WO2016100794A1

WO2016100794A1 - Compression wrist garment, and therapeutic method for reducing wrist pain

Info

Publication number: WO2016100794A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/066621
Authority: WO
Inventors: David B. Higgins
Original assignee: Ing Source, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-12-18
Filing date: 2015-12-18
Publication date: 2016-06-23

Abstract

A compression wrist garment is integrally knit of a body yarn, and is adapted for wear on a wrist of a user. The wrist garment incorporates a first high compression zone axially spaced apart from a hand end of the wrist garment, and constructed to apply substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist in an area of the transverse carpal ligament. A second high compression zone is axially spaced apart from an open arm end of the wrist garment, and is constructed to apply substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist below the transverse carpal ligament and adjacent distal ends of the ulna and radius. The graduated circumferential compression within the second high compression zone increases along a forearm of the user towards the median nerve.

Description

COMPRESSION WRIST GARMENT, AND

THERAPEUTIC METHOD FOR REDUCING WRIST PAIN

Technical Field and Background

[0001] The present disclosure relates broadly and generally to wrist supports, such as those used for general medical purposes to address conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Carpal tunnel syndrom is characterized by tingling and pain, particularly over the outer fingers and radiating up the arm, that is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. It is often associated with repetitive use, and is generally treated with physiotherapy and the use of bulky uncomfortable splints.

Summary of Exemplary Embodiments

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. Use of the term "exemplary" means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to "the invention" is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to "exemplary embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. [0003] It is also noted that terms like "preferably", "commonly", and "typically" are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0004] According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a compression wrist garment or "sleeve" integrally knit of a body yarn (e.g., in circumferential courses and axial wales), and is adapted for wear on a wrist of a user. The present wrist garment may be separately formed, as shown in the drawings, or integrally formed together with other fabric structure designed to extend around the elbow or over the fingers and thumb.

[0005] The exemplary wrist garment has an open arm end and a hand end. The wrist includes distal ends of the ulnar and radial bones, a transverse carpal ligament, and a median nerve proximate the wrist joint. The wrist garment comprises a first high compression zone axially spaced apart from the hand end of the wrist garment, and constructed to apply substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist in an area of the transverse carpal ligament. The first high compression zone comprises elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn. The wrist garment has zones of reduced compression axially spaced from the first high compression zone toward the hand end. A second high compression zone is axially spaced apart from the open arm end of the wrist garment, and is constructed to apply substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist below the transverse carpal ligament and adjacent distal ends of the ulnar and radial bones. The graduated circumferential compression within the second high compression zone increases along a forearm of the user towards the median nerve. The second high compression zone incorporates elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn. The wrist garment comprises additional zones of reduced compression axially spaced from the second high compression zone toward the arm end.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first high compression zone is constructed to apply between about 20-30 mmHg of substantially uniform compression.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second high compression zone is constructed to apply between about 20-30 mmHg of substantially graduated circumferential compression.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment, a first moderate compression zone resides adjacent (e.g. , directly adjacent) the first high compression zone and extends axially towards the hand end of the wrist garment. The first moderate compression zone comprises elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially uniform circumferential compression at a base of the hand above the transverse carpal ligament.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first moderate compression zone is constructed to apply between about 15-20 mmHg of substantially uniform circumferential compression.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment, a first light compression zone resides adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) the first moderate compression zone at the hand end of the wrist garment. The first light compression zone comprises elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially uniform circumferential compression to the hand of the user.

loon] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first light compression zone is constructed to apply between about 10-15 mmHg of substantially uniform circumferential compression.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment, a second moderate compression zone resides adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) the second high compression zone and extends axially towards the open arm end of the wrist garment. The second moderate compression zone comprises elastic yarns integrated with the body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm of the user.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second moderate compression zone is constructed to apply between about 15-20 mmHg of substantially graduated circumferential compression.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment, a second light compression zone resides adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) the second moderate compression zone at the arm end of the wrist garment, and is constructed to apply reduced substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm of the user.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second light compression zone is constructed to apply between about 10-15 mmHg of substantially graduated circumferential compression.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones have a combined length dimension designed to extend from a base of the fingers to a midpoint of the forearm.

