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If you’ve ever woken up with numb fingers, burning wrists, or a frustrating tingling sensation that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. These are hallmark symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether you're typing all day at a desk, using tools on a construction site, or simply enjoying a hobby that involves repetitive hand motion, carpal tunnel can sneak up and disrupt your daily life.

The good news? A wrist orthotic, also known as a wrist brace or splint, can be a simple, non-invasive way to ease pain, improve function, and even prevent long-term nerve damage. At Atlantic Prosthetic Services, we specialize in designing and fitting custom orthotic solutions that support your healing and help you get back to what you love, without the pain.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the narrow “carpal tunnel” in your wrist. This tunnel also houses tendons that help your fingers move, and when they become inflamed (from overuse, injury, or health conditions like arthritis or diabetes), pressure builds up, squeezing the nerve.

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
• Hand weakness or clumsiness
• Pain that radiates up the arm
• Nighttime wrist pain or numbness that wakes you up

Without treatment, symptoms can worsen over time, leading to decreased hand function and potentially permanent nerve damage.

How a Wrist Orthotic Helps

A wrist orthotic is a brace that keeps your wrist in a neutral position, which is the least stressful position for the median nerve. Here’s how it works to provide relief:

• Reduces Pressure on the Nerve
  By immobilizing the wrist and preventing it from bending excessively, an orthotic reduces compression on the median nerve. This allows inflammation to subside and nerves to recover naturally.
• Improves Sleep Quality
  Many people with CTS report that their symptoms are worse at night. That’s because we often sleep with our wrists bent, unknowingly increasing pressure on the nerve. Wearing a brace while you sleep keeps your wrist in a straight, supported position, reducing nighttime numbness and pain.
• Supports Daytime Function
  For some patients, daytime use is also beneficial—especially for jobs or activities that involve repetitive wrist motions (typing, cutting hair, assembling parts, etc.). A properly fitted orthotic can limit aggravating movements while still allowing enough function to get through your tasks.
• Non-Invasive and Affordable
  Orthotic treatment is a cost-effective first step in managing carpal tunnel syndrome—often delaying or even eliminating the need for injections or surgery.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Wrist Braces

Not all wrist braces are created equal. While many drugstores offer generic braces, they’re not always the best choice for your long-term comfort or healing. At Atlantic Prosthetic Services, we provide custom-fitted hand and wrist orthotics tailored to your specific anatomy and symptoms.

Why go custom?

• Better fit = better support
• More comfort = more consistent use
• Targeted pressure relief = faster healing

Plus, we are trained to evaluate the root cause of your symptoms and can adjust your orthotic as your needs change.

Who Benefits Most from a Wrist Orthotic for CTS?

Wrist orthotics can help a wide range of individuals, including:

• Office workers who type for long periods
• Construction workers, mechanics, or chefs using tools repetitively
• Pregnant individuals, who often experience temporary CTS
• Older adults with arthritis contributing to swelling
• Anyone recovering from carpal tunnel surgery

In short, if you have mild to moderate carpal tunnel symptoms and want to avoid medication or surgery, a wrist orthotic is a smart place to start.

How We Can Help at Atlantic Prosthetic Services

At our clinics in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Shallotte, we offer:

• Comprehensive assessments of hand/wrist function
• Custom orthotic design and fitting
• Adjustments to improve comfort and effectiveness
• Guidance on when to wear your brace (day, night, or both)
• Education on exercises and ergonomic tips to support healing

We bring 27 years of experience to every device we fabricate, and our 98% in-house production rate means you get personalized care, faster turnaround, and a better fit—every time.

Don’t Let Wrist Pain Rule Your Life

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be frustrating, but you don’t have to suffer in silence or jump straight to surgery. A wrist orthotic is a low-risk, high-reward tool that can dramatically improve your sleep, work performance, and overall comfort.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS or have been diagnosed and are exploring treatment options, contact Atlantic Prosthetic Services today. We’ll help you find the right support—literally and figuratively.