes people at night. It affects women about three times as often as men, according to StatPearls.
A wrist splint that holds the wrist straight takes pressure off the nerve. Most people start with a night splint, then add a slimmer brace for work if needed.
- Night splints keep the wrist from curling while you sleep.
- Low-profile braces fit under a sleeve for typing.
- Thumb spica styles help when thumb pain comes with it.
Wrist Splint vs Wrist Brace: What Is the Difference?
A wrist splint has a firm stay, often metal or plastic, that holds the wrist in one position. A cock up wrist splint holds the wrist straight or slightly bent back in a resting position. It is used for carpal tunnel, tendonitis and some sprains, and for carpal tunnel the goal is a straight, neutral wrist. Splints are good for sleep and for resting a sore wrist.
A wrist brace is often softer or laced. It supports the wrist but lets it move a little, so it suits work and daily tasks. Many people own both.
- Splint: firmer, holds one position, good for night.
- Brace: more flexible, good for daily tasks.
- Both come in right and left hand versions.
Which Wrist Brace Is Best for Tendonitis?
Wrist tendonitis is irritation of the tendons that bend and straighten the wrist. Typing, lifting and racquet sports are common triggers. Pain usually comes with movement and eases with rest.
A wrist brace with a stay limits the bending that strains the tendons, while your fingers and thumb stay free. Wear it during the tasks that hurt.
- Choose a brace with a firm palm stay.
- Wear it for work, sport or chores that cause pain.
- Switch to a thumb spica if pain sits on the thumb side.
What Brace Helps De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis irritates two thumb tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. One study found it in 1.3% of women and 0.5% of men, according to StatPearls. New parents and people who lift or grip often are at higher risk.
A thumb spica that covers the wrist and thumb keeps both still, so the tendons can rest. Many people get the most relief by wearing it at night.
- Pick a wrist brace with thumb support, not a short thumb splint.
- Wear it at night and for lifting.
- Lift with your palms up to spare the thumb.
Thumb Braces for Arthritis, Sprains and Trigger Thumb
Thumb pain usually comes from arthritis at the base of the thumb, a tendon problem like trigger thumb, or a sprained ligament. Thumb arthritis is common with age, and women are 2 to 3 times more likely to get it, according to AAOS.
A short thumb spica supports the thumb and leaves the wrist free. That suits arthritis, trigger thumb and mild sprains.
- Short spicas suit the base of the thumb.
- Firm splints suit sprains and gamekeeper's thumb.
- Night wear helps trigger thumb.
Hand and Wrist Braces for Arthritis
Arthritis in the hand and wrist causes stiff, achy joints, often worst in the morning. Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear type, and rheumatoid arthritis often affects both hands.
A wrist and thumb brace limits painful motion during tasks, and a night splint keeps the wrist straight while you sleep. Take the brace off for gentle exercise so the hand stays strong.
- Wrist and thumb spicas cover both joints.
- Night splints help with morning stiffness.
- Easy straps help sore fingers.
Resting Hand Splints for Contractures (WHFOs)
A contracture is a wrist or fingers stuck in a bent position, often after a stroke or brain injury. A resting hand splint, also called a WHFO, supports the wrist, hand and fingers in a gentle, open stretch.
These splints are mostly worn at rest and at night. A therapist usually sets the angle and wear time.
- WHFOs support the wrist, hand and fingers.
- Hinged styles let a therapist adjust the stretch.
- Check the skin each time the splint comes off.
Wrist Brace for a Broken Wrist or After Surgery
A broken wrist usually starts in a cast or splint. Once your doctor allows it, a removable brace can protect the wrist during therapy. AAOS notes that most distal radius fractures take about 3 months to heal enough for all activities.
Hinged braces let your therapist set how far the wrist can bend. Lace-up braces give steady support after the cast comes off.
- Never swap a cast for a brace without your doctor's OK.
- Hinged braces suit therapy after surgery.
- Thumb spicas suit scaphoid fractures.
Wrist Brace for a Sprained Wrist
A wrist sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, often from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Swelling, bruising and pain when you bend the wrist are common.
A splinted brace limits painful bending while the ligament heals. Get an X-ray if pain is severe, since a sprain and a break can feel the same.
- Low-profile braces suit mild sprains.
- Firmer, longer braces suit worse sprains.
- Rest, ice and raising the hand help with swelling.
