Our hands guide us throughout the day, from the moment we brush our teeth in the morning to the moment we turn off the light in the evening. People with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are very aware of this, as they often need a carpal tunnel brace to comfortably perform these and many other daily tasks.

Meet the experts: Michael Masi, DPT, CPTsports doctor at Masi Fitness; and Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, physical therapist and coach at Moment Physiotherapy & Performance.

CTS is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, explains Michael Masi, DPT, CPTsports doctor at Masi Fitness, which causes tinglingpain or numbness in the hands and the fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. Carpal tunnel braces can help relieve these symptoms by keeping the wrist supported and in a neutral position. “People who perform repetitive hand movements, such as office workers who type frequently or workers involved in assembly line work, may benefit from wearing a splint,” adds Masi.

If you notice early symptoms of CTS, trying a corset probably won’t hurt. However, if you feel like your pain is severe or you don’t feel relief after wearing one, it’s worth seeing a doctor, as physical therapy or surgery may be necessary, says Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, physiotherapist and coach at Moment Physiotherapy & Performance.

Ahead, check out some of the best carpal tunnel orthotics, according to experts, editors’ tests, and reviews.

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