[0017] The "midpoint of the forearm" is defined herein to mean a point located about

30% to 50% of the total length of the ulnar bone as measured from its distal end.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first high compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 15% and 25% of the combined length dimension of the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second high compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 15% and 25% of the combined length dimension of the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first moderate compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 5% and 15% of the combined length dimension of the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second moderate compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 25% and 35% of the combined length dimension of the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first light compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 5% and 10% of the combined length dimension of the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment, the second light compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 10% and 20% of the combined length dimension of the first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the compression wrist sleeve has a total length dimension of between about 6.25 and 9.0 inches— as measured in a relaxed condition (off the wrist) and axially from the open hand end to the open arm end. The exemplary first high compression zone has a relaxed length of between about 1 .25 and 1 .75 inches. The exemplary second high compression zone has a relaxed length of between about 1 .25 and 1 .75 inches. The exemplary first moderate compression zone has a relaxed length of between about 0.5 and 1 .0 inches. The exemplary second moderate compression zone has a relaxed length of between about 2.0 and 2.5 inches. The exemplary first light compression zone has a relaxed length of between about 0.25 and 0.50 inches. The exemplary second light compression zone has a relaxed length of between about 1 .0 and 1 .5 inches.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment, afirst stabilizerzone is formed with the wrist garment, and comprises a distal gel stabilizer located on an inside of the wrist garment and adapted for residing adjacent a top of the wrist.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment, a second stabilizer zone is formed with the wrist garment, and comprises a medial gel stabilizer located on an inside of the wrist garment and adapted for residing adjacent an inside of the wrist.

[0027] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a therapeutic method for reducing wrist pain, such as that caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrom. The method comprises applying a compression wrist garment to a wrist of a user. The wrist includes distal ends of the ulna and radius, a transverse carpal ligament, and a median nerve proximate the wrist joint. The method includes wearing the compression wrist garment, such that a first high compression zone of the wrist garment applies substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist in an area of the transverse carpal ligament, and a second high compression zone of the wrist garment applies substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist below the transverse carpal ligament and adjacent distal ends of the ulna and radius.

[0028] The term "directly adjacent" in the context of the present disclosure means a fabric area (or "zone") located or formed beside or surrounded, in whole or in part, by another fabric area (or "zone") without intervening fabric, parts or other structure. The term "wrist garment" refers broadly herein to any hosiery or other fabric construction designed to cover at least a portion of the wear's wrist. The wrist garment may be knit in whole or in part (e.g., using conventional circular knitting machinery), and may be specially designed for comfortable every-day wear. The present wrist garment may comprise (or be integrally formed with) a knit or woven glove, arm sleeve, or other fabric hand or arm cover. The term "axial" or "axial direction" is used herein to mean extending along a generally linear notional axis passing through circumferential portions (e.g., courses) of the garment. For example, the respective compression zones of the exemplary wrist garment may be axially divided— or divided along a generally longitudinal or length dimension (such as from the hand downward towards the elbow). Unless otherwise noted, the terms "substantially", "generally", "approximately" and "about" are used herein mean within a tolerance of +/- 10 percent. The term "substantially equal" in the context of the present disclosure means within +/- 10 percent. The term "therapeutic" is used broadly herein to mean of or pertaining to the health of the wrist, or treatment of a wrist condition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a compression wrist garment according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the exemplary wrist garment applied to the wrist of a user;

[0032] Figure 3 is perspective view of the wrist garment applied to the user, and showing a portion of the garment broken away to illustrate the underlying anatomy of the forearm, wrist and hand;

[0033] Figure 4 shows the exemplary wrist garment laid flat and in a relaxed (off-the- wrist) condition with the various compression zones labeled; and

[0034] Figures 5 and 6 are views of the exemplary wrist garment turned inside out to illustrate the distal and medial gel stabilizers designed to reduce migration of the garment during wear.

