The Benefits of Wearing A Neoprene Wrist Band To Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that for many, may be greatly improved upon through the use of simple, non-surgical treatment methods, such as by wearing a supportive, neoprene wrist band.
Many people experience an improvement in their condition and a reduction in symptoms after regularly wearing a wrist band and will not require further medical treatment for their carpal tunnel syndrome in the future. However, it's important to receive an accurate diagnosis by a medical professional to ensure that a wrist band will indeed improve the carpal tunnel syndrome, or if perhaps there is another condition or injury that is causing the pain and symptoms to appear.
Carpal tunnel syndrome frequently affects those who must work with a computer and similar equipment, or those who perform the same repetitive movements while working. If left untreated, CTS may become rather painful and severe over time, affecting one's life on a multitude of different levels, making it difficult to perform the smallest tasks and ultimately needing surgery to correct the problem.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow opening on the underside of the wrist, usually about the size of one's thumb, that is surrounded by tissue including ligaments, tendons, and the wrist bones. When excess pressure is put on this area for some reason, or when an injury occurs due to repetitive strain, the tissue swells and puts pressure on the median nerve. This essential nerve runs through the arm, into the wrist, and then into the fingers, except for the smallest finger which receives its sensation and signals from another nerve.
What is Neoprene?
Known for its many versatile properties, neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that was first developed back in the 1930s. Today the most popular use for neoprene is in wetsuits used for diving and swimming, and the substance is also used in a host of other products like protective gear and medical products. Besides being lightweight, waterproof, buoyant, and both abrasion and chemical-proof, neoprene is also somewhat stretchable, giving it a bit of pliancy that is unlike other types of rubber.
Using a Wrist Band for Maintaining a Neutral Position
A neutral position is one in which a part of the body is most comfortable when in its natural state. For the wrist, this means keeping it flat when in relationship to the forearms, not bending it either forward or backward. By keeping the wrist in this position, it reduces the amount of pressure put on the nerve within the carpal tunnel.
When wearing a neoprene wrist band you will find that you have more range of motion and are better able to move the wrist than with other bands made from a more rigid material. Although if you find yourself struggling with a task, it's far better to remove the wrist band than fight against its support and possibly risking further injury to this already overly sensitive area.
