Best Thumb Arthritis Braces (PRODUCT REVIEW)

[@VirtualHandCare]

👍Thumb pain relief starts here! 👉Join my 30 DAY Thumb Arthritis Training Program- virtualhandcare.mykajabi.com/30-day-thumb-arthritis-training-program

[@UnguisIncarnatus]

I have both of these and they're great. The MetaGrip provides the best support and pain reduction for me. However, I have had some issues with the hard material pinching my hand if I am doing an activity that involves holding something, such as hiking with trekking poles. Nothing major, just annoying. But wearing a light glove underneath the MetaGrip is enough to make it comfortable while still providing great support. The Comfort Cool is very comfortable and also helps a lot. It's good for casual use when I need some compression and support but don't need to completely lock down the CMC. It's very comfortable to wear while sleeping. I prefer the MetaGrip when my hand will be active, and the Comfort Cool other times. I'd recommend getting both. :)

[@VirtualHandCare]

I totally agree with you! Great explanation and real life experience using both 👍🤗

[@pandachickenmama]

I was so surprised when I first tried on the Push brace and how the pain in my thumb was immediately gone. I too find the Push brace can pinch at times, and I have found putting a thin glove on before putting on the brace helps. Something like a thin latex or vinyl glove works fine, or even those cheap one-size fits all thin knit gloves, Just as long as the pinch points are covered it feels way better. I can even trim the fingers off the gloves to make it easier to complete any tasks I have that require more dexterity.

[@pidjones]

I've used the Push for over five years. I get about a year out of one, doing mechanical work, driving, riding motorcycle, even (recently) playing guitar! The hardest thing to do in it is type. Worth the cost to put off surgery and shots. At 70, I guess that I am a couple years now from getting the surgery though.

[@edt.5118]

I have been using the Push support for 3 years and it allows me to play ukulele for up to 3 hours. Without the Push support, I can't play for 5 minutes. Thank you.

[@tippersteffi1]

Thank you for that information

[@maureenbrinck-lund1756]

I have been using braces for at least 10 years. I really like the comfort cools. They are a standard part of what I wear these days. The comfort cools are terrific for keeping my hands warm, so I wear them year 'round, except in summer warmth. I have one pair I use for exercise activities walking, hiking, etc. I often wear a pair of gloves or mittens over them. Putting gloves on and off sort of roughs them up a bit on the edges. The other pair I keep for 'dress'. They keep my hands warm enough that I don't need to add gloves when just going out and about. I also have hard neoprene ones that were made for me by an OT. I use the hard ones when I am doing yard work, housework or cooking where I need the firm support while I grip things like pruners, rakes, kitchen knives, etc. I may try the Push Meta Grips since my former OT retired and I have not been satisfied with the braces built by the new OT. The Meta Grips use less material and have that adjustable metal insert so they are not as bulky as the hard splints I now use. That will make them easier to use with garden or rubber gloves too. Thanks for the informative video.

[@jimsego172]

Great review, thanks. I've been through a few braces but have bought at least 4 Push Metagrips. working in Healthcare I like the way the Push can be gloved and is easy to wash and remove for hand washing. The velcro wear issue is a problem and it would be nice to have a repair or exchange credit option. I have removed the entire velcro assembly and added my own velcro straps.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Yes, that is definitely a negative I should have mentioned. I hope your Velcro craftiness is working though! 👏

[@PopDeek23]

Great Video! I can personally vouch for the Comfort Cool. It provides for complete thumb function while providing enough support to greatly reduce pain. I wear it when I'm playing guitar. And yes, very comfortable. A real night and day difference from the first brace I tried.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Thank you! I’m glad you found relief with the Comfort Cool. It really is a great brace! 👍

[@Higlyinlo]

Thanks for mentioning the guitar. That's why I need a brace, and the Push Meta Grip is agonizingly uncomfortable for me, even though my doctor supplied it, and insurance paid for most, I can't wear it. Guess I'll have to try the Comfort Cool. Physical Therapist recommended, and it felt OK in the office.

[@catharinewolfman4815]

Great explanation. Can you wear the PUSH brace while you golf or play racket sports?

[@barefootbob50]

I’ve had the Push Medagrip for a few years now, I like it but i experience some pinching when working with my hands. I also play bass and use a pick, it kind of interferes but the thumb mussel in my palm gets really sore. I’m thinking comfort cool for working and going to try taping for when I play music, getting old sucks but we all know that.

