#Copper compression wrist plus

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. CTS rarely recurs following treatment and home care.

You can sometimes treat carpal tunnel syndrome at home, but it may take months to heal. CTS is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies, in which one of the body's peripheral nerves is pressed on or squeezed. Sometimes, thickening from the lining of irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve. It also controls some small muscles at the base of the thumb. The median nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index, and middle finger, and part of the ring finger (but not the little finger). The median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers pass through the carpal tunnel-a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. You might wake up and feel you need to “shake out” your hand or wrist. You may feel numbness, weakness, pain in your hand and wrist, and your fingers may become swollen and useless. To date, there are no large-scale, well-designed studies that have revealed a meaningful link between compression garments and improved athletic performance.Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurological disorder that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. While some small studies have shown a slight improvement in performance and slightly faster recovery from muscle swelling and pain, most others, including studies of runners, cyclists, and kayakers, have failed to prove that wearing compression garments gave these athletes an edge. For example, Tommie Copper claims that its products 'improve muscle recovery and performance,' and another purveyor called Primary Health Sports claims its compression sleeves 'enhance sport performance.' However, there is little evidence that shows the efficacy of compressing muscles to improve athletic performance. Makers of copper-infused compression sports apparel have also made other unproven claims beyond those addressed in the court settlement.

'It's extremely unlikely that these fabrics would provide any therapeutic benefit beyond compression for arthritis or pain,' Avitzur says. 'There are also no reliable studies supporting the healing powers of copper-infused fabrics,' says Consumer Reports medical director Orly Avitzur, M.D. A 2013 study of 70 people with rheumatoid arthritis (a relatively large sample for this kind of research), published in the journal PLOS ONE, concluded that wearing a copper wrist strap did not help ease pain. According to court documents, a 2012 Tommie Copper catalog claimed that, 'Copper has been used for thousands of years to aid in reducing inflammation, growing and sustaining connective tissues and aiding in blood flow and oxygen transport,' and that it 'provides immediate relief from inflammation… and harnesses the other well-known health benefits of copper.'Ĭonsumer Reports has also reviewed the research into the use of copper to ease pain and has found little evidence of the metal's ability to lessen aches. Medical compression stockings have also been prescribed to help prevent leg swelling and blood clots in patients who've had surgery.Ĭopper, a soft, malleable metal, has long been touted as a folk medicine treatment to relieve pain and heal injuries. Compression works by limiting swelling while providing support to the injured area.

#Copper compression wrist plus

Tommie Copper and other makers of copper-infused compression clothing, including Copper Fit, Miracle Copper, and Copper Wear, are combining two theories with their products: that compression plus copper equals pain relief and boosted healing.Ĭompressing the site of an injury is the third step of the recommended treatment for injuries such as muscle strains and ligament sprains, known as RICE-Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.