Will wrapping my wrist help with pain?

If your pain is not serious, a wrap may help. Wraps also good to put on after a sprain to compress the wrist and minimize swelling. If your pain continues, see your healthcare provider.

What conditions can a hand brace treat?

Hand braces can be useful to treat recent injuries, prevent new injuries, and relieve chronic pain from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendinitis. They can help you function better and, because they stabilize or immobilize your wrist, they can help the healing process.

What are the different types of wrist braces for arthritis?

Some wrist braces are designed to be used while you're resting your hand; they may restrict motion. These braces are often custom-made. Other braces or wraps are more flexible and meant to stabilize painful joints during daily activities.

The 9 Best Wrist Support Products for Arthritic Joints of 2023

Wrist joints that are injured or painful due to problems like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or joint tendinitis may benefit from the stability and support of a wrist brace. There are several excellent wrist support devices on the market that can help restrict movement to promote healing, provide compression to reduce swelling, and ensure the wrist is in a safe, ergonomic position.

There are many options when it comes to wrist braces, and finding one that works well for you depends on the nature of your injury, activities, and limitations. Wrist braces can help you heal after a procedure while you get on with your life, improve sports performance, and help keep you going if you have a chronic condition like arthritis.

If you know what to look for, the right wrist support can help you regain or retain function, heal well after a procedure, and minimize discomfort. We evaluated dozens of wrist braces by consulting with experts including physical therapists and other medical professionals. We look for value, convenience, and safety as well as efficacy.

Here are the nine best wrist support products on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Futuro Sport Wrap Around Wrist Support at Amazon

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Best Budget:

ACE Adjustable Wrist Support at Amazon

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Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Imak Wrist Wrap at Amazon

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Best Adjustable:

Mueller Sport Care Adjustable Wrist Support at Amazon

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Best with Memory Foam:

Futuro Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer at Amazon

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Most Comfortable:

McDavid Wrist Brace at Amazon

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Best for Sleeping:

Futuro Night Wrist Support at Amazon

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Best for Smaller Wrists:

Wellgate PerfectFit Wrist Brace at Amazon

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Best for Activity:

Vive Wrist Brace at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

We chose the FUTURO Wrap Around Wrist Support as our best overall pick because it's designed to stabilize the wrist following an injury or to relieve arthritis pain by providing warmth and compression. The wrap-around style is easy to manage with one hand and ensures a tight fit without impeding blood flow. It is fully adjustable and comes two per pack.

Price at time of publication: $8

Courtesy of Amazon

The ACE Wrist Support provides compression while stabilizing the wrist joint with its over-the-thumb design. It is made of a neoprene blend fabric which retains body heat for increased circulation. The wrist support is fully adjustable and fits either the left or right wrist.

This may be the ideal product for athletes on the mend from a repetitive motion injury.

Price at time of publication: $10

Courtesy of Amazon

The IMAK SmartGlove is specifically designed to alleviate wrist pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendinitis. The slip-in design promotes an ergonomically correct, neutral wrist position.

The SmartGlove has a removable stay which can provide added support when needed. The glove is made of breathable cotton/lycra fabric and can fit either the left or right hand. While effective, the SmartGlove may not be the best option for someone who has sustained an acute wrist injury as it takes a little effort to tug on.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

The Mueller Sport Care Adjustable Wrist Support offers moderate support and is best used to prevent re-injury after a cast has been removed following a wrist fracture. It is also a nice option for persons with arthritis who needs support but would rather not have their movement fully restrict.

The Mueller Sport Care Adjustable Wrist Support is reversible and fits either the left or right hand.

Price at time of publication: $11

Courtesy of Amazon

This FUTURO Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer is designed to support an injured wrist while minimizing the twisting or flexing of the joint. It is often prescribed to people with moderate to severe carpal tunnel as it allows the fingers to move about freely.

The memory foam interior ensures added comfort and support. Adjustments can be made with three independent velcro straps for a more tailored fit.