[@markmiller2439]

With the Comfort Cool brace, I use a small piece of medical paper tape to tape the rough side of the Velcro to the back of my hand. This way I don’t have to hold the Velcro down while trying to pull the other side of the brace over it. I don’t even feel the tape.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Great tip!

[@MicheleWarrior67]

Great video! I live in Canada and bought the Push splint for $90. Tge other one you showed, I purchased through the OT department at the hospital where I get treatment for osteoarthritis. I like the Push one when driving and grocery store. The othe one I like, I use for when I play my electric guitar. Both are great!

[@VirtualHandCare]

Wonderful to hear! They are great!

[@jo-annpotter9389]

Thx for the product comparison. I’ve been using the Push thumb braces for about 6 months. Really like the minimalist style of the brace. I’m able to cook and go about my day with the support. Thanks again for your information. 🇨🇦

[@hopepatterson4038]

The comfort cool worked for me within 2 days! I was shocked after suffering for months with thumb pain & not being able to use my hand for daily activities without experiencing pain.

[@VirtualHandCare]

It's such a great brace! My favorite too!

[@mattcooper1159]

I truly love your advice. And I just got the metabrace today!! It’s great. I need it in yoga practice 3 times a week. It will help me get back to doing push-ups on my fingertips if I’m careful.

[@shyanha]

I Love Love Love my Push brace. As a woman with hot flashes, though, it can get kind of gnarly, lol. Even so, the Push wins over my other braces because it allows more airflow, and is easier to clean. No real wait time for drying. Others have mentioned it, and I echo, it can pinch when using tools. I had mine on while raking and ended up with an angry blister. For my first arthritic flare up of the thumb (usually pain subsides after 2 days of no crocheting, but this was 3 weeks that turned into 4 months) my rheumatologist got me fixed up with the Push brace for daytime and any ol' wrist support / thumb stabilizer for sleeping. Combined with turmeric shots (ginger and lemon juice mixed with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and I added chamomile to the mix) each morning and an elimination diet, I now have a handle on this thumb issue. Less red meat, less gluten, less sugar (I don't have to give them up Entirely) was the magic diet solution for me. I was Supposed to go to OT, but the lady who schedules was as friendly as a starving rabid bear so I opted to skip OT. It's tough to heal while working with abrasive people. Thankfully, your bright shining smile and positive attitude is here to help! ❤

[@uneek23]

Great Video thanks. My main source of pain and swelling is in the MCP joint, rather than the Basal that you refer to. Would these be the best choices for that as well? Thanks

[@thattravelgirl]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been struggling more with CMC arthritis the last few weeks. I have the push brace and another one like the tan one you showed. In theory I'm supposed to use the tan one when sleeping but the velcro was too much when I was sleeping-between scratching my face with the velcro and getting caught on various bedding I've just stopped using it. The Comfort Cool might be the right way to go for sleeping! Also! Do you have a video on how to "save your hand" for knitters? It seems like knitters end up with a lot of hand problems, and losing the ability to do your favorite hobby because of hand pain is just not right.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Thank you for your comment Krystina and your suggestion for a 'Save your hand' video for knitters. I love that idea and you are right, it is definitely is needed! Let me know how the comfort cool works out!

[@bonniemott9119]

I am excited to see if this helps I have trouble with both of my thumbs thank you

[@VirtualHandCare]

These braces are definitely 2 of my favorite! But there's a lot more you can do to help your thumbs! Join my 30 Day Thumb Arthritis Training Program- virtualhandcare.mykajabi.com/30-day-thumb-arthritis-training-program. I teach you exercises, daily lifestyle hacks and more!

[@ScarletRed.]

I’m using Neo G wrist thumb support glove I will go this week for an X-ray, not sure if it’s arthritis but it damn hurts when I move it the wrong way thank you for all the information.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Unfortunately, ol' Arthur does like the thumb!

[@barbaravann5149]

Thank you! I ordered the push meta grip so your video popped up! Perhaps I can knit again soon! It arrives in 2 days!

[@Beati3]

Thank you. That's very helpful. I've been using the thumb braces I had when my thumbs were locking up - I'd removed the metal splints. These look much more comfortable.

[@fables4564]

Thank you for these videos. Many people with disabilities can’t go to an OT because of financial resources.

