Thumb Pain? Will an Orthosis Help?

The thumb joint, also known as the carpalmetacarpal (CMC) or ‘basal’ joint, is a highly flexible joint capable of many movements. The thumb joint forms a vital part in completing most hand functions, particularly when a pinch action is required. When thumb pain becomes a daily problem, completing simple hand activities can become challenging and start to affect your daily life.

Thumb joint pain is usually the result of an underlying condition and symptoms can range from mild or severe and even vary from day to day.

Thumb pain can be caused by several health conditions such as:

  • Joint arthritis, including natural wear and tear, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Injury or sprain
  • Repetitive injury
  • De quervain’s tenosynovitis
  • Fractures
  • Tendonitis

Symptoms can include:

  • Pain
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Swelling
  • Reduce movement in the thumb joint
  • Weakness and instability in the thumb joint
  • Difficulties completed general daily activities
  • Enlargement of the thumb joint and the area around the base of the thumb

Conservative treatment of the thumb joint aim to reduce the forces through the joint when completing activities, reduce pain, provide stability to weakened joints and slow down deterioration from wear and tear movements. Whilst wearing a thumb support won’t cure the underlying issues they can aid in keeping you active with reduced pain.

Total Body Orthotics provide a wide range of splints to support the thumb joint, these thumb supports can range from wrap-a-around fabric braces to rigid supports. Our clinicians are on hand to answer any questions you have on the braces we supply.

Wrap-a-round Fabric Support:

These devices are usually elastic or neoprene and they aim to hold the thumb in slight abduction and provide compression and stability. As they only involve a fabric element there is still some movement available in the joint, this facilitates comfortable wear, particularly in situations where there is an enlargement or deformity around the thumb joint, whilst still allowing the completion of daily activities with support around the joint.

Click here for the Selection thumb-Soft

Click here for the Universal thumb O Prene

Semi Rigid Wrap-a-Round Supports:

These braces offer increased stability and support around the thumb joint and usually include an additional rigid support along the thumb to further reduce movement at the joint. These braces are designed for more severe thumb pain or when additional stability of the thumb is required due to increased weakness in the joint.

Click here for the thumb spica

Click here for the Selection thumb rigid

Low Profile Semi Rigid Thumb Supports:

These braces offer a lower profile option by stabilising around the base of the thumb but leaving the wrist free. This design facilitate freer movement with wear for high activity users who do not want limitation of the wrist but still need support around the thumb joint for stability and pain management.

Click here for the short thumb spica ii

Click here for the Ligaflex Rhizo wrist support

Thumb Support with Wrist Extension:

The thumb supports with wrist extensions are designed to offer rigid support of both the thumb and wrist by maintaining the wrist in neutral and the thumb in slight abduction. They can be worn during the day during times of discomfort or at night to aid healing. These braces are the most supportive style of thumb support and are used in more severe cases or where both the thumb and wrist are affected.

Click here for the Ligaflex pro plus wrist and thumb support

Click here for the Manu Rheuma Pollex

Click here for the Thumboform X Long

If you would like any further information on our any of our braces then you can contact us by calling us to speak with one of our clinicians on 07751 370949, or visit our website at www.totalbodyorthotics.com . Our experienced clinicians are able to offer advice on the best thumb support to suit your individual needs.

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