I wore the braces at night for a few years, and they did help. I didn't wake up to numb and tingling arms and hands, anymore. It got so that I was having my hands "fall asleep" while knitting and sewing, and that's when I decided to have the surgery. I had the Right hand done, then waited 3 years and got the other one done. Best decision I ever made. I can knit, sew, and do data entry at work with no troubles. I know it does not work for everyone, but it sure helped me.