Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (2024)

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  • Healthy Aging

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By Leigh Weingus, Robby Brumberg

Contributor , Editor

Updated: Sep 12, 2023, 4:44am

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Wrist pain can be a draining, life-changing condition. Whether you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis or general joint pain, there are many different wrist braces to choose from that can provide you with the relief you seek—and, hopefully, a better quality of life.

To pick the best wrist braces for older adults of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 90 brace options, ranking them based on factors including adjustability, wearability, price and more. Read on to discover the best of the bunch and determine which wrist brace is the right fit for you.

Note: All product prices are accurate as of the publication date.

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  • Best Wrist Braces for Seniors of 2024
  • M Brace Wrist Support (#132)
  • Vive Wrist Wraps
  • BraceOwl Night Time Wrist Support
  • Swede-O Universal Wrist Wrap With Thumb Loop
  • Vive Wrist Brace
  • McDavid Adjustable Wrist Wrap
  • M Brace Wrist Splint (#134)
  • McDavid Adjustable Elastic Wrist Sleeve
  • ComfyBrace Day Wrist Brace
  • Mueller Reversible Splint Wrist Brace
  • Our Methodology
  • What Is a Wrist Brace Used for?
  • Different Types of Wrist Braces
  • What to Consider in a Wrist Brace
  • Summary: Best Wrist Braces For Seniors
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (1)

Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

Vive Health Wrist Wraps

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (2)
  • Rated as one of the top wrist braces by Forbes Health
  • Universally sized and reversible
  • Flexible design that provides moderate support during daily activities
  • Customizable, easily adjustable therapeutic compression
  • Made with a soft breathable neoprene that won't slip, bunch or pinch

On Vive Health's Website

Our Top Wrist Braces For Seniors

  • Best Hypoallergenic M Brace Wrist Support (#132)
  • Best Set of Two Vive Wrist Wraps
  • Best for Nighttime Support BraceOwl Night Time Wrist Support
  • Best Lightweight Swede-O Universal Wrist Wrap With Thumb Loop
  • Best for Tendonitis Relief Vive Wrist Brace
  • Best for Use During Exercise McDavid Adjustable Wrist Wrap
  • Best Splint M Brace Wrist Splint (#134)
  • Best Sleeve McDavid Adjustable Elastic Wrist Sleeve
  • Best Money-Back Guarantee ComfyBrace Day Wrist Brace
  • Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Recovery Mueller Reversible Splint Wrist Brace

Best Wrist Braces for Seniors of 2024

Best Hypoallergenic

M Brace Wrist Support (#132)

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (4)

5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $25.99
  • Product weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Range of support: light to moderate

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Set of Two

Vive Wrist Wraps

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (5)

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $19.99
  • Product weight: 1.12 ounces per brace
  • Range of support: light to moderate

On Vive Health's Website

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best for Nighttime Support

BraceOwl Night Time Wrist Support

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (8)

4.8

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $23.97
  • Product weight: 3.84 ounces
  • Range of support: moderate to rigid

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Lightweight

Swede-O Universal Wrist Wrap With Thumb Loop

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (9)

4.6

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $10.17
  • Product weight: 0.5 ounces
  • Range of support: light to moderate

Shop Now

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best for Tendonitis Relief

Vive Wrist Brace

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (10)

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (11)

4.6

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $19.99
  • Product weight: 4 ounces
  • Range of support: light to moderate

On Vive Health's Website

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best for Use During Exercise

McDavid Adjustable Wrist Wrap

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (13)

4.5

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $14.99
  • Product weight: 1.7 ounces
  • Range of support: light to moderate

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Splint

M Brace Wrist Splint (#134)

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (14)

4.5

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $49.99
  • Product weight: 4.48 ounces
  • Range of support: moderate to rigid

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Sleeve

McDavid Adjustable Elastic Wrist Sleeve

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (15)

4.5

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $14.99
  • Product weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Range of support: light to moderate

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Money-Back Guarantee

ComfyBrace Day Wrist Brace

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (16)

4.4

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Price: $19.97
  • Product weight: 1.8 ounces
  • Range of support: light to moderate

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Recovery

Mueller Reversible Splint Wrist Brace

Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (17)

4.4

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Price: $21.99
  • Product weight: 2.1 ounces
  • Range of support: moderate to rigid

Shop Now

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Our Methodology

To determine the best wrist braces for older adults, the Forbes Health editorial team evaluated over 90 products marketwide, ranking them based on:

  • Price
  • Number of sizes available
  • Whether sizing is adjustable
  • Whether support level is adjustable
  • Product weight
  • Warranty details

What Is a Wrist Brace Used for?

