I own this very same model splint bought at a local store. There wasn't much choice when I went shopping for one. It was either this one found in a lot of places, or one that is much bigger and completely rigid. Unlike a lot of reviewers that were smart enough to get something for their wrists before it became really painful, I waited until the tingling and pain in my right hand was close to immobilizing it. When you have a serious carpal tunnel problem, no amount of rubbing, stretching, or pain medication will do any good. You have to get a splint style brace like this that both supports the wrist, and keeps it rigid as well. Thus allowing the irritated nerves to relax and recover. For me personally I can only say that this splint works almost like magic. The first day I got it I wore it on my daily walk, and for about an hour afterwords. Taking it off I was amazed at the amount of pain and discomfort that had just about disappeared completely. Wearing it is equivalent to having a sore muscle massaged for the amount of time that you have it on. The results for me has been well worth the price, and the small amount of inconvenience that it causes. Once I got used to it I could do my work on the computer, do chores with it, and even drive and use the manual floor shift on my truck without any problems. It really is very easy to get used too, and as far a being effective, I cannot imagine anything doing a better job. I wear it while relaxing or walking for about 2 hours or so a day and my wrist never hurts. One will get better results if you sleep with it, thus allowing the splint to really relax the nerve. But I found it uncomfortable in that respect since like many, I place my hand under my head while sleeping. The rigid metal splint that runs underneath your hand makes it a little hard for that. Now the downside to this very effective brace/splint. Mueller doesn't bother to make a right or left hand model for some reason. There is only this universal design. That means that one thumb hole goes unused and sticks out while in use. Its a little annoying and unsightly as some other reviewers here have noted, and its "bowed" effect takes a little away from the splints effectiveness in my opinion. (You could obtain a little tighter and more uniform fit without it there). Its unfortunate they don't make a custom fit left or right model. Also, although this brace is advertised to fit wrists up to 9", my wrist is 8 1/2" and I can barely attach the velcro straps. The wrap around strap will make it around any wrist, but the connecting ones underneath have to be pulled very tight to make contact, and then only by a little. One disadvantage in this respect is the unused sharp, rough surface of the velcro is exposed against the top of your wrist, and can be quite irritating over time. A larger size of this model would be very much appreciated. Though I find this splint to be very effective on my carpal tunnel pain, I would not recommend it for wrists 8" or above, unless you are willing to just grin and bear the imperfections as I have done. It really is not all that bad, but you may feel differently. As for wrists that are small enough, with the exception of the universal design being a little bit of a pain, I believe you would be hard pressed to find a more effective splint. It has all but eliminated my carpal tunnel pain. For the average sized wrist, I highly recommend it...
Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]