Price at time of publication: $23

Courtesy of Amazon

The McDavid elastic wrist support is made of breathable fabric which supports soft tissue without retaining heat. It has an adjustable strap to control compression.

The McDavid wrist support fits either the left or right wrist and is offered at different protection levels:

Protection level I treats minor pain, sprains, or instability.
Protection level II is used to treat light ligament pain and instabilities.
Protection level III provides maximum wrist support.

Price at time of publication: $13

Courtesy of Amazon

The FUTURO Night Wrist Sleep Support is made of a soft, breathable fabric that is not only lightweight but offers excellent moisture wicking properties. This allows you to wear the product overnight without excessive sweating or wrinkling.

Inside the elastic structure are cushioning beads that encase the wrist with minimal compression. The FUTURO Night Wrist Sleep Support is fully adjustable and maintains the hand and wrist in a neutral position.

Price at time of publication: $37

4.3

Amazon

The Wellgate for Women PerfectFit Wrist Support is designed to relieve pain from carpal tunnel, arthritis, and minor strains or sprains. Its slender profile is perfect for women who tend to have slimmer wrists.

The Wellgate for Women PerfectFit is lightweight and breathable with a memory foam interior to ensure greater comfort. It works just as well for adolescents or smaller adults who struggle with oversized or ill-fitting devices.

Price at time of publication: $19

Courtesy of Amazon

The Wrist Brace by VIVE uses the highest quality velcro to ensure consistent wrist compression. Other brands tend to lower grade velcro which can slip or loosen and require regular readjustment. This makes the Wrist Brace by VIVE an especially good option for people on the move.

Constructed of breathable neoprene fabric, the Wrist Brace by VIVE comes with a removable splint which allows you to adjust the level of support as needed.

Price at time of publication: $13

What to Look for in a Wrist Support

When you're looking for wrist support, there are several factors to consider. If you get the wrong support, it won't help—and might even hurt. Consider the following before choosing a wrist support:

Type of Wrist Support

Wrist supports come in splints, braces, and wraps. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best wrist support for your situation and advise you when to wear it. For instance, carpal tunnel supports are usually worn only at night, while others are worn during daily activities or to improve performance during sports.

Braces stabilize the wrist for longer-term use in people with chronic pain such as arthritis. Braces are also useful for sprains and soft tissue tears or injuries.
Splints are often used after a fracture to stabilize the wrist while healing. Choose a splint designed for the injured area: carpal tunnel, thumb, or forearm and wrist. Your hand should be in a neutral position when the splint is on.
Wraps are good when you want to be able to adjust the size and compression level, for instance as swelling goes down after an injury. Wraps can also give some support during sports or gym activities.

Level of Wrist Support

Braces may be labeled with different levels of support: low support for mild injuries, moderate support to stabilize the wrist and add compression, or high support for severe injury or degenerative bone conditions. Your healthcare provider can advise you about what level of support might be best for you. If you are looking to improve performance, a wrap can stabilize your wrist and prevent hyperextension.

Features, Size, and Material

Consider the following when choosing your wrist support:

Ease of use: Find a support with Velcro tape or other easy-to-use closures.
Comfort: If it hurts to wear it, don't.
Material: The brace should be washable and breathable. Elastic, neoprene, cotton, and foam are popular.
Size and adjustability: Make sure your support fits securely but comfortably, and if possible, choose one that's adjustable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will wrapping my wrist help with pain?

If your pain is not serious, a wrap may help. Wraps also good to put on after a sprain to compress the wrist and minimize swelling. If your pain continues, see your healthcare provider.
What conditions can a hand brace treat?

Hand braces can be useful to treat recent injuries, prevent new injuries, and relieve chronic pain from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendinitis. They can help you function better and, because they stabilize or immobilize your wrist, they can help the healing process.
What are the different types of wrist braces for arthritis?

Some wrist braces are designed to be used while you're resting your hand; they may restrict motion. These braces are often custom-made. Other braces or wraps are more flexible and meant to stabilize painful joints during daily activities.