If you type at an average 40 words a minute, that’s 12,000 key presses an hour or 96,000 keys per 8-hour day with each key press using approximately 8 ounces of force. That’s almost 16 tons of force exercised by your fingers and thumbs a day, no wonder they sometimes need a little extra support.
Think about this for a moment.
Osteoarthritis of the thumb is the most common form of arthritis that affects the hand which millions of people live with daily and carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is one of the most common operations performed. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found carpal tunnel surgery is second only to back surgery with over 230,000 procedures performed annually.
Bottom line.
With today’s lifestyles putting evermore stress on the thumbs, through typing, texting, gaming and even modern dating (swipe left, anybody?), our thumbs need help. The best thumb stabilizer, also commonly known as a thumb brace, aims to relieve pain by reducing movement of the thumb or offering extra support and compression. Whether it’s simply a night of pain-free sleep you’re after, or a record-breaking Call of Duty session, the best thumb stabilizer will help make your dream a reality.
- Breathable fabrics for extended wear
- Two stays provede maximum support
- Three adjustable straps for custom fit
- Proven to relieve thumb CMC osteoarthritis pain and optimize function
- Can be worn comfortably during work, household and recreational activities
- Contoured metal insert offers custom fit & stability during pinch & grip without impeding movement
- 【DUAL METAL SPLINTS】immobilize the lower thumb & wrist; ideal to ease pain for tenosynovitis, Carpometacarpal injuries,...
- 【RELIEVING OCCUPATIONAL PAIN】from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and repetitive stress injury (RSI), recovery from painful...
- 【VERSATILE & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN】support the joints while allowing minor flexing at the thumb tip, breathable neoprene...
- PERFECT THUMB SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES: Premium quality support for ultimate comfort and support, suitable for everyday...
- PAIN RELIEVING THUMB BRACE: Medically engineered to help relieve pain associated with arthritis, aching joints, hand sprains,...
- MEDICAL GRADE: Registered internationally as a Class 1 Medical Device with regulatory bodies, such as the MHRA (UK), FDA (US)...
- Thumb brace made of resilient plastic with perforations for breathability
How a Thumb Stabilizer Works
Thumb braces, or stabilizers, aim to secure the lower part of the hand known as the thumb saddle, the carpometacarpal joint in addition to the metacarpophalangeal joint which are often the cause of injury and therefore pain. Stabilizers tend to restrict the movement at the bottom of the thumb, some even totally immobilizing the thumb, and offer compression with varying degrees of mobility for the rest of the hand.
Here’s the good news.
Research has shown consistent evidence that splints (as found in thumb braces) can help reduce hand pain with a combination of splints and daily exercises helping to reduce pain and stiffness while also improving function. The following Youtube video demonstrates some thumb exercises you can perform to further help relieve the pain of arthritis and conditions like trigger thumb:
Best Thumb Stabilizer
Choosing the best thumb stabilizer can be a daunting decision. We’ve looked at many of the top selling thumb stabilizers on the market, trying to select various different styles to help you choose the best product that’s right for you and your poorly thumb.
A well-fitting thumb brace is vital for healing and pain relief so try to choose one which offers the best fit. Some may be unusable for larger thumbs with tightness causing further problems. Be sure to follow a product’s sizing chart or check the maximum dimensions of one-size-fits-all thumb braces.
More rigid braces will offer more support but can make performing everyday tasks or sports much more challenging. Less rigid braces are better for performing daily duties and are normally made from a softer, breathable material which many users find more comfortable. Some will feature adjustable straps that enable you to alter the compression based on your activities and may even have removable splints to increase or decrease flexibility and support when needed.