Wrist braces are typically used by older adults to manage specific painful conditions, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, a sprain or tendonitis, says Michael Fredericson, M.D., a sports medicine physiatrist in Palo Alto, California.

How a Wrist Brace Can Help

According to Dr. Fredericson, a wrist brace helps stabilize the wrist and reduces irritating movements, which can alleviate pain for certain conditions. “Exactly how wrist braces help is really dependent on the type of condition we’re treating,” he explains. “If you have tendonitis, you’ll have a more flexible brace; if you have a fracture, you’ll want a more rigid brace.”

If you have a problem with your thumb—and a lot of people with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome do—certain wrist braces can target specific pain points, he adds.

Different Types of Wrist Braces

The three most common styles of wrist braces include wraps, sleeves and compression products.

Wraps

Wrap wrist bands are designed to keep the wrist from flexing back and forth. They can be used for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, according to Dr. Fredericson. Some people like to use wrap wrist braces for working out, too, “but we typically don’t prescribe it for that,” says Dr. Fredericson.

Sleeves

A sleeve wrist brace usually comes with support for the thumb, which is helpful for treating both arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, according to Dr. Fredericson.

Compression Braces

A compression wrist brace can help treat conditions like sprains, but more severe injuries like fractures should be treated with a more rigid brace.

What to Consider in a Wrist Brace

What you want in a wrist brace depends on your condition, according to Dr. Fredericson.

Mobility

If you’re dealing with anything other than a fracture (or maybe a sprain), you likely want a wrist brace that gives you some mobility, says Dr. Federicson.

Adjustability

In order to achieve the most comfort in wearing a wrist brace, pick one that’s adjustable. However, if you’re dealing with a fracture or an injury where you don’t want the wrist to move at all, rigidity is more important than flexibility.

Materials

Look for wrist braces made with durable materials that are also lightweight and breathable so they’re as comfortable as possible. You might also avoid wrist braces made with latex, which can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some people.

Professional Recommendation

Before using a wrist brace, speak with your doctor or a physical therapist to make sure you’re picking one that will treat your condition correctly—and not cause further damage.

Summary: Best Wrist Braces For Seniors

Productcompany_logoForbes Health Ratingsforbes_advisor_rating_imageBest ForView Morelearn_more_cta_below_textLearn More
M Brace Wrist Support (#132)Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (18)5.0Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (19)Best Hypoallergenic Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/M-Brace-AIR-Wrist-Support-prevention/dp/B00KACUXS2?keywords=M-Brace%2BAIR&qid=1681998570&sr=8-4&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=8c1f9a380b963ca522424a3026167ff4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Vive Wrist WrapsBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (20)4.8Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (21)Best Set of Two Shop NowOn Vive Health's Websitehttps://www.vivehealth.com/collections/wrist-braces-thumb-supports/products/wrist-wraps?aff=10
BraceOwl Night Time Wrist SupportBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (22)4.8Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (23)Best for Nighttime Support Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/BRACEOWL-Carpal-Tunnel-Compression-Support/dp/B07ZJPC8NN?keywords=BRACEOWL&qid=1681998686&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=eba6d6e798b618b0aeca6e12cf0e5221&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Swede-O Universal Wrist Wrap With Thumb LoopBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (24)4.6Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (25)Best Lightweight View More#swede_o_universal_wrist_wrap_with_thumb_loop_section
Vive Wrist BraceBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (26)4.6Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (27)Best for Tendonitis Relief Shop NowOn Vive Health's Websitehttps://www.vivehealth.com/collections/wrist-braces-thumb-supports/products/wrist-brace-splint?variant=13676451659811&aff=10
McDavid Adjustable Wrist WrapBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (28)4.5Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (29)Best for Use During Exercise Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Level-Adjustable-Wrist-Wrap/dp/B000H6ORYM?crid=3NV97DX40VODZ&keywords=McDavid+Adjustable+Wrist+Wrap&qid=1681998893&sprefix=mcdavid+adjustable+wrist+wrap%2Caps%2C811&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=be19af975dc8e86f2a3006cf72a6e88e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
M Brace Wrist Splint (#134)Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (30)4.5Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (31)Best Splint Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/M-Brace-AIR-V-134RR-Splint-Regular/dp/B00KACGTJO?crid=1N6B6IR8SPPLK&keywords=M%2BBrace%2BWrist%2BSplint&qid=1681998979&sprefix=m%2Bbrace%2Bwrist%2Bsplint%2B%2Caps%2C487&sr=8-10&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=c7e46cb76acb09e074ae1d7aa0a49d00&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
McDavid Adjustable Elastic Wrist SleeveBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (32)4.5Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (33)Best Sleeve Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Elastic-Wrist-Support-X-Large/dp/B0000AU1ZU?crid=2GKPHD347OPI1&keywords=McDavid%2BAdjustable%2BElastic%2BWrist%2BSleeve&qid=1681999188&sprefix=mcdavid%2Badjustable%2Belastic%2Bwrist%2Bsleeve%2Caps%2C623&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNzhYREdCT0tMWlpBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODE1NzQxQUg0M0tKTk5TS0VUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4NTY4MjUzTDg4S0tCSDZDNFhQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=a8a91e43152f685546b35dd4de3b51e3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
ComfyBrace Day Wrist BraceBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (34)4.4Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (35)Best Money-Back Guarantee Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/ComfyBrace-Premium-Copper-Support-Arthritis-Hands-Adjustable/dp/B07R6P3CHZ?crid=CNU80LSJUGYP&keywords=ComfyBrace+Day+Wrist+Brace&qid=1681999487&sprefix=comfybrace+day+wrist+brace%2Caps%2C525&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTDkxRFEzRVE3RTdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk1ODU5MlA3U1Y2NlQ2UEo2JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMjc4MjAzVE1HV0pQUFVOTzdUJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%3D%3D&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=bef4a3b378b99fcdba1a9ba2571fb40d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Mueller Reversible Splint Wrist BraceBest Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (36)4.4Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (37)Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Recovery Shop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/WRIST-BRACE-SPLINT-BLACK-OSFM/dp/B000RZHPOM?crid=3EYWIMESMA6I6&keywords=Mueller%2BReversible%2BSplint%2BWrist%2BBrace&qid=1681999570&sprefix=mueller%2Breversible%2Bsplint%2Bwrist%2Bbrace%2Caps%2C378&sr=8-7&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=208c26f520d43299d1fa96d0af484e10&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Comfortable, Customizable Wrist Support

The Vive Health Wrist Wraps soothe arthritis, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, repetitive stress injury, sprains and strains. They're easily adjustable, universally sized and reversible to comfortably stabilize your wrists for daily activities.

Shop Now

On Vive Health's Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should you wear a wrist brace?

Fredericson emphasizes that there’s no set amount of time people should wear a wrist brace and that it’s largely dependent on the condition you’re treating. “You wear it until you’re starting to feel better, then you wean off of it,” he explains. “If it’s a chronic condition like arthritis, you may need it more often. But we try to encourage people to just use the brace when they need it because you don’t want to use it all the time. Otherwise, the muscles around the wrist can weaken.”

How tight should a wrist brace be?

One key reason to select an adjustable wrist brace is to prevent a potentially dangerous lack of circulation. “You really don’t want it to be too tight,” says Fredericson. “You don’t want it to cut off the blood circulation, and you don’t want any numbness, blanching or tingling.”

If you’re unsure whether your wrist brace is the appropriate tightness, talk to your doctor.

Can you sleep with a wrist brace on?

Yes, you can sleep with a wrist brace on, and for certain conditions, it can be particularly helpful to do so. “For carpal tunnel syndrome, we do recommend sleeping with a wrist brace on because you become very symptomatic during the night,” says Fredericson. “If it’s more for arthritis, you don’t need it at night. It’s really all about what you’re using it for.”

Sources

References

  • Latex Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessed 10/15/2021.

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Leigh WeingusContributor

Leigh Weingus is a New York-based freelance writer and former senior editor at HuffPost, Elite Daily and Mindbodygreen. Her work has been featured in Well+Good, Glamour, Parade, Bustle, NBC News and more. When she's not writing, Leigh can be found taking a (virtual) yoga class, running in Central Park or whipping up her latest smoothie creation.