Description of Exemplary Embodiments and Best Mode

[0035] The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term "one", "single", or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term "or" denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

[0037] For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

[0039] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a one-piece compression wrist garment according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and shown generally at broad reference numeral 10. The exemplary wrist garment 10 may be formed throughout of a closed-loop Jersey-knit body yarn comprising micro-nylon, moisture wicking fibers, and/or other natural or synthetic fibers or fiber blends. Elastic yarns, such as a spandex or other elastomer, are laid-in the body yarn in predetermined areas of the wrist garment 10 to create multiple distinct zones of predetermined compression. One exemplary construction comprises approximately 76% 140-denier micro-nylon and 24% 280-denier LYCRA® spandex. In the exemplary embodiment, the present wrist garment 10 may be constructed on a circular hosiery knitting machine integrating a plurality of yarns formed in needle and sinker loops extending in circumferential courses and axial wales.

[0040] One commercial example of a circular knitting machine capable of producing the present wrist garment 10 may be the "CC4-MED" machine manufactured by Merz Maschinenfabrik GmbH of Hechingen, Germany. The CC4-MED comprises a 4-feed, high- efficiency, single-cylinder circular knitting machine for the production of various compression garments in compression classes I to III. The Merz positive feeders enable the feeding-in of inlay yarns to produce the desired compression with controlled feed-in yarn tension in each mesh course. Alternatively, the exemplary wrist garment 10 may be fabricated according to other known techniques, such as by cut-and-sew of elasticized fabric from pre-designed patterns, with flat lock stitching.

[0041] In one embodiment, the exemplary wrist garment 10 is divided into axially adjacent circumferential regions— Zones 1 -6 (as identified in Figure 4)— designed to extend from a midpoint of the forearm at an open arm end 1 1 of the garment 10 to a base of the fingers at an open hand end 12 of the garment 10. The total relaxed length of the wrist garment 10 measured from the arm end 1 1 to the hand end 12 may be in the range of 6.25 to 9.0 inches. The circumferential regions (Zones 1 -6) define respective therapeutic zones of designated compression adapted to closely and comfortably fit the garment 10 to the user, while strategically stabilizing and supporting tendons and muscles, promoting circulation, relieving pressure and pain, and reducing swelling. The circumferential Zones 1 -6 of the exemplary wrist garment are located to apply predetermined degrees of compression to various parts of the forearm, wrist, and hand. Targeted compression in the various regions of the wrist garment 10 may be graduated by laying-in (or integrating) elastic yarns of strategic lengths with the body yarn in the different axially-divided garment regions. In other regions of the wrist garment 10, the circumferential compression may be substantially uniform or "stable". The exemplary wrist garment 10 has a total length dimension of between about 6.25 and 9.0 inches— as measured in a relaxed condition (i.e., off the wrist) and axially from the open arm end 1 1 to the open hand end 12. The total course count may range from 230 to 245.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3, when properly sized and worn by the user, the wrist garment 10 is designed to extend substantially from the midpoint "P" of the forearm 15 to the base of the fingers 16 (at or slightly below the knuckles) and thumb 17. The wrist garment 10 covers the transverse carpal ligament 18 and median nerve 19 proximate the wrist joint 20. The wrist joint 20 bridges the hand 21 to the forearm 15, and comprises distal ends of the radius 24 and ulna 25. The radius 24 extends from the lateral side of the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist, and runs generally parallel to the ulna 25. The ulna 25 is located on the opposite side of the forearm from the thumb, and together with radius 24 gives structure to the forearm 15. The midpoint "P" of the forearm is defined herein as a point located about 30% to 50% down the length of the ulna 25 as measured from its distal end towards its proximal end. The total length of the ulna is indicated at "L" in Figure 3. The degree to which the wrist garment 10 extends along this length "L" is indicated at "G". In other words, the length "G" comprises about 30% to 50% of length "L",

