This is a masterpiece of orthopedic innovation, I am absolutely thrilled and I’ve only had it for about half a day. Let’s get into it, I suffered a complete tear of my Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) of my A thumbs MCP joint. Commonly referred to as gamekeeper’s or skiers thumb, extremely painful to to say the least, and in strong need of support as await surgery. Leaving the hospital initially I was given a standard thumb splint wrist brace, which helped immobilize my thumb, but wasn’t nearly as comfortable or functional as this one. Take your time to really appreciate and understand how powerful of a device they have made with such simplicity. First of all, you need you break it in, and that is a good thing. The brace is sturdy and stiff, yet pliable and moldable. I put it on based on videos and the manual, and it was already a huge improvement over the standard brace, but g the freedom and support it gave me really allowed me to put my hand to use. The device is so supportive and free, that you are able to Regain full confidence and faith in utilizing the hand, because it will allow you to move in all the ways that you normally do, just not in ways that are going to re-injure your thumb, and where a lack of stability would have mad to pain, the brace does its job perfectly in maintaining stability where you need it the most. I happened to be moving today, so I spent the day packing, cleaning and moving boxes, all of which I haven’t been able to do independently for awhile. This provides support in a way that the pain is relieved because it was never caused to begin with. As you wear it, it might start to feel uncomfortable. This is often tied to how tight you close it, but as you have the freedom to use the hand, you will inevitably mold it out of the most comfortable and supported position, this is where the magic begins! Take your time to mold and bend it into the shape that gibes you the most support and comfort according to what you are doing. The entire frame of the base has a thick sharpable wire running through the polymer, as you break it in, you’ll be able to move it a lot more than when you first take it out of the box. Taking the time to take still report pain, provide comfort and support and expedite healing. I recommend using something line this https://a.co/d/4blu1nv basically a compression sleeve for your thumb, not only will that help with the healing and pain, it acts as a thin layer of protection for your skin again blisters if you really start being able to utilize your hand again. I’m thrilled, can’t recommend it enough. If I have time tomorrow I’ll add some video content reflecting how I’m using it and why it works. Happy healing! Read more
I've tried man many of these and this is by far the most comfortable and effective during the day. It is also less bulky, less sweaty than others. It actually isolates and stops CMC joint movement, and yet allows the last joint of my thumb to move and therefore I can actually use my hand while wearing it. I do woodworking while wearing it and it allows me to do my work without adding any discomfort to my lower thumb joint. It's only weakness is that after a while the velcro, as is true for all velcro loses its stickiness. ALso, the metal pieces inside the rubber outer piece starts to wear through over time. I am very hard on these though and they still last a long time, I have one that I have used for over a year... worth it! Read more
This brace helped me out a lot when I was suffering from Skier’s thumb last year. I work with my hands quite a bit, and this provided the perfect solution for immobilizing the thumb while it healed, while being minimalist enough to allow me to do most my job. It’s deceptively rigid when compared to how sleek it is, and although it’s more expensive compared to some of the other options, the freedom and breathability it allows makes it worth every dollar. Read more
It is very light weight and I can move my hand and wash it with ho problems. I only give it 4 stars because sometime the plastic feels so hard against my hands that I need to take it off and give it a break. I am able to drive with it on which is a plus. Read more
This is a great concept in keeping the base of the thumb knuckle immobilized. Unfortunately, the hard plastic that sits in the webbing between the thumb and hand does not fit correctly. It cuts into the hand, and there is no way to form it to your hand as it’s a very hard, thick type plastic. If it weren’t for the plastic piece between the thumb and the hand, it would be a great product. Just too painful to wear. I had to return it. Read more
I had a partial tear of my UCL after a motorcycle accident (crushed between handlebar and asphalt, whoops), and wanted a brace that freed up my wrist and other finger mobility once swelling had decreased a week and a half in. The ER brace was painful and I couldn’t ice my hand/let the topical NSAIDs soak in with it on. This brace is everything I needed and more. I’m 7 weeks into recovery and I don’t think I would have maintained strength in my arm without it. I absolutely wouldn’t have been able to work at my office job half as well without it. I am now only wearing it when stressing the ligament, so 80% of the day it’s off at this point. I had to cut up a fingerless glove for chafing on the back of the thumb, due to the scratching from the stiff Velcro strap. It was an easy modification that had no adverse effects on the brace itself or its stability. My physical therapist and orthopaedist say I can restart saber fencing and bouldering in a couple of weeks, so long as I continue using this specific brace while I’m placing stress on the thumb. I’m already back to riding my motorcycle (with a larger left glove to accommodate the brace), and opening jars myself. Seriously, opening jars is impossible without this brace. It takes all the pressure off of the UCL while it finishes healing/PT catches up to my previous functionality. If you’re looking for a brace that fits the following points 1. Wear all day 2. Wash your hands with it on 3. Type without pain 4. Write with (badly, but pain-free!) This is the brace you need. I didn’t even know the UCL existed until mine carked it, but this brace took all the pressure and pain away for an insanely low price. Don’t bother with the heat-moulded custom plastic thumb brace your ortho offers, just get this and hit the ground running (not like I did, I mean the metaphor) while you recover. Read more
