Are hand braces necessary for treating tendonitis

I’ve dealt with more than my fair share of tendonitis in the past. As a frequent gym-goer and someone who enjoys activities that require repetitive motions, like typing and playing the guitar, tendonitis has been a regular (but unwelcome) visitor in my life. When I first experienced the sharp, persistent pain, it was hard to ignore—especially when basic activities, like lifting a grocery bag, began to feel taxing. I started researching solutions and came across the idea of using hand braces. But are hand braces necessary for treating tendonitis? Let’s dive into that based on my experience and thorough research.

Hand braces aren’t just some fancy accessory; they serve a very specific function for people dealing with tendonitis. When my friend Rick shared that braces had helped him recover from his severe wrist pain, I was skeptical. I wondered if it’s just a psychological boost or if there’s actually something to them. That’s when I started to dig deeper. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, more than 78% of participants reported significant relief from tendonitis symptoms after using hand braces as part of their treatment regimen. Numbers don’t lie—a high success rate like that can’t be purely coincidental.

One critical aspect to consider is the role of immobilization and compression. Medical professionals have long known that immobilizing an inflamed tendon can reduce strain and, consequently, pain and swelling. When I wore a hand brace during my first bout of tennis elbow, I noticed a marked improvement in just one week. This was not just a placebo effect; it was a result of reducing unnecessary movements that would otherwise aggravate the tendon. The concept isn’t new, either. As early as the 1950s, athletes have used braces and wraps to address injuries and prevent further harm. It’s a practice that’s withstood the test of time—and for good reason.

Of course, one could argue that other treatments, such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications, can address tendonitis. And you’d be correct to an extent. My sister opted for physical therapy when she developed tendonitis from gardening. Her therapist used a combination of targeted exercises and ultrasound treatments, and she saw improvement over the course of several months. However, her therapist also recommended a hand brace to wear during higher-stress activities, reinforcing the multi-faceted approach to treatment. The combination of therapies often yields the best results, according to healthcare professionals.

Let’s not forget about cost-efficiency. When weighing the options between medications, frequent physical therapy sessions, or purchasing a hand brace, the latter is often the most economical choice. A decent hand brace, like the ones found on reputable sites, typically costs between $20 to $50. In contrast, physical therapy sessions can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars, even after insurance adjustments. When I was dealing with my flare-up, I opted for a brace that was under $30. The financial relief was almost as soothing as the physical relief it provided.

Hand braces aren’t without their drawbacks, of course. Wearing one all the time can feel awkward, especially if your job involves a lot of typing or hand-based tasks. My colleague Sam found it hard to adjust to wearing a brace while programming. Yet, he also admits that the brace was the fastest route to reducing his discomfort. It’s a trade-off, to be sure, but for many, the benefits outweigh the inconveniences. Every case of tendonitis isn’t the same; the severity varies, as does the best course of action. But in my personal journey, along with anecdotal evidence from those close to me, hand braces have been an invaluable tool in the recovery process.

Overall, the medical community generally supports the use of hand braces for tendonitis. A substantial review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2019 underscored that immobilization could expedite healing times for minor to moderate cases. And let’s face it—in a world where time is money, faster recovery is always a win. So, if you’re grappling with the nagging pain of tendonitis, considering a hand brace might just be the step to ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery journey. Before you decide, you might want to check out a resource I found incredibly helpful. Click here for more hand brace for tendonitis options.

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