Ergons do make a lot of difference especially on the wrists. Even the ones without bar ends. I have both kinds,on different bikes.. They do take a little fiddeling to get them where they feel most comfortable.
I installed mine and tightened them enough so they would only move with some pressure and experimented while riding, till they felt right,then made em tight. One side is even slightly more turned up than the other, which shows how you can custom fit them to your reach perfectly.
Get yourself a small very soft ball or something like that and spend some time squeezing it. Like squeeze and letting go on and off etc. It will strenghten and loosen up your hands/wrists, and you can do it anywhere anytime. There is a special ball for this,cant remember what its called. One of my kids has Carpel Tunnel and uses one,it works for her.