This is the off-the-shelf splint I recommend most often for pain at the base of the thumb, usually from osteoarthritis of the CMC and/or STT joints. In my opinion it’s the best of its kind and provided the perfect balance of stability and function. It is more expensive than the others and so I generally recommend this for people who know they need a thumb splint for the long term and they want the best one.

Why I like it

• It was designed by hand therapists, and it supports the base of the thumb while leaving the hand free to work.
• It’s hard wearing and lasts well. If the Velcro eventually wears out, replacing it is cheap, so you don’t have to buy a new splint.
• It comes in three sizes, for both left and right hands, so you can get a proper fit. Check the sizing chart on the Amazon page before you order.

How I’d use it
In my clinical experience, most people do best wearing a splint for most of the day, and at night too if pain wakes them. Take it off for washing your hands and for gentle thumb exercises. To settle a flare up give it around six weeks of regular use. If the pain has then settled, wean off gradually and see whether it stays settled. For chronic long term pain you might need to use it most days when active and using your thumb.

When it may not be right for you

• If the base of your thumb has become noticeably “squared” or changed shape, an off-the-shelf splint may rub or fit poorly. A custom-made splint from a hand therapist is better in that case.
• If your pain continues despite a splint, exercises and changing what you do, it’s worth being reviewed. Other treatments are available.
• If you haven’t been diagnosed, see a clinician first, as other conditions can cause similar thumb pain.

Compare with: the Orliman splint (softer, with more freedom of movement), the LigaFlex Rhizo (firmer support) and the Solace basic splint (cheapest).

More information

• • Read my article: Thumb Osteoarthritis: what it is and what you can do
  • Watch my video: Thumb arthritis: Whats really going on and how to treat it