Thumb Support Indications
- De Quervain Tenosynovitis/Radial Styloid Tenosynovitis
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Carpal Tunnel
- Soft Tissue or Osseous Injuries at the Thumb
- Carpus Fractures
Variations
Resting the thumb is important, but if complete rest isn't an option, a thumb stabilization brace is worn to mitigate movement and add compression to remove inflammation while adding support directly to the thumb.
Vitality Medical offers a variety of thumb braces with compression straps or a thumb radial stay to immobilize the thumb. This is beneficial when there is a bone fracture or when wanting to prevent movement and reduce thumb joint pain.
- Wrist-Thumb Support gives compression therapy to the wrist and along the thumb side of the wrist -- called the Saddle Joint -- where the inflamed tendons are located. An example is this style is the OTC Neoprene Wrist-Thumb Support. The neoprene material is breathable and its adjustable strap customizes compression and support without being tight or losing full dexterity of the fingers.
The Scott Speciality Thumb-Brace is similar but has an additional thumb stay that wraps around the thumb joint to keep it in a neutral position.
- Wrist-Thumb Splint has a larger profile with circumferential straps to add support and compression with a palmar and radial stay to splint the thumb. The Select Series Wrist-Thumb Support uses fastening technology with a thumb splint for immobilization of the thumb.
- Wrist-Thumb Spica Splint is a thumb orthoses by applying a soft shell support to stabilize a broken or injured thumb or to assist with healing after thumb surgery. The DJ Orthopedics ThumbSPICA features a soft foam shell with an outer compression strap to hold the thumb into position.
- Wrist-Hand-Thumb Splint Orthosis is similar to the thumb spica but is a rigid thumb immobilization support. An example of this is the PROCARE Wrist/Hand/Thumb Orthosis, which is made with a trimmable thermoplastic material to restrict motion to the wrist and thumb. The designated thumb opening stabilizes the thumb and the adjacent fingers are unrestricted for free movement.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What is a thumb spica cast used for?
It is applied to the wrist and thumb to treat thumb injuries from muscle and tendon strain and sprains or fracture in the first metacarpal (thumb).
Is a thumb spica worn to bed?
Yes, it can be worn to bed and is often recommended to be worn while sleeping.
Do thumb splints work?
Yes, splints work because it forces the joint to stop. Pain lessons as the inflammation is controlled from compression as well as rest.
Is gamer's thumb or smartphone thumb permanent?
It can lead to permanent damage and further pain if left untreated. To prevent ongoing damage, play for shorter bouts of time, and take breaks often. If pain persists, take anti-inflammatory medication and perform physical therapy exercises.
How long does it take for a gamer's thumb to heal?
To properly recover, repetitive movements need to cease or be very limited to calm the inflammation. Typically it takes a month to six weeks.
Is it possible to get carpal tunnel in just the thumb?
Tingling from carpal tunnel can be experienced only in the thumb but usually is in both the thumb and index finger.