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, the present wrist garment 10 comprises six (6) axially divided regions best shown in Figure 4, and identified by Zones 1 -6 respectively. Zone 1 is located at the open arm end 1 1 of the wrist garment 10, and comprises a smooth non-binding arm welt. The knit construction in this zone includes elastic yarns laid-in body yarns, and increasing in length in a course-to-course axial or wale-wise direction towards the open arm end 1 1 of the wrist garment 10. Compression in Zone 1 is relatively light, and graduated to increase in a direction indicated at arrow 31 , In the exemplary wrist garment, Zone 1 may comprise between 34-37 courses of body yarn, and may be constructed to apply substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm in the range of 10-15 mmHg, or less. The relaxed axial length of Zone 1 may be in the range of 1 .0 to 1 .5 inches, and may comprise approximately 15% of the entire relaxed length of the exemplary wrist garment. In a specific embodiment, the relaxed length of Zone 1 is about 1 .125 inches in a wrist garment having a total relaxed length dimension of about 7.5 inches.

[0044] Zone 2 of the wrist garment 10 is located directly adjacent Zone 1 , and is designed to promote enhanced circulation for pain relief and reduced swelling, and to further stabilize and support tendons and muscles along the forearm. The knit construction in this zone includes elastic yarns laid-in body yarns, and decreasing in length in a course-to-course axial or wale-wise direction from Zone 1 towards the open hand end 12 of the wrist garment 10. Compression in Zone 2 is characterized as "moderate" and substantially graduated within this region— increasing in a direction indicated at arrow 32. In the exemplary wrist garment 10, Zone 2 may comprise between 69-74 courses of body yarn, and may be constructed to apply substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm 15 in the range of 15-20 mmHg. The relaxed axial length of Zone 2 may be in the range of 2.0 to 2.5 inches, and may comprise approximately 30% of the entire relaxed length of the exemplary wrist garment 10. In a specific embodiment, the relaxed length of Zone 2 is about 2.25 inches in a wrist garment 10 having a total relaxed length dimension of about 7.5 inches.

[0045] Zone 3 of the wrist garment 10 is located directly adjacent Zone 2, and is likewise designed to promote enhanced circulation for pain relief, and to further stabilize and support tendons and muscles along the forearm. The knit construction in this zone includes elastic yarns laid-in body yarns, and decreasing in length in a course-to-course axial or wale-wise direction from Zone 2 towards the open hand end 12 of the wrist garment 10. Compression in Zone 3 is characterized as "firm" and substantially graduated within this region— increasing in a direction indicated at arrow 33. In the exemplary wrist garment 10, Zone 3 may comprise between 46-49 courses of body yarn, and may be constructed to apply substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist below the transverse carpal ligament and adjacent distal ends of the ulnar and radial bones. The range of graduated compression within this region is between about 20-30 mmHg— increasing along the forearm towards the median nerve proximate the wrist joint. The relaxed axial length of Zone 3 may be in the range of 1 .25 to 1 .75 inches, and may comprise approximately 20% of the entire relaxed length of the exemplary wrist garment 10. In a specific embodiment, the relaxed length of Zone 3 is about 1 .5 inches in a wrist garment 10 having a total relaxed length of about 7.5 inches.

[0046] Zone 4 of the wrist garment 10 is located directly adjacent Zone 3, and is again designed to promote enhanced circulation for pain relief, and to further stabilize and support tendons and muscles proximate the wrist joint. The knit construction in this zone includes elastic yarns laid-in body yarns, and strategically increasing in length in a course- to-course axial or wale-wise direction from Zone 3 towards the open hand end 12 of the wrist garment 10 such that circumferential compression within this region remains substantially uniform or stable throughout. Compression in Zone 4 is characterized as "firm"— ranging from 20-30 mmHg. In the exemplary wrist garment 10, Zone 4 may comprise between 46-49 courses of body yarn, and may be constructed to apply substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist in an area of the transverse carpal ligament. The relaxed axial length of Zone 4 may be in the range of 1 .25 to 1 .75 inches, and may comprise approximately 20% of the entire relaxed length of the exemplary wrist garment 10. In a specific embodiment, the relaxed length of Zone 4 is about 1 .5 inches in a wrist garment 10 having a total relaxed length of about 7.5 inches.

