Jimbo, I agree you're feeling comfortable and not guarding your hand is the most important thing. But wearing a brace with RSD is generally not a good thing... Does your brace restrict ANY movement in your wrist, hand, or fingers?

Have you tried a tens unit in public? It does accomplish the same thing while (potentially) helping, as opposed to the brace which can harm you further.

When I wear two Lidoderm patches--the first covering the front of my hand, the second over my wrist, (and I cut little snips into it so it is more flexible and stays on) it is a big white indicator that my hand is damaged and it actually brings more attention than I'm comfortable with, but nobody touches my arm while I'm wearing them.

The frequency with which you wear a brace, is going to contribute greatly to how big of an issue this is. When atrophy is very apparent, like in JimKing's wife's case, I'd be very worried about any brace use.

There have to be additional options others have figured out as well.