Robby BrumbergEditor

Robby has spent his career in a variety of writing, editing and storytelling roles. He now resides near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys woodworking, playing rec league soccer and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports franchises like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.

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Best Wrist Braces For Seniors Of 2024 (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what wrist brace to get? ›

Opt for an adjustable design or select one that's available in different sizes. Mobility: Look for a wrist brace that limits your range of motion enough to prevent overuse injuries and pressure to the median nerve. It must also allow enough mobility for you to perform your daily activities.

What is the most comfortable wrist brace for carpal tunnel? ›

A true superstar at relieving wrist pain, the BRACEOWL Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace impressed us with its easy adjustability and nighttime comfort, making it our best overall pick. After just a few uses, one of our editors noticed that most of her pain was gone when using her computer during the day.

What is the difference between wrist support and wrist brace? ›

Wrist braces are similar to wrist supports but often offer more rigid and immobilizing features. The goal of a wrist brace is to limit movement of the wrist, which is why they are made of much thicker material than wrist supports. A wrist brace may include a splint to restrict motion even further.

When should you not wear a wrist brace? ›

If you have an ordinary problem like hand pain, wrist pain or wrist tendonitis, then most generic braces will work just fine. However, generic braces should never be used when treating carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition has very specific issues that most wrist support devices do not address.

How many hours a day can you wear a wrist brace? ›

Gradually build up to half hour periods two times daily, • Then to one hour periods once daily. This will enable you to become accustomed to wearing it. (All guidance is approximate). Following this, wear your wrist brace during activities which put strain on your wrist such as carrying, housework or gardening.

Should you wear a wrist brace if you have carpal tunnel? ›

A wrist splint is a helpful short-term treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. But long-term use can cause your muscles to weaken. During and after a period of splint use, exercise and slowly increase your hand and wrist movements. This will help prevent your wrist muscles from weakening.

Should I wear a wrist brace for carpal tunnel all day? ›

It is best to wear it every night as it usually interferes with activity during the day, and most people with carpal tunnel syndrome have symptoms predominantly at night. Anyone with carpal tunnel might benefit from this brace, although it does not always work.

How long does it take for a wrist brace to help carpal tunnel? ›

You may also need to wear the brace during the day if your symptoms are severe or if you have trouble using your hand. Some people find relief from carpal tunnel syndrome after wearing the brace for just a few weeks, but it may take longer for others.

What are the cons of wrist braces? ›

Some experts advise against wearing a wrist splint while working, because doing so can strain the hand's tendons. A wrist splint is a helpful short-term treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. But long-term use can cause your muscles to weaken.

How do I choose a carpal tunnel brace? ›

Comfort and Adjustability: Good carpal tunnel braces are made of breathable materials to minimize irritation and sweating. They have adjustable straps or Velcro closures for a custom fit. Temporary Relief: A carpal tunnel brace can help alleviate symptoms, such as pain, numbness, and tingling.

What part of the wrist hurts with arthritis? ›

Midcarpal: Arthritis develops in the eight small carpal bones in the wrist. Radiocarpal: Arthritis develops where the two forearm bones (the radius and ulna) and carpal bones meet.

Is heat or cold better for arthritis in the wrist? ›

Heat can relax muscles and help lubricate joints. Heat therapy may be used to relieve muscle and joint stiffness, help warm up joints before activity, or ease a muscle spasm. Cold can reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain related to arthritis and activity. (It is also recommended to treat many acute injuries.)

Should I get a wrist brace if my wrist hurts? ›

When Should You Wear a Wrist Brace? You should wear a wrist brace when you're experiencing pain, tingling sensations, discomfort, or inflammation in your wrist. You may also want to wear one when you're engaging in activities that put stress on your wrists, such as playing sports or exercising.

Should I wear a wrist brace all day for carpal tunnel? ›

It keeps the wrist in a neutral position that decreases the compression on the nerve that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. It is best to wear it every night as it usually interferes with activity during the day, and most people with carpal tunnel syndrome have symptoms predominantly at night.

How many hours a day should you wear a wrist brace for carpal tunnel? ›

A wrist splint for carpal tunnel syndrome should only be worn at night, when you're sleeping. You should never wear one during the daytime. The reason is because of the way carpal tunnel syndrome occurs. It begins due to stressed tendons in your wrist joint.

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