Do splints help thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis does not go away. But exercises and treatments such as splinting can help reduce pain and prevent further deterioration of the joint.
What can I do for arthritis in my thumbs?
Treatment
- Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.
Should I wear a thumb splint at night?
Don’t wear your splint all the time, otherwise your joints may become stiff. Don’t wear your working splint overnight unless you’ve been told to by your therapist or nurse. When you take the splint off, make sure that you do some gentle wrist, finger and thumb exercises to help stop your joints from stiffening up.
How many hours a day should you wear a thumb brace?
It can also be used for short periods of rest. This splint immoblises (holds still) the painful joint of your thumb and gives some wrist and thumb support. Do not wear splint for longer than two hours at a time, as this may weaken your hand muscles.
Can thumb arthritis get better?
Outlook. While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you. A CRP test may be used to diagnose inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Do I have arthritis in my thumb joint?
Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb. Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects. Decreased range of motion. Enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb.
How do I know if I need a thumb splint?
Many people wear a thumb splint to stop hand or thumb pain. It’s also often used after thumb surgery. But a thumb splint is designed to keep the thumb immobile. If that’s not absolutely required, then a thumb splint is not necessary.
Should I wear my finger splint to bed?
Always wear the splint full time when you sleep. When we sleep, all of us naturally curl up our fingers without realizing it. In fact, after the initial 6-week healing period, you will need to sleep in the splint for another 2 months.
What does thumb arthritis feel like?
Pain at the base of the thumb on the palm side may be the most obvious sign, but it is far from the only one. Look out for these additional signs if you think you may have thumb arthritis: Pain or weakness with a grasping, twisting or pinching motion. Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb.
Why is thumb arthritis so painful?
The cartilage cushions the two bones, preventing any friction during movement. In people with thumb arthritis, the cartilage wears away. Without this barrier between them, the two bones rub together. As the bones rub together, they create friction and damage the joint, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.