Do Thumb Braces Help Arthritis

This Is By Far The Best Brace For An Arthritic Thumb

I have an arthritic, enlarged base thumb joint. I have been buying and using one of the original brand braces for several years, but the Velcro does not last very long, considering the expense. This brace has great griping Velcro and, best of all, just the strap can be replaced with a new one so you don’t have to buy a whole new brace! All of these braces are expensive, so it’s much better to keep them working by just buying a new strap.

ryahru

2/9/2020

Recommended By My Occupational Therapist

While these braces , recommended by my occupational therapist, are expensive, they’re worth it! Due to arthritis over the past several years, my thumb joints had became grossly displaced and almost golf-ball ball sized. However, after wearing these braces continuously for over a month, my thumb bones are moving back into place and the swelling is greatly reduced. I have complete confidence that with sustained use, my hands will soon be back to normal – in both function and appearance!

6/27/2018

Push Braces Ortho Thumb Brace Cmc To Help Treat Cmc Osteoarthritis And Pain

£49.99

The best CMC Thumb support brace on the market!

• CMC-1 osteoarthritis
• After surgery on the CMC-1 joint
• Instability of the CMC-1 joint
• Easy to fit and comfortable to wear
• No need for customisation

Push Braces Ortho Thumb Brace CMC to help treat CMC osteoarthritis and pain

What causes thumb pain?

Thumb arthritis is extremely common with one in every four or five people in Europe suffering from this form of thumb joint pain. It is considered as wear and tear of the articular cartilage, and it particularly affects people between 40 and 60 years of age. Arthritis of the joint at the base of the thumb, with a weakened ligaments, results in functional instability.

What are the symptoms of thumb osteoarthritis?

Symptoms include thumb pain, reduced hand function, weakness and stiffness. Arthritis of the thumb is an extreme disability as the use of the hand is fundamental to most areas of normal function.

How can the Push Braces Ortho Thumb Brace CMC help treat CMC osteoarthritis and pain?

The fact that this orthosis can be fitted by the patient is a huge step forward in the treatment of pain associated with this common form of arthritis of the thumb joint.

How to size and fit the Push Braces Ortho Thumb Brace CMC

Sizes

How to clean your Push CMC thumb brace

Push Ortho CMC Material Composition

• Polyurethane 79 %

Recommended Reading: Joint Inflammation Cause

Tips On What To Look For In A Thumb Arthritis Brace

While it really does depend on which part of your thumb is affected and the severity of your arthritis- in general you should look for a brace that supports or immobilizes the thumb joint that hurt.

You may also consider having two braces available. One for daytime use and one for nighttime use. For daytime use, a brace that supports and protects your hand and thumb is recommended and for nighttime use consider a brace that provides rest to calm your symptoms.

Here are few tips on what to look for in a thumb arthritis brace based on which thumb joints hurt:

How Long Do I Need To Wear My Thumb Brace

Does this sound familiar. You have thumb arthritis, you hurt your thumb or are recovering from surgery. Youre searching for thumb pain relief and your health care provider recommended a thumb brace to keep you from moving it. Youve followed your doctors orders and worn your brace every day for an entire week and you still have thumb pain. Youre probably asking yourself how long do I need to wear my thumb brace?Dont kid yourself. Pain doesnt go away overnight. So, how long until youre actually pain-free? The answer isit depends. Arthritis or an injury to a muscle, ligament or bone causes pain, swelling and discomfort. You need to heal and that means you need timeand patience.

Read Also: Rheumatoid Arthritis Better With Movement

Push Ortho Thumb Brace Cmc

The Push CMC stabilises the basal joint of the thumb and places the thumb in a functional position. This guarantees optimal hand function.

The Push CMC stabilizes the basal joint of the thumb and places the thumb in a functional position. This guarantees optimal hand function. The selected materials and rounded edges contribute to maximum comfort, the simple closing system enabling patients to fit the brace themselves without any effort. The product can be used in water, and can be dried easily.

How Does A Thumb Brace Work

The thumb support stabilizer fixes the thumb by means of splints and so immobilizes it. The compression of the tissue promotes blood circulation. If the tissue is well supplied with blood, healing occurs faster and inflammation and swelling can decrease. The wrist itself remains flexible. you can also find braces for other joints.For which indications are thumb supports suitable?Thumb braces are worn to protect the thumb. You can, after consulting your doctor, B. for indications such as osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatism, tendonitis, torn muscle fibers, snap thumbs, capsule bruises or collateral ligament rupture or collateral ligament strain .

In general, theyre worn with the thumb joint in the event of overload and signs of wear. By immobilizing the thumb, pain is relieved and the ligaments and tendons are relieved.

Also Check: Rf Negative Rheumatoid Arthritis

Should I Sleep In My Thumb Brace

Yes, depending on the condition of your thumb joint. A 2018 research review suggests that continuous use of a thumb brace throughout the day and into the night could be required to properly rest the thumb and make sure it stays in an ergonomic position.

