How to use this sheet. If we have given you a thumb splint, wear it for tasks that hurt, and at night if we advised it. Spare the thumb: avoid tight pinching and twisting (opening jars, wringing out clothes, gripping a pen hard), use wider handles, and use both hands or the palm instead of the thumb tip. Warm water before the exercises can ease stiffness. Keep the thumb in a gentle 'C' during the exercises, never bent backwards at the middle knuckle. Do the exercises slowly; stop before the pain builds. Mild discomfort that settles within half an hour is fine, sharp pain is not. A little every day beats a lot once a week.
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Thumb press up (strength, without moving)
Rest the back of the hand on the table, palm up. Make a gentle 'C' with the thumb, so its middle knuckle stays slightly bent and never bends backwards. Put a finger of the other hand on top of the thumb and press the thumb up towards the ceiling, away from the palm, without letting it move. Press only as hard as is comfortable.
Hold 5 to 10 seconds
Up to 10 times
Once a day
Should feel: The muscles at the base of the thumb workingShould not feel: Pain at the base of the thumb
Thumb circles
Slow circles within a comfortable range.
10 times
2 times a day
Should feel: Free movementShould not feel: Grinding pain
Finger to thumb touches
Touch the tip of the thumb to each fingertip in turn, making a round 'O' each time, with the thumb joints slightly bent and only light pressure.
10 rounds
2 times a day
Should feel: ControlShould not feel: Pinching pain
Grip squeeze
Squeeze a soft ball gently — do not squeeze hard.
10 times
Daily
Should feel: The hand workingShould not feel: Pain at the thumb base
Index finger press (strength, without moving)
Rest the hand flat on the table, palm down. Put a finger of the other hand against the thumb side of the index finger. Try to move the index finger towards the thumb, against the other finger, without letting it move.
Hold 10 seconds
10 times
Daily
Should feel: The muscle in the web between the thumb and the index finger workingShould not feel: Pain at the base of the thumb
Opening the thumb web
Rest the hand palm down on the table. Slowly slide the thumb out to the side, away from the index finger, as far as is comfortable, hold, then bring it back.
Hold 5 seconds
10 times
Daily
Should feel: A gentle stretch in the web between the thumb and the index fingerShould not feel: Grinding pain at the base of the thumb
Stop and telephone us if
The pain is getting worse, not better, after two weeks
You get new numbness, tingling or weakness
The joint swells up or locks
You feel unwell or feverish
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