[0047] Zone 5 of the wrist garment 10 is located directly adjacent Zone 4, and is designed to relieve pressure, stimulate circulation and reduce swelling. The knit construction in this zone includes elastic yarns laid-in body yarns, and strategically increasing in length in a course-to-course axial or wale-wise direction from Zone 4 towards the open hand end 12 of the wrist garment 10 such that circumferential compression within this region remains substantially uniform or stable throughout. Compression in Zone 5 is characterized as "moderate"— ranging from 15-20 mmHg. In the exemplary wrist garment 10, Zone 5 may comprise between 23-25 courses of body yarn, and may be constructed to apply substantially uniform circumferential compression at the base of the hand in an area above (i.e., closer to the fingers) of the transverse carpal ligament. The relaxed axial length of Zone 5 may be in the range of 0.5 to 1 .0 inches, and may comprise approximately 10% of the entire relaxed length of the exemplary wrist garment 10. In a specific embodiment, the relaxed length of Zone 5 is about 0.75 inches in a wrist garment 10 having a total relaxed length of about 7.5 inches.

[0048] Zone 6 of the wrist garment is located directly adjacent Zone 5, and comprises a smooth non-binding welt at thumb and hand openings. The knit construction in this zone includes elastic yarns laid-in body yarns, and strategically formed in length in a course-to-course axial or wale-wise direction from Zone 5 towards the open hand end 12 of the wrist garment 10 such that circumferential compression within this region remains substantially uniform or stable throughout. Compression in Zone 6 is characterized as "light"— ranging from 10-15 mmHg. In the exemplary wrist garment 10, Zone 6 may comprise between 1 1 -13 courses of body yarn, and may be constructed to apply substantially uniform circumferential compression to the hand at a base of the fingers and thumb. The relaxed axial length of Zone 6 may be in the range of 0.25 to 0.50 inches, and may comprise approximately 5% of the entire relaxed length of the exemplary wrist garment 10. In a specific embodiment, the relaxed length of Zone 6 is about 0.375 inches in a wrist garment 10 having a total relaxed length of about 7.5 inches.

[0049] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the exemplary wrist garment 10 may further comprise medial and distal stabilizer zones 41 , 42 comprising gel stabilizers located on an inside of the garment, and designed to reside adjacent the inside and top of the wrist, respectively, to control (or reduce) fabric migration during wear. The stabilizers zones 41 , 42 retain the wrist sleeve in its intended therapeutic position on the wrist, thereby promoting enhanced stabilization and targeted circumferential compression applied by the various zones. The exemplary gel stabilizers in respective zones 41 , 42 reside directly against the skin, and each may comprise a generally rectangular continuous-surface, non- stretch, hypo-allergenic gel pad. In other exemplary embodiments, the stabilizers 41 , 42 may comprise other textured material (e.g., silicone or friction pads, textured fabrics, adhesives, or the like) located to reside generally on top and/or inside of the wrist, hand, or forearm.

[0050] For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the use of relative terms, such as "substantially", "generally", "approximately", and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0051] For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the use of relative terms, such as "substantially", "generally", "approximately", and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. [0052] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0053] In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. Unless the exact language "means for" (performing a particular function or step) is recited in the claims, a construction under §1 12, 6th paragraph is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1 . A compression wrist garment integrally knit of a body yarn and adapted for wear on a wrist of a user, said wrist garment having an open arm end and a hand end, the wrist comprising distal ends of the ulna and radius, a transverse carpal ligament, and a median nerve proximate the wrist joint, said wrist garment comprising:

a first high compression zone axially spaced apart from the hand end of said wrist garment and constructed to apply substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist in an area of the transverse carpal ligament, said first high compression zone comprising elastic yarns integrated with said body yarn, and wherein said wrist garment comprises reduced compression axially from said first high compression zone to the hand end of said wrist garment; and

a second high compression zone axially spaced apart from the open arm end of said wrist garment and constructed to apply substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist below the transverse carpal ligament and adjacent distal ends of the ulna and radius, the graduated circumferential compression within said second high compression zone increasing along a forearm of the user towards the median nerve proximate the wrist joint, and said second high compression zone comprising elastic yarns integrated with said body yarn, and wherein said wrist garment comprises reduced compression axially from said second high compression zone to the arm end of said wrist garment.

