Wrist splints for carpal tunnel syndrome - a guide for patients

Around one third of patients suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome who are treated with wrist splints at night get better without any other treatment. This means that treatment with injections or surgery may be avoided by using a splint on your wrist at night.

Wrist splints are safe. The purpose of the splint is to stop the nerve being compressed at night when you are asleep.

Fitting 

The splint should be a comfortable fit, tight enough to hold your wrist in position, but so tight as to affect your circulation or make your wrist swell. The rough side of the Velcro should not touch your skin, so if it does you will need a bigger size.

If the metal strut on the palm side digs into your palm, then you can straighten it out slightly. If your hands are not strong you might need help with this.

• splints should be worn at night when you are asleep, for at least eight weeks
• splints should only be worn at night, and should not be worn during the day
• in order to be effective, splints should be worn all night every night
• it may take eight weeks of splint use to notice an improvement

If you are not better, continue with the splint and keep your orthopaedic appointment

If you are better and your symptoms have all resolved stop using the splint.

If your symptoms return at a later date, use the splint again for a further eight weeks. If your symptoms do not resolve after eight weeks of splint use, or your symptoms keep recurring, make an appointment to see your GP.