That said, its best to check with your doctor or physical or occupational therapist about how to best use your brace.

Are You A Candidate For Splints When To Use Supportive Devices

The decision to use a supportive device is something to discuss with your rheumatologist. In general, says Dr. Wilmarth, It depends on the strength of the joint. The goal is to have you independent without a splint for as long as possible. It allows you to use your own strength and it is less cumbersome. But on the other hand, we also dont want you to injure your joints further.

Read Also: Why Does Arthritis Happen

Surgical And Nonsurgical Treatments For Arthritis Of The Thumb

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and cartilage loss within the joint. There are several types of arthritis. The most common typeosteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritisoccurs commonly in the joint at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint, called the carpometacarpal joint or the basilar joint, is important when trying to grip or pinch. Thumb arthritis is more common in women than men and increases in frequency over the age of 50 years.

Symptoms common in patients who have thumb arthritis include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb
• Swelling at the base of the thumb
• Grinding sensations when moving the thumb
• Painful and limited movement of the thumb
• Difficulty gripping
• Pain when opening jars, turning keys, etc.

Most people who have arthritis in the thumb report that their symptoms are worsened by activities, particularly repetitive activities. People who work with their hands, such as manual laborers, or even people who enjoy activities such as knitting or woodworking may notice pain at the base of the thumb as they continue their activities. In fact, those who have an occupation with repetitive movements are twice as likely to develop localized osteoarthritis. Many people with this condition find themselves rubbing or massaging the base of their thumb in order to relieve the discomfort.

What Thumb Brace Is Best For Thumb Arthritis

Updated: 9-2-21: All you have to do is go online or visit your local drug store to see how many options there are for thumb braces. Custom made, ready made, splints for resting your thumb, braces to support your thumb the list is long! So how do you find the answer to the question what thumb brace is best for thumb arthritis? Read on for tips on what to look for in a thumb brace and which thumb braces are best for your thumb arthritis pain and different activity levels.

Also Check: Inflammatory Arthropathy Symptoms

Expensive But Worth It

This is a lifesaver for me and has really increased my function. I have CMC arthritis and this brace stabilizes that joint without restricting the movement in the rest of my hand. I love it! It also disperses pressure so I can use it to bike and kayak without my joint getting pushed out of joint and hurting. It has really expanded my ability to function.

Florida

11/27/2021

When To Wear A Brace

Dr. Delavaux said there are a few conditions that can cause hand and wrist discomfort, including:

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes irritated, swells and fills the narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The condition is common, particularly among people who type or do other types of repetitive work with their hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness, numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and wrist.

When we sleep, we often have our wrists bent forward or backward, which can pinch the nerve and lead to carpal tunnel symptoms at night, explains Dr. Delavaux. Initial conservative treatment of wearing a brace that holds the wrist in a neutral position during sleep may help to alleviate symptoms.

• Fractures and other injuries.

Fractures and other injuries are another common cause of pain in the wrist and hand. If left untreated, fractures can cause serious problems, so it is important to see a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.

If you have had a fall or think you may have fractured your hand or wrist, it is OK to wear a brace overnight until you can get to the doctors office, says Dr. Delavaux. But be sure to get it checked out, especially if the pain doesnt get better after a day or two.

• Basal joint arthritis.

For people who have thumb arthritis, wearing a brace may help by providing warmth and compression, shares Dr. Delavaux.

Read Also: What Relieves Arthritis Pain In Hands

Why Do You Need The Cmc Thumb Splint

Everyday Medicals Thumb Immobilizer Splint helps relieve pain from arthritis, carpal tunnel, CMC joint pain, tendonitis, sports injuries, and occupational sprains and strains. The CMC thumb brace delivers essential support to your thumb while leaving the supporting fingers free, allowing you to go on with your daily activities such as texting, writing, cooking or cleaning.By isolating and restricting the movement of the thumb, this lightweight sprained thumb brace provides stability to your lower thumb joints to help aching, sore and weak thumbs with a moderate level of support.This brace has three adjustable straps to accommodate most hand sizes and immobilizes the brace to conform to fit both the left and right hand.The Thumb Splint is made with rigid support, restricting mobility in the thumbs while supplying compression and therapeutic heat to the affected area. With the provided compression, the brace also helps improve blood circulation and accelerates healing time.

• This brace can be worn all day and all night
• Helps effectively relieve pain in the hands
• Helps speed up the recovery process

Benefits

• Relieves pain from arthritis, carpal tunnel, hand sprains, and injuries
• Restricts thumb movement allowing it to heal
• Speeds up recovery time

• Three adjustable straps to accommodate most hand sizes
• Reversible, this brace can fit both the left and right hand
• Ergonomic Fit

How Is Thumb Arthritis Treated

The first method of treatment for thumb arthritis involves wearing a soft brace to limit the movement of your thumb, which allows the joint to rest. If the condition is more serious, a hard brace can be used, and either type can be worn overnight or intermittently throughout the day.

