When your thumb hurts, you want to find relief- quickly! Whether it’s arthritis, tendinitis, or another issue, the right splint or brace can make all the difference. It can alleviate pain, enhance functionality, and speed up healing. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your specific problem? Each splint or brace offers a different kind of support and control, depending on how and how long you use it. Keep reading to discover more.
Support Levels for Thumb Splints and Braces
Thumb splints and braces are commonly labeled light, moderate, and firm according to the degree of support they provide.
1. Light Support – Uses compression and targeted support to control motion and is a reminder to avoid stressful activities
The 3pp Prima Thumb “fits like a glove” adjustable thumb brace provides light to medium support to help relieve pain from CMC and MCP Thumb Arthritis, Ligament Injuries or Overuse Injuries.
2. Moderate Support – Limits motion to a safe range and supports joints to reduce stress during activities
The 3pp ThumSling NP provides moderate support to help relieve your discomfort from CMC Thumb Arthritis, hypermobility (EDS), tendinitis or overuse.
3. Firm Support – Protects the targeted joint(s) but still allows necessary hand function
The CMCcare Thumb Brace provides targeted support to the base of the thumb to reduce the everyday pain of CMC Arthritis while leaving fingers and thumb free to move for all day comfort and function.
4. Firm+ Support: Limits or immobilizes targeted joints for rest and protection to allow healing
For more severe pain caused by injury, overuse, and arthritis, firm plus+ splints are designed to allow joints and tissues to fully rest and heal by limiting or stopping motion. The 3pp Ez Fit ThumSpica Splint securely holds the thumb in an ideal position to rest the thumb to relieve pain caused by de Quervain’s, Skier’s and Gamekeepers Thumb and overuse injuries.
Do You Need More Than One Brace?
In some cases, you might need two splints, one for nighttime and one for daytime. Most people have more than one pair of shoes depending on whether they are walking or running. And many people have more than one pair of glasses – a pair for reading and one for driving. The same is true if you wear a splint or brace to treat a condition or an injury. Depending on the severity of your condition and your level of pain, the brace you need when you are active or out and about, may not be what you need at night or at rest.
During the day, when you need to move more, you may need a light support splint that provides light compression without restricting motion. A firm, comfortable splint for night limits motion and enables the muscles and joints to rest, reducing pain and inflammation. Those who have symptoms of CMC Thumb Arthritis often wear a splint that keeps the thumb supported but allows them to use their hand during the day and a brace during sleep to help the CMC joint rest.
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Our blogs are educational in nature and are not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Because your condition is unique to you, it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider before attempting any medical or therapeutic treatments. We are always happy to answer questions about products mentioned in our blogs, however, we cannot provide a diagnosis or medical advice.
I like that there are different splints for different injuries and their severity. I know a lot of people who have at least one splint for either their hand or their ankles. I feel like that is something that a lot of people have problems with. I think having light to moderate control on the splits are an idea.