Splints for a Broken Hand or After Hand Surgery
A boxer's fracture is a break in the bone below the little finger, often from punching a hard object. Hand splints support the side of the hand that is broken and keep the bones in line as they heal.
After hand surgery, your surgeon will tell you which splint to wear and for how long. A removable splint lets you keep the skin clean and start therapy when cleared.
- Choose a splint for the side of the hand that is broken.
- Keep the hand raised to ease swelling.
- Follow your surgeon's plan after hand surgery.
Wrist Hyperextension Brace for Sports
Wrist hyperextension means the wrist bends too far back, often from a fall on the hands in skating, snowboarding or gymnastics. It can sprain the ligaments on the palm side of the wrist.
A wrist guard has a firm piece that limits how far back the wrist can bend. Wear it during the sport that puts your wrist at risk.
- Choose a guard with a firm stay on the palm side.
- Wear it during the activity, not all day.
- See a doctor about a wrist that stays painful after a fall.
How Do I Choose the Right Wrist and Hand Brace?
1
Find Your Condition
Start with where it hurts and what's causing it. Numb fingers, thumb pain and a broken wrist need very different braces.
2Pick the Brace Type
Think about when you'll wear it. Splints suit night and rest, slim braces suit work, and spicas add thumb support.
3Choose Your Size
Use the size chart on the product page, and pick the right hand or left hand version.
How to Choose a Wrist and Hand Brace Size
Every brace has its own size chart on the product page, so check it before you order. Sizing differs by brace and manufacturer, and many wrist and hand braces come in separate right hand and left hand versions. If you're between sizes, our team can help you choose.
Our Best-Selling Wrist and Hand Braces
Insurance and HCPCS Codes
Most wrist and hand braces have an HCPCS code, the billing code Medicare and insurers use for medical equipment. We don't bill insurance, but you can submit your receipt to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Most of our braces are also HSA and FSA eligible.
Talk to a Brace Specialist
US-based team, Monday to Friday
Not sure which hand or wrist brace you need? Tell us where it hurts, when it hurts most and which hand needs support. Our specialists can help you choose a size and style before you buy, and after your brace arrives you can use our fitting videos or book a virtual fitting session.
Unused items in their original packaging can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. See our Return Policy for details.
Contact Our TeamFind the Wrist and Hand Brace That Fits Your Life
Shop wrist and hand bracesWrist and Hand Brace Questions We Hear Most
What type of wrist brace do I need?
It depends on your condition. A wrist splint suits carpal tunnel and tendonitis, a thumb spica suits thumb and De Quervain's pain, and a hinged or rigid brace suits fracture recovery.
Suggested: Breg Universal Wrist Lacer Support Brace or Brace Direct Wrist Splint with Thumb Spica
What is the difference between a wrist splint and a wrist brace?
A splint has a firm stay that holds the wrist in one position. A brace is often softer or laced and lets the wrist move a little.
What is a cock up wrist splint used for?
It holds the wrist straight or slightly bent back in a resting position. It's used for carpal tunnel, tendonitis, sprains and wrist weakness; for carpal tunnel, a straight, neutral wrist is the goal.
Suggested: Brace Direct Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Night Splint
Should a wrist brace be tight or loose?
Snug, but not tight. You should be able to slide a finger under each strap. Numbness, tingling or color change in the fingers means it's too tight.
Do I need a right hand or left hand wrist brace?
Order the side that matches the wrist that hurts. Many braces are made for one side, so check the option before you buy.
Can you wear a wrist brace all day?
Some people do, but most need it only for the tasks that hurt and at night. Wearing a brace around the clock can weaken the muscles, so follow your doctor's advice.
Should I sleep in a wrist splint?
For carpal tunnel and many tendon problems, yes. A night splint keeps the wrist from bending while you sleep.
How long should you wear a wrist splint each day?
It depends on your condition and your doctor's plan. Many people wear one at night and during the tasks that cause pain.
Do I need a hand brace or a wrist brace?
Choose a wrist brace if the wrist hurts and a thumb or hand brace if the thumb or hand hurts. A wrist brace with thumb support covers both.
Do I need a prescription for a wrist brace?
You can buy most of our wrist and hand braces without a prescription. If you plan to submit a claim to your insurer, they may ask for one.
Sources
- Distal Radius Fractures (Broken Wrist). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo. Link
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (National Library of Medicine). Link
- Arthritis of the Thumb. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo. Link
- De Quervain Tenosynovitis. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (National Library of Medicine). Link