2. The compression wrist garment according to claim 1 , wherein said first high compression zone is constructed to apply between about 20-30 mmHg of substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist.

3. The compression wrist garment according to claim 1 , wherein said second high compression zone is constructed to apply between about 20-30 mmHg of substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist.

4. The compression wrist garment according to claim 1 , and comprising a first moderate compression zone adjacent said first high compression zone and extending axially towards the hand end of said wrist garment, said moderate compression zone comprising elastic yarns integrated with said body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially uniform circumferential compression at a base of the hand above the transverse carpal ligament.

5. The compression wrist garment according to claim 4, wherein said first moderate compression zone is constructed to apply between about 15-20 mmHg of substantially uniform circumferential compression at the base of the hand.

6. The compression wrist garment according to claim 4, and comprising a first light compression zone residing adjacent said first moderate compression zone at the hand end of said wrist garment, and said first light compression zone comprising elastic yarns integrated with said body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially uniform circumferential compression to the hand of the user.

7. The compression wrist garment according to claim 6, wherein said first light compression zone is constructed to apply between about 10-15 mmHg of substantially uniform circumferential compression to the hand.

8. The compression wrist garment according to claim 6, and comprising a second moderate compression zone adjacent said second high compression zone and extending axially towards the open arm end of said wrist garment, said second moderate compression zone comprising elastic yarns integrated with said body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm of the user.

9. The compression wrist garment according to claim 8, wherein said second moderate compression zone is constructed to apply between about 15-20 mmHg of substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm.

10. The compression wrist garment according to claim 8, and comprising a second light compression zone residing adjacent said second moderate compression zone at the open arm end of said wrist garment, said second light compression zone comprising elastic yarns integrated with said body yarn and constructed to apply reduced substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm of the user.

1 1. The compression wrist garment according to claim 10, wherein said second light compression zone is constructed to apply between about 10-15 mmHg of substantially graduated circumferential compression along the forearm.

12. The compression wrist garment according to claim 10, wherein said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones have a combined length dimension designed to extend from a base of the fingers to a midpoint of the forearm.

13. The compression wrist garment according to claim 12, wherein said first high compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 15% and 25% of the combined length dimension of said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

14. The compression wrist garment according to claim 12, wherein said second high compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 15% and 25% of the combined length dimension of said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

15. The compression wrist garment according to claim 12, wherein said first moderate compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 5% and 15% of the combined length dimension of said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

16. The compression wrist garment according to claim 12, wherein said second moderate compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 25% and 35% of the combined length dimension of said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

17. The compression wrist garment according to claim 12, wherein said first light compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 5% and 10% of the combined length dimension of said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

18. The compression wrist garment according to claim 12, wherein said second light compression zone has a length dimension comprising between 10% and 20% of the combined length dimension of said first and second high compression zones, first and second moderate compression zones, and first and second light compression zones.

19. The compression wrist garment according to claim 1 , and comprising at least one stabilizer zone formed with said wrist garment, and comprising a textured material located on an inside of said wrist garment and adapted for controlling migration of said wrist garment on the user.

20. A therapeutic method for reducing wrist pain, said method comprising:

applying a compression wrist garment to a wrist of a user, the wrist comprising distal ends of the ulna and radius, a transverse carpal ligament, and a median nerve proximate the wrist joint; and wearing the compression wrist garment, such that:

(i) a first high compression zone of the wrist garment applies substantially uniform circumferential compression to the wrist in an area of the transverse carpal ligament, and

(ii) a second high compression zone of the wrist garment applies substantially graduated circumferential compression to the wrist below the transverse carpal ligament and adjacent distal ends of the ulna and radius.