For the best sprained thumb splint on the market, search no further than Vive’s thumb splint. This versatile brace features two aluminum stays and adjustable Velcro straps for support and tailored compression. Plus, it comes with a 60-day unconditional guarantee for peace of mind. Keep reading to find out more about this amazing thumb brace.
Best Choice - Thumb Splint
Available in three colors, Vive’s thumb splint is lightweight and breathable for maximum comfort. It comes with two removable stays and adjustable Velcro straps.
Buy on AmazonSprained thumb, or an injury of a ligament in the thumb, can be debilitating. It usually happens due to a sharp blow or an overextension and can leave you in pain and struggling to grasp objects.
Luckily, sprained thumb splints can minimize pain and accelerate healing by immobilizing the affected digit. Take a look at our list of the best sprained thumb splints, and select the one that best serves your needs.
Our Top Picks
The 7 Best Sprained Thumb Splints
Best Choice: Thumb Splint by Vive
Made from neoprene, this sprained thumb brace delivers therapeutic heat and restricts movement to stabilize joints and ligaments. It features two removable aluminum stays for extra support and adjustable Velcro straps for tailored fit and compression. This product is backed by a 60-day unconditional guarantee.
Main Features
- Adjustable straps
- 2 removable stays
- Made from neoprene
- Available in 3 colors
- 60-day unconditional guarantee
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Fits most hand sizes
- Delivers therapeutic heat
- Suitable for either hand
Cons:
- Velcro may lose its grip over time
- Does not extend down the wrist
Top Performance: Brace With Thumb Spica Splint by Velpeau
This latex-free thumb brace comes in either a short or a long version—opt for the longer version if you are after additional wrist support. Two soft ties contour the thumb and can be adjusted for personalized compression. The sponge filling offers additional comfort.
Meanwhile, the removable thumb and palm rests and two flexible support bars at the back of the hand, offer heavy-duty stability. This product comes in three sizes.
Main Features
- 2 thumb fastenings
- Comes in short or long version
- Available in 3 sizes
- Flexible support bars
- Thumb and palm rests
Pros:
- Protects the thumb and wrist
- Adjustable compression
- Filled with sponge
- 100-percent money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Only fits either the right or left hand
- Velcro can irritate sensitive skin
Can’t Count Out: Thumb Stabilizer by Mueller
Available in black and beige, this one-size-fits-most thumb splint is reversible to fit either the right or left hand. It is made from shock-absorbing foam and comes with an adjustable metal splint for customized support. The built-in strap is long enough to be fastened around the top or base of the thumb for extra support.
Main Features
- Comes in 2 colors
- One-size-fits-most design
- Adjustable metal splint
- Made from foam
- Doesn’t limit hand movement
Pros:
- Absorbs shock
- Fits right or left hand
- Adjustable strap
- Delivers stability and support
Cons:
- Seams can rub the skin
- Not the best option for small hands
The Other Sprained Thumb Splints We Reviewed
Thumb Spica Splint by U.S. Solid
This sprained thumb splint is available in three sizes for a personalized fit and level of compression. Made from a soft and breathable fabric, it comes with a built-in metal stay and a moldable metal wing that holds it in position.
Plus, the figure-eight Velcro strapping enhances thumb stabilization without limiting the range of movement of the other digits. Unfortunately, the built-in stay does not cover the entire thumb.
Buy on AmazonDeluxe Thumb Stabilizer by Futuro
Available in two sizes, this sprained thumb brace comes with two supportive stays and a lacing system for a tailored fit and level of compression. It is made from a soft, breathable material and fits both the right and left hand. Think carefully before buying this product, as it does not come with a return policy.
Buy on AmazonThumb Brace Stabilizer by Houseables
This affordable thumb splint helps to alleviate the pain of sprains, as well as conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It comes with two stays and three adjustable Velcro straps for a controlled level of compression.
The fabric is breathable and cushioned, making it comfortable enough for both day- and night-wear. On the downside, the Velcro on the straps can lose its grip over time.
Buy on AmazonJoint Thumb Stabilizer by IRUFA
This latex-free thumb stabilizer is hypo-allergenic for sensitive skin. Made from patented knit fabric, it features adjustable Velcro straps and a removable splint to stabilize the thumb and protect it from further injury. While this thumb splint is available in two sizes, it is not the best option for those with small hands.
Buy on AmazonHow to Treat a Sprained Thumb
A thumb sprain is less serious than a break, but it still requires treatment. While a brace is essential for shortening sprained thumb recovery time, here are a few other tips to accelerate the healing process. Be sure to see your doctor if you have any questions or suspect that your injury may be more serious.
R.I.C.E
Using the R.I.C.E protocol immediately after an injury can make a world of difference when it comes to dealing with a sprained thumb. Rest the thumb to keep the sprain from getting worse. Ice the affected area with an ice pack to alleviate pain and swelling. Compress the thumb and elevate your hand above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and internal bleeding.
Surgery
If your ulnar collateral ligament—the most common ligament involved in a thumb sprain—is torn or severely sprained, you may require surgery to repair or reattach it. You will need to wear a cast for a few weeks following the surgery while your thumb ligament heals.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Sprained Thumb Splint
How Long is Sprained Thumb Recovery Time?
Thumb sprains are graded according to the degree of damage to the ligament. Grade one and grade two sprains, which are when the ligament is stretched or partially torn, can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to heal. A grade three sprain, when the ligament is completely torn, requires surgery and can take up to several months to heal.
How is Sprained Thumb Diagnosed?
Consulting a doctor is the best way of learning about the severity of your sprain. To determine exactly what you are dealing with, your doctor will administer several sprained thumb tests. Some of these may involve putting pressure on the injured ligament and an X-ray or an MRI if your doctor suspects a thumb fracture or dislocation.
What Are the Symptoms of a Sprained Thumb?
A thumb sprain occurs due to ligament damage. This is most often caused by accidents where your thumb is overstretched. The most common sprained thumb symptoms include pain, stiffness, bruising, or swelling around the base of the thumb. You may also find grabbing and pinching objects difficult.
Rehabilitation Exercises for a Sprained Thumb
As your thumb may feel stiff after wearing a thumb splint for a period of time, your doctor may recommend that you perform regular exercises to increase your range of motion.
Gripping Exercise
Hold a stress ball or a tennis ball in your hand. Grasp it with all of your digits and squeeze it as tightly as you find comfortable. Hold this position for around five seconds before releasing it. Perform three sets of ten repetitions.
Strengthening Exercise
Put a variety of small objects, such as pens, pencils, marbles, coins, and safety pins, on a table or another flat surface. One by one, pick up the objects with your thumb and another digit, moving them to the opposite side of the table. Perform this exercise daily for five minutes.
Stretching Exercise
Place your hand flat on a table with your palm facing down and your fingers close together. Move your thumb as far to the side as possible without lifting your other digits off the surface. Hold this move for five seconds before returning to the starting position. Alternatively, place your hand on a table in the handshake position, and move your thumb to the side. Hold for five seconds before releasing.
Weighing All the Factors
The best sprained thumb splint should deliver stability and compression without restricting the range of motion of your other digits. Vive’s thumb splint does exactly that. Featuring a low profile and two removable splints, it provides both support and comfort. Velpeau’s brace with thumb spica and Mueller’s thumb stabilizer also offer their own sets of noteworthy benefits.
Best Choice - Thumb Splint
Available in three colors, Vive’s thumb splint is lightweight and breathable for maximum comfort. It comes with two removable stays and adjustable Velcro straps.
Buy on Amazon