[@yasmins.6068]

Absolutely helpful and well explained video. Thank you for having so many details. Will try the comfort cool first as I have advanced osteoporosis.

[@lesleymanchester7149]

Your exercise video has really helped me 👏👏👏

[@joewhar33]

Thoughts on the Mueller brace?

[@VirtualHandCare]

It's okay for short term wear but is more rigid and immobilizes multiple joints compared to these 2. However it could be helpful for someone that may have arthritis in the MP joint as well as the CMC joint.

[@garyadams5654]

Great timing. I bought a brace that I didn’t like. Now I’ll buy the better alternative. Thanks.

[@VirtualHandCare]

You are welcome! Definitely perfect timing!

[@cubfanmike]

My doctor gave me the comfort cool braces and they help a lot

[@eBroncos]

What do you recommend for the problem of DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis? What do you think of the BraceLab brand (Their Push med Wrist Brace Splint)?

[@thesilverladylifts2708]

I love push. It is by far the best but really pricey. I get mi e from my hand ortho and insurance covers it. I look forward to surgery as mine is at stage 4.

[@vpwb]

Thanks for posting!

[@ItsMeTrish]

I love my comfort cool brace it has worked out great for me. However I am on my fourth one now so I’m wondering if the other one may be more cost-effective in the long run 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@VirtualHandCare]

I love it too! Unfortunately anything that has Velcro and you take off/on will wear out. Even the Push brace. 🤷‍♀️

[@needinfo2614]

I have the Push but have a problem with the straps wearing out or the Velcro wearing out. Tried to sew on more Velcro but not much success. Seems to be a common issue from what I have read.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Unfortunately, that’s an issue with a lot of braces if worn a lot. But I haven’t noticed it as much with the Comfort cool.

[@indygrammy]

I just came upon this great video. I have been through 2 metagrip braces. The Velcro absolutely does wear out. It’s a great brace, however!

[@vonnmarson1749]

I think they were both designed by Judy Colditz with the neoprene one preceding the bracelab splint?

[@caglayang5348]

Hi Michelle, Do you think a person could play electronic drum and do fitness sport(using dumbell vs..) with one of those on? Thank you for your care.🤗

[@suell1090]

Hey, I could not find anywhere in Shops UK that you have thumb arthritis support. Please advise if you know where to get it from.

[@theresaclary4744]

I agree with shyanha…. Turmeric with ginger-less red meat and sugar , less carbs worked for me too . 😊

[@kevilay]

Hello! I just started watching some of your videos and I am starting with some streches. For the last year I am getting alot of pain on the tendant on the inside of my elblow and around my thumb. I am a programmer for a living and a hobby mechanic. So I used my hands frequently. I find now after writing with a pen or using certain tools like a screw driver after a couple minutes my hand will really cramp up and its difficult to grip stuff. It is also painful. I am hoping for some advise as to what streches you think will best suit myself. Also should I be using a brace during work? Or working on the car? I am only 34 years old

[@idahohousehunter]

I seem to have both arthritis AND dupuytrens in my thumb and it's becoming more painful. Would this still help, considering I have dupuytrens as well??

[@duarizwan8544]

Can u please tell which one is best for mcp joint arthritis of thumb?

[@faithdoll9249]

I know this video is a year old but, I am 25 and have hyperextension In all of my joints I have alot of joint pain would you suggest any of these for my thumb pain? It seems to hurt very similar to what your saying

[@marlenejones6266]

I don't like anything firm. I have the comfort cool. It helps so much at night especially. I love the comfort cool. I can't afford the hard brace.

[@evergreen8965]

Thanks for the video

[@VirtualHandCare]

You bet!

[@julieabot4154]

I have hitchhikers thumb naturally but now I can't do it in my left thumb. I don't have trigger finger... what can I use...

[@danielr8932]

Great video! I’m wondering which brace would be better for a right handed guitar player who needs a brace for the left (fretting) hand.

[@VirtualHandCare]

I usually recommend taping or something more low profile. The Push brace can pinch your palm and the comfort cool may be too bulky for fretting.

[@danielr8932]

@@VirtualHandCare Thank you for the helpful response and for your videos!

[@yolandeotto9226]

Hi Michelle, I actually injured my thumb while removing floor tiles using a chisel and hammer... I hit my thumb a few times with the hammer ... now my thumb locks in at the joint and hurts. can you please help me rectify this ( its in the second joint)

[@meganmccabe6374]

Hi i cant find the link to buy either of these braces? I will google search.

