Frequently asked questions about a thumb brace

Whether you are recovering from an injury, taking preventive measures or just need some extra support, wearing a thumb brace always provides the right support and stability. We list below some of the questions people would like answers to. Read on quickly below.

Which movements or activities to avoid when wearing a thumb brace

There are a number of activities best avoided when wearing a thumb brace. These include twisting or overstretching the thumb. Or activities that could hurt or injure the thumb or put excessive strain on it. Also pay close attention to sports such as basketball and volleyball. These are sports where you can easily injure your thumb.

Can I wear a thumb brace all day?

How long a thumb brace must be worn depends entirely on which injury you have and to what extent. A thumb brace provides you with support and stability. It is recommended that you wear a brace during the day. If the treatment requires a brace to be worn in the evening or at night, this is no problem. Just make sure you loosen the brace slightly to avoid pinching the blood vessels.

For what conditions or injuries can a thumb brace help?

There are a number of injuries, conditions and complaints to the thumb joint where wearing a thumb brace can provide pain relief and stability. A thumb brace can help relieve thumb pain or reduce inflammation. It can also increase the stability of the thumb. Below is an overview of the most common conditions for which wearing a thumb brace provides relief.

Trigger thumb

Trigger thumb is a condition where the tendon of the thumb gets stuck in a small tunnel in the hand. This can cause pain, stiffness and a clicking sound when moving the thumb. A thumb brace can help relax the tendon and relieve pain

Thumb base osteoarthritis

This is a condition in which the cartilage at the base of the thumb wears down. A thumb brace can help relieve pain and stiffness.

Tendonitis

This is a condition where the tendons in the thumb are inflamed. This causes pain and stiffness and is often caused by making the same movement. A thumb brace can help reduce pain and swelling.

Tear or fracture

If a fracture or tear has occurred to your thumb, a thumb brace can help immobilise and protect the joint during the healing process. Wearing a brace will reduce pain as well as speed up the healing process.

Sports injuries

Various injuries or complaints can occur during sports. Wearing a thumb brace can help protect and support the thumb. You can wear a brace to prevent injury, but also when an injury has already occurred. A thumb brace always provides the right support and is also incredibly comfortable.

Are there any side effects to wearing a thumb brace?

Side effects may occur in some cases. Fortunately, these are usually not severe and will go away by themselves. We list the side effects for you below.

Sweating

If it is warm, you may start to sweat where the brace is worn. If you find this unpleasant, see if you can wear a very thin piece of fabric underneath to prevent irritation.

Loss of strength in your hand, wrist or fingers

This mainly happens if you wear the thumb brace for a long time to minimise hand movement. As you move your hand, wrist or fingers less or not at all, the strength decreases. If you do not wear the brace, this returns naturally

Redness, itching or blisters

This may occur where the skin is very dry.

Stiffness in joints

If you wear the thumb brace for a long period of time, the joints in your hand and thumb may become stiff. This goes away naturally when you stop wearing the brace.

Can I clean a thumb brace?

You certainly can. To keep the brace in good condition for as long as possible, it is even necessary to clean the thumb brace regularly. It is recommended to always read the instructions on the label first. This tells you exactly how to wash each brace. In any case, do not use bleach or other aggressive detergents. Do not tumble dry. Give the brace time to dry by letting it air dry on a washing rack or wrap the brace in a towel, for example.

Can a thumb brace be reused for future injuries or conditions?

Yes, a thumb brace can be reused for future injuries or conditions. However, it is important to check the brace carefully for wear or damage before reusing it. If the brace is damaged, it can further damage your thumb joint.

Some tips for reusing a thumb brace

Check the brace for damage or wear. Look for cracks, holes or other damage on it. Wash the brace regularly. This ensures that dirt and bacteria are kept at bay. Always let the brace dry properly. This way you will enjoy your brace the longest and be able to use it for longer.

Need more information?

Would you like more information about using a thumb brace? Or are you unsure about how best to use it? Don't hesitate to contact our highly knowledgeable customer service team. Our team consists of enthusiastic experts who will be happy to tell you more about our products and their use. More information on the importance of the right thumb support can be found here.