If the joint at the base of your thumb is painful, uncomfortable or unstable, wearing a brace or splint can provide valuable relief.

Although it is not intended as a substitute for other treatments, this non-pharmacological solution is often a useful way of coping with rhizarthrosis day-to-day, provided that it is well adapted to your hand and your specific situation.

Wearing a brace or splint is one of the options discussed in the section ‘Treatments and care for rhizarthrosis’, in conjunction with medicinal products, injections, physiotherapy or surgery.

How does a brace or splint help with rhizarthrosis?

Rhizarthrosis, or basal joint arthritis, involves progressive wear of the cartilage of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint.

This leads to pain, stiffness, loss of strength and even thumb deformation in advanced cases.
Wearing a brace or splint can therefore help to:

  • Stabilise the joint, so as to limit painful movements;

  • Reduce mechanical constraints, especially if you need to make repetitive movements or really use your thumb;

  • Relieve pain by resting the joint.

A brace or splint cannot ‘cure’ arthritis, but it can help to keep your thumb working, particularly at certain times of the day or if the symptoms deteriorate.

Night splint or functional thumb brace: what are the differences?

There are various types of brace or splint for various uses, depending on the situation.

Functional thumb brace

  • Used during the day, especially for manual activities (DIY, cooking, carrying loads, etc.).

  • It stabilises the thumb, but its ergonomic design leaves the wrist free.

  • A functional thumb brace helps maintain independence in everyday movements, but with less pain.

Night splint

  • Worn at night or when resting, it immobilises the thumb (sometimes down to the wrist) to prevent it being used at all.

  • It envelops the thumb more than a functional thumb brace and, although it may seem restrictive, it offers good results for night pain or in the event of an inflammatory flare-up.

  • A night splint allows the joint to rest and recover and is often used as the first step in treatment.

Which of these two options to choose depends on a number of factors: the stage of progression of rhizarthrosis, the tasks or activities performed and, most importantly, what the patient feels.

For a more detailed understanding of the benefits of each, read our article: Should you wear a brace or splint to prevent rhizarthrosis? Advantages and practical advice.

Does a brace or splint always need to be custom-made?

There are two main categories of brace or splint:

  • Standard models, available from pharmacies, online or from medical equipment suppliers;

  • Custom braces or splints, designed by a professional (orthotist or occupational therapist).

Ready-to-use braces may be fine in certain situations, but they do have limitations – e.g. not fitted to size, prolonged discomfort, unsuitable materials.

Custom braces or splints, on the other hand, offer a number of benefits:

  • Fitted precisely to the shape of the thumb and wrist (often deformed by the condition);

  • Better long-term comfort, especially when worn for extended periods;

  • Better quality materials (resistant, breathable, etc.);

  • Can be adjusted according to changes in pain, deformation or mobility;

  • Essential for post-operative care: allows for dressings, swelling and specific constraints for each hand.

With advanced rhizarthrosis, a custom brace or splint can really improve quality of life.

How to wear your brace or splint properly: practical advice

The benefits from wearing a brace or splint also depend on it being used correctly.

Here are some important tips:

  • Follow the recommendations provided as to when you should wear it: a few hours a day or only at night, depending on your specific case;

  • Not too tight: if a brace or splint is too tight, it can cause discomfort or limit circulation;

  • Wash the brace or splint regularly (they often require hand-washing, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions);

  • Report any discomfort (rubbing, redness, persistent discomfort) so that the brace or splint can be adjusted as soon as possible.

A brace or splint is not designed to be used in isolation: it should form part of a comprehensive approach, which may include specific exercises for your thumb, joint protection techniques and, if necessary, surgery.

When should you consider a brace or splint?

Wearing a brace or splint may be recommended to you at the following times or stages:

  • From the first signs of functional discomfort or pain;

  • If you are suffering from acute pain or inflammation;

  • As a complement to pharmacological treatment or injections;

  • In preparation for or following surgery (e.g. TMC prosthesis or trapeziectomy);

  • For prevention, for people at risk (repetitive hand movements, high-risk occupations, etc.).


Further details can be found on the page on occupational risk factors.

Wearing a brace should not be seen as a substitute for a medical consultation.

If the pain persists or worsens despite the brace or splint, it is recommended that you should consult a specialist, for instance a hand surgeon. You can check our directory of hand surgeons to find someone near you.

For further information, please have a look at our pages on complementary and alternative solutions, such as thumb self-massaging, herbal remedies, cryotherapy or osteopathy.