[@VirtualHandCare]

I have them linked in the description. I'll copy it here too- Comfort Cool on Amazon- amzn.to/2OtQpEX. Or on my store- virtualhandcare.com/store/#!/Comfort-Cool%C2%AE-Thumb-CMC-Restriction/p/41269857 Push brace: Right Medium- amzn.to/3qFL2zH or Left Medium- amzn.to/34AJwGu or on my store here- virtualhandcare.com/store/#!/Push%C2%AE-MetaGrip%C2%AE-CMC-Thumb-Orthosis/p/503002176

[@spikeybunny6577]

Would one of these thumb braces be better vs the other for CPM joint subluxations due to EDS?

[@susandempsey9385]

Which do you recomend for holding the handle bar on a bike?

[@cynthiah6556]

I wear a hard plastic velcroed brace when I sleep that the hand specialist made for me. But I need a brace for outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing. Do you think that I could grip the paddle with the Push brace?

[@VirtualHandCare]

You could but it may pinch your palm. Hard to say. Taping may be a good option though!

[@celineharris7156]

What if my thumb keeps popping when I am opening hand fully? and it hurts?

[@kenfelling349]

Thank you so very much.

[@godschild5824]

Michelle what about wear schedule- should they wear them all day or just with activity?

[@VirtualHandCare]

Usually just with whatever activities are painful

[@godschild5824]

@@VirtualHandCare :-)

[@deliavillagonzalo3069]

Can someone please help me? I had a olecranon fracture, due to financial problem, Im not able to do any surgery and treatment on this. Is it have a chance that my elbow will be back in normal?

[@VirtualHandCare]

I am sorry to hear about this! It is hard to say whether or not your elbow will be back to normal without a doctor looking at it.

[@lemonlime1920]

Does anyone who is using either brace have autoimmune arthritis as the cause of the thumb arthritis? I have psoriatic arthritis and it’s very different than osteoarthritis. I have a lot of swelling around the joint. Ive been on Remicade infusions for a couple of years and hoping that it isn’t stopping working.😢

[@DebKeene]

Can the IP area be slit with scissors if too tight on comfort cool

[@kellykagoshima6963]

i have als and my thumb is failing. which one would better support my pinching movement??

[@VirtualHandCare]

You may need something a little more supportive than what either of these provide. Do you have an OT or PT that you work with? They should be able to help you or better yet make something custom fo ryou.

[@aleisterbroley900]

It's impossible (so far) for me to get proper compression on that joint, and get it to stay... My hands are very wide, and while my wrists are 7.25" around, they're much, much smaller than my extremely wide palms... All the compression wraps quickly work their way down off the hand until I'm basically wearing a loose wrist band.

[@VirtualHandCare]

Then you need to wrap around your thumb first, start above the thumb, then work down. Another tip is to put a small hole to put your thumb in. This will keep it from migrating down. But these thumb braces won't migrate because they support the thumb and they don't cross the wrist.

[@aleisterbroley900]

@@VirtualHandCare thanks for the tips. I feel like these would work well, and hopefully I can acquire one or both soon. For now, I'm stuck with some of the Ace products which, while better versions of some of the other braces and compression wraps that I've tried, are still the same basic idea... Although I will say that the Ace thumb brace doesn't have the super-rigid metal bar and has a much better closure system than most others. Their compression wrap (the kind with the thumb hole on one end, Velcro fastener on the other) is marginally better but still just works down the wrist in short order.

[@raymondclay5822]

The information in this video is great because I have considered both braces and now I know I'm going with the comfort cool. But those video camera settings are terrible. It is so distracting watching you jitter jump back and forth because your camera can't decide what the focal range is. Feel like I'm going to have an epileptic seizure from it

[@VirtualHandCare]

That is an old video but glad the information was helpful. Luckily my camera and editing skills have improved!

[@booswalia]

Do you think a person could play guitar chords with one of those on?

[@VirtualHandCare]

YEs! I think the MetaGrip would probably be more ideal since it isn't as bulky nor does it go as high up on the thumb.

[@larryb131]

the push metagrip is $109, I don't think so!!! I can live with the $32 for the comfort cool, but the push metagrip folks are just a little too proud of their product.

[@TruthMattersMan]

Can I ask, what sizes did you demo here? You have hands that look the same size as my Mom.

[@VirtualHandCare]

The comfort cