Thumb Splints, Thumb Spica Brace, MCP Joint Splint & Thumb Braces

What are Thumb Splints?

Most people don’t think about this, but our thumbs endure much stress every day. For example, one pound of pinching that is performed by the thumb and index finger creates six to nine pounds of pressure at the actual base of the thumb. It is no wonder that thumb injuries happen quite frequently, or that arthritis and other types of inflammation all too commonly affect this important, opposable digit.

A thumb splint can specifically help with support, healing and protection by immobilizing the affected thumb. This approach gives the thumb extra time to heal and rest, without running the risk of further injuries. These helpful splints can be prefabricated with adjustable features to suit individual needs, or they may be custom-made to better conform to an individual hand shape. They are generally constructed with soft, breathable fabrics and/or special plastics to especially support the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the wrist, along with the metacarpal bone of the thumb.

The splint is attached to the hand, and if injuries or affected anatomy requires it, the splint may extend to the patient’s forearm to provide additional thumb and wrist support. If other fingers are also affected, there are splint designs available to include those as well. Thumb splints come in either left or right hand designs, or they may be universal and can work for either hand. A spica splint is an orthopedic splint consisting of a fabric enclosed metal, with a pliability that can be formed according to the size and shape of the particular affected hand. Used to immobilize the thumb and/or wrist while allowing the rest of the fingers to move freely, Spica splints typically employ Velcro strips to secure and maintain the splint comfortably on a variety of different hands.

What Type of Thumb Splint is Right for Me?

While you should always consult with your doctor before choosing a thumb splint for any reason, there are some general guidelines to follow in your selection process. Here are some of the most common reasons and conditions for using a thumb splint:

Repetitive strain injuries
An individual could benefit from using specialized thumb orthoses for repetitive strain injuries such as tenosynovitis, ‘skier’s thumb’ and DeQuervain’s syndrome. Various thumb splints and wrist splints can help to keep the thumb and/or wrist from moving, which greatly aids in healing and pain relief.

Fractured or sprained bones
Thumb splints can be used to both prevent broken bones, and to treat them once they have occurred. Splints with extra padding are perfect to use while engaging in sports or during exercise to help provide added protection against injury. Broken thumbs can quite seriously affect your ability to hold objects, and a variety of splints can help the thumb to heal more quickly, reducing pain and inflammation, while it also helps protect the thumb and hand from further damage.

Post-surgery
The majority of thumb surgeries will require wearing a thumb splint for several weeks after surgery to make sure that the thumb remains immobilized so it can heal properly. The type of splint your individual surgery requires should be decided by your doctor, with compliance the key to complete recovery.

Arthritis
Arthritis of the thumb, also known as basal joint arthritis, occurs when cartilage is worn away from the bones in the thumb joint. Many basal arthritis joint sufferers find some modicum of relief from the inflammation and pain this condition typically causes by wearing certain types of thumb splints and supports.

Disabilities
Individuals who experience spastic muscle movements, or who have abnormal anatomy issues, where connective tissues pull the anatomy into abnormal configurations, may also greatly benefit from using specified thumb and wrist splints. Splinting can help to keep the thumb, fingers and hand in the correct position for enhanced functionality.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO