In 1991, approximately 331,000 people needed wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medication or rest because of the ailment, the department said.

Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position.

You may only need to wear a wrist splint at night while you sleep.

Think about these guidelines when you use a wrist splint:

A wrist splint is not a substitute for good workplace design and proper body mechanics.

Some experts advise against wearing a wrist splint while working, because doing so can strain the hand's tendons.

Wearing a wrist splint to keep your wrist straight, usually just at night.

Use rest, ice, medicine, wrist splints, and new ways to do some tasks.

A wrist splint, medicines, and other treatments haven't helped your symptoms.

Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, stopping activities that may be causing the symptoms, and the use of a wrist splint at night.