Mueller
Reversible Thumb Stabilizer This top-selling thumb stabilizer from Mueller Sports has been designed for basal thumb arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome or conditions, such as skier’s thumb/gamekeeper’s thumb and other thumb-related pain. Using three adjustable straps for a comfortable fit, two metal stays provide additional support and stability to the thumb. The wraparound design is easy to both put on and take off with one strap wrapping around the middle, one around the wrist and the third strap holding your thumb at the upper joint. The breathable fabrics allow for extended wear and there’s an antimicrobial treatment that controls or eliminates odors, any unsightly stains and prevents the growth of bacteria or microorganisms which can cause deterioration. Fully reversible, it can be worn on either hand, and one size should fit most hands from 5.5 to 10 inches wrist circumference. (A larger adjust-to-fit model is also available at a slightly higher cost, and caters for wrists up to 13.9 inches)
Push Braces
MetaGrip If you’re looking for something a little less conspicuous than the other thumb stabilizers we’ve looked at, and want a brace that can be worn under a glove, look no further. This discreet and durable thumb brace utilizes an embedded metal insert which automatically adjusts to your thumb shape, to provide relief from a variety of conditions causing thumb pain including osteoarthritis. Full palm support and double Velcro straps maximize stability in a streamlined design that fits under most clothes and gloves. The best part is the flexibility this brace allows for the rest of your hand even in pinch and grip movements. The durable material includes an updated strap which won’t deform at hotter temperatures and can be machine washed for easy care. If worn early enough in a diagnosis, the manufacturers claim this could avert distal joint deformity and improve the chance of maintaining function.
Bracoo
Thumb & Wrist Brace Dual metal spring stabilizers along the outer edge of the thumb act to immobilize and isolate unwanted movement of the thumb while leaving the tip free to flex for everyday tasks. This brace is perfect for the treatment of thumb ligament instability and sprains in addition to easing the pain and discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis and repetitive strain injuries. The dynamic support offered by the neoprene sleeve boosts blood circulation around the joint and aids faster recovery of the thumb and wrist. A lightweight, latex-free breathable neoprene is skin friendly and ideal for prolonged use. Perforated moisture vents allow sweat to dissipate effectively and ensure comfort all day long. Three adjustable straps means you can even alter the fit and compression as you wear it. This simple design can be worn on either hand and one size fits wrists up to 11.5 inches in circumference with thumb circumferences up to 3 inches.
Neo-G
Thumb Brace The Neo G brace is designed for more active lifestyles and offers partial immobilization for quicker recovery. Made from a flexible neoprene fabric, this slimline and lightweight compression glove offers quality support and ultimate comfort for everyday activities and sports including gymnastics, skiing, baseball, golf, tennis and many more. This brace can help with arthritis, sprains, strains and repetitive injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and is even registered by the FDA as a class-1 medical device. A flexible strap stretches from one side of the brace and is placed under the index finger,attached via a Velcro strip on the other side. The neoprene produces therapeutic heat that aids in speeding up the recovery process and relief of pain from aching muscles or joints. A malleable metal splint for the upper part of the thumb prevents unnecessary movement which may cause more pain.
Bort
SellaDur Thumb Stabilizer This rigid thumb brace uses a tough plastic to protect the joints and immobilize the thumb making it ideal for people who suffer from arthritis or in recovery from tendonitis, sprains and ligament damage. Particularly recommended for immobilization of the metacarpophalangeal joint and thumb saddle joint, the design allows for comfortable movement of the rest of the hand. The thumb splint has a raised edge at the junction of the thumb and forefinger to avoid pressure points that some other braces for arthritis can cause. Perforations in the rigid plastic allow for breathability with a soft undersock reducing possible irritation while absorbing sweat and moisture. An arthritis-friendly Velcro strap ensures the brace stays on and without the undersock this product is waterproof, perfect for use when cooking or cleaning. Available in three sizes; small, medium and large, the adjustable Velcro means this will easily fit most sizes of hands.
our #1 rated
Pros
Durable stabilizer made with odor resistant
antimicrobial fabric and doesn’t use natural rubber
latex or neoprene.
Easy wrap on design with three adjustable straps—can be worn on left or right hand.
Two stays for support to thumb
great for arthritis pain and weak
injured or sore thumbs
provides pain relief without limiting hand movement.
Rated as maximum level of support.
Good value for money—many customers who bought this thumb stabilizer rated it as their favorite product in this price range.
Cons
Materials used in the construction of this thumb stabilizer may cause skin irritations—if a rash develops or the pain persists
stop using the product and consult a physician.
