I'll admit it. I'm an addict.

I have gone from being an occasional user of Epinions to spending a large portion of my free time reading and rating reviews on the site and writing or planning reviews offsite. It's fun, it keeps me busy, and it's a far better use of my time than watching trashy daytime TV shows.

Unfortunately, there's at least one fairly significant drawback to my increased use of the site in recent months. I have a little tendency to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome with symptoms ranging from stiffness and pain in my wrist and elbow to occasional numbness in my hand and fingers. Obviously this is not a good situation and one that is best to avoid. But while it's too late to completely prevent the nerve inflammation that causes carpal tunnel syndrome, I can lessen the symptoms and prevent further injury with regular use of the Futuro Energizing Support Glove. I've used rigid wrist supports in the past, but I like this flexible glove much better.

Product Description
The Futuro Support Glove is made from beige or 'flesh tone' 4-way stretch fabric similar to the 'power knit' material you might find in something like a girdle. A two inch wide elastic strap wraps around the wrist creating gentle support and warming the joint. The glove itself is fingerless with the only 'between fingers' connections being a small, stitchless connection occurring between the index and middle finger and a longer connection between the index finger and thumb. The stitching that runs between the thumb and forefinger and down both sides of the glove is very flat and so doesn't cause pressure points which could lead to additional discomfort. The same glove can be used on either the right or left hand.

My Experience
I've been wearing the Futuro Energizing Support Glove on a regular basis for the past several weeks. I've been using the small size which the company recommends for a palm circumference of 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches. The stretch fabric seems to stimulate circulation in my hand which helps improve feeling. The elastic strap gives just enough support to my wrist to keep me from flexing it to far and causing additional injury. Rigid wrist supports can make using the computer almost impossible because of the difficulty in operating a mouse with a strip of metal in the palm of your hand. This flexible support, on the other hand, allows me to do almost anything I could do without it (minus the achy-ness) and is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

The drawbacks to this glove are few and minor. One is the possibility of reducing circulation to the hand because the elastic is pulled too tight—I wish there had been a half inch more length to the elastic to allow for more individual fitting. If, after using the glove it seems to be too tight around the wrist, I would recommend moving up to the next larger size. Also, because there is fabric across your palm, your hand can still slip a bit when operating a computer mouse. It's not as hard to use the mouse as it is with a hard wrist brace, but it's not as easy as if you had plain skin handling it.

Overall, I've been really happy with my Futuro Energizing Support Glove and would recommend it to anyone who suffers from mild discomfort in hands or wrists caused by over-use, repetitive stress, or Epinions.



My thanks to Abraham for adding this item to the database for me.


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This is an entry in CaptainD's
Challenge Yourself WriteOff. Why not Challenge yourself?

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52 Weeks of Discovery

This is the sixth week in my personal challenge that I've undertaken for 2005.

How it qualifies
This is my first review for the 'Sporting Goods' category. I will soon run out of categories that I haven't reviewed in and will have to find new ways of challenging myself--suggestions welcome.

Recommended: Yes