Other noninvasive steps include taking anti-inflammatory medications, modifying your activities, and icing the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.

If these methods do not help, the next step would be to inject a steroid medication directly into the joint. The injection may provide relief for several months and can be repeated indefinitely. Both men and women typically respond well to such conservative treatments at first, and for some, they may be all that is needed. But the treatments dont stop arthritis from progressing.

When nonsurgical approaches are no longer effective, surgery is an option. The best type of surgery for you depends on a number of factors, including the progression of the disease and how painful the symptoms are. In most cases, surgery for thumb arthritis involves removing some or part of trapezium with varying ways of stabilizing the joint.

Don’t Miss: Mayo Clinic Arthritis Treatment

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.

Additional reporting by Sarah Bradley

Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.

Ways A Brace Can Help Your Wrist Arthritis

Your wrist is a complex joint made up of 15 bones and multiple small joints. When damaged by arthritis, pain and stiffness make basic functions of the wrist difficult or even impossible. Writing, typing, and opening lids become painful chores.

In a healthy wrist, your bones glide easily along because theyre protected by cartilage. When you have wrist arthritis, though, this cartilage is damaged or worn away so bone rubs against bone, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Arthritis cant be cured, but our team at can help you manage your pain and possibly alleviate symptoms, often with noninvasive methods like activity modification, medication and injections.

A wrist brace can also be an asset if you have wrist arthritis. Heres why its so helpful.

Don’t Miss: Medical Term Joint Pain

What Are The Symptoms Of Thumb Arthritis

Pain in the thumb is the most common symptom of thumb arthritis. You might feel pain when you are pinching or gripping objects, Dr. Luo says. You may also notice a little bump at the base of your thumb, he adds, explaining that this would be a bone spur, or a projection that develops along joints as a result of inflammation, including osteoarthritis.

Other symptoms may include the following:

• Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb
• An ache after prolonged use of the thumb
• Loss of strength when gripping or pinching with your thumb
• Limited motion

Do Hand Exercises Help

Because gripping and pinching tend to aggravate the symptoms of basal joint arthritis, squeezing a ball and similar exercises should be avoided. Some individuals respond well to gentle motion performed in warm water to alleviate morning stiffness. Therapists provide advice about specific exercises if they are appropriate for an individual.

Read Also: Vicks Vaporub For Arthritis

What Is Thumb Arthritis

Thumb arthritis is most common in the thumb carpometacarpal joint, between the base of the thumb metacarpal and a wrist bone . Thumb arthritis is sometimes referred to as basal joint arthritis. Due to the stresses with everyday activities, basal joint arthritis is very common.

The thumb is the single most important digit in the hand, accounting for 40% of hand function. The thumb basal joint is subjected to a tremendous amount of force with pinching and grasping activities.

Does Not Secure On The Joint

This would be a great brace except the way to secure it via poorly designed velcro simply doesn’t work. It is constantly coming loose, and flapping. Very disappointed in it, especially for the cost. If it wont stay on securely, it defeats the purpose.

OMA: We are very sorry to hear you were disappointed with your purchase. Your satisfaction is very important to us. Please contact our customer service team at 1-888-378-7763 or so that we can help provide a solution. We would appreciate the opportunity to deliver a positive buying experience.

5/31/2019

You May Like: Acute Arthritis Attack

What Is Arthritis Of The Thumb

Arthritis at the base of the thumb is one of the most common areas of arthritis. This is the CMC joint, located where the metacarpal meets the carpal .

A normal joint is covered by a smooth surface that glides when the thumb moves. As we get older, this CMC joint wears out and breaks down. The cartilage, that keeps your joints lubricated – so they can move without friction and pain – becomes thinner and no longer moves smoothly over the bone. This triggers osteoarthritis to develop, causing pain, swelling and less strength at the base of the thumb.

What Are The Limitations Of Using A Brace For Treatment

Not all people with OA benefit from a brace. A braces effectiveness often depends on where OA has caused areas of instability and damage. For example, if you have damage to the medial compartment of your knee, a brace can help because it places more support on your outer knee. If you have a tear or injury to your anterior collateral ligament, youll likely needs surgery to stabilize your knee.

According to a , braces have limited effectiveness because people wouldnt wear them. The reasons they stopped wearing the brace included:

Discomfort: Its possible the added weight could feel bulky and heavy.

Skin breakdown: Adjusting to a brace can result in chafing of the skin. An improperly fitting brace can also cause redness and irritation.

Swelling: While braces can reduce swelling, some people may experience swelling as a side effect of wearing a brace.

In addition to these considerations, knee braces may not be as effective as other methods of relieving arthritis pain. This can include weight loss to reduce pressure on joints and exercise to reduce stiffness.

You May Like: What Does Arthritis Do To The Body