Antimicrobial treatment is only designed to protect the brace and doesn’t offer protection to the skin.
Only one size and adjustability means it doesn’t fit as snug as some other stabilizers/braces which offer more than one size.
our #2 rated
Pros
Unique contoured metal insert offers custom fit and stability.
Durable
latex-free
machine-washable construction.
Easy to wear
even at night.
Slimline enough to wear under gloves.
Allows for flexibility for sports
including golf or tennis
where a grip movement is needed.
Can even be claimed for on health insurance policies.
Full 90-day warranty.
Cons
The rigid material combined with metal insert makes this brace unsuitable for people who may have thumb deformities caused by osteoarthritis.
Hard plastic has been reported to cut or rub into index finger and thumb areas.
Supports the lower thumb joint only
not much use if the upper joint hurts too.
Not reversible—three sizes available in left or right hand models.
Many complaints of straps wearing out after a few months
despite claims they have been improved.
Very expensive.
our #3 rated
Pros
Two metal splints offer maximum support to the thumb while leaving the tip free for typing
driving or many other activities.
Lightweight
breathable neoprene offers compression
boosts the circulation for faster recovery
and is comfortable enough for prolonged use.
Easy to fit with three adjustable straps that allow you to change the compression throughout the day.
It’s not bulky.
Perfect low cost option for thumb and wrist brace—offers ligament stability following dislocation and is ideal for use post surgery or after the removal of a cast.
Cons
People with larger thumbs (over 3 inches circumference) will find thumb holes too tight.
Can be too tight on swollen thumbs and cause pain.
Velcro on straps tends to tear away after repeated use.
Smaller hands may find support around the wrist too loose or brace slips further up the hand.
our #4 rated
Pros
Lightweight and flexible neoprene is perfect for those who want support yet enough flexibility to carry out more physical activities.
Therapeutic heat can help speed up healing.
Removable metal splint offers partial immobilization of the thumb which provides stability to weak and injured thumbs.
Easy to use
one simple strap holds in place with Velcro fastening and adjustable compression enures safe blood flow while offering support to affected area.
Universal design and size—can be used on many different sizes of hands and on either the right or left hand.
Unisex.
Inexpensive.
Cons
The one-size-fits-all design can be found to be bulky on people with smaller wrists.
Neoprene generates heat which some may find uncomfortable.
When active
the heat from the neoprene may also create an unpleasant odor
almost like a damp wetsuit.
Brace sometimes rubs the spot between the thumb and forefinger causing discomfort.
Velcro tends to wear away with time.
our #5 rated
Pros
Extremely rigid
ideal for recovery from injury
sprains or relieving the pain of arthritis.
Durable plastic
yet breathable.
Latex free.
One of the few waterproof thumb stabilizers on the market—can even be worn in the pool if required.
Leaves fingers and rest of hand free.
Cons
Extra rigidity may be uncomfortable and cause pain for people with inflamed or misshapen joints.
Although the manufacturer says it can be slept in
many users find it too uncomfortable to wear to bed.
Stiffness can cause the brace to slide about.
Simply too stiff for some users—be warned
it can feel more like wearing a cast
ideal if you want immobility but can make some activities difficult.
Expensive
and only fits one hand
design is not reversible.
Our Choice
While you won’t go wrong with any of the products we have looked at, you should consider what exactly you want from the brace/stabilizer and how much you want to spend. If you need something extremely rigid and money is no object (often the case with excruciating pain) then the Push Metagrip Thumb Brace is the way to go. An excellent product, but the main reason it was bumped off top spot is the prohibitively expensive cost (it can only be worn on the hand you purchase it for) and the lack of support to the upper thumb.
Let’s wrap things up. (Excuse the pun)!
Although there are many similar looking products the price, durability and customer ratings make the Mueller Sports Medicine Reversible Thumb Stabilizer, in our opinion, the best thumb stabilizer in 2020. From well known sports medicine manufacturer Mueller Sports, with over 50 years of experience, this brace offers firm support to the thumb while allowing freedom of movement for your hand in an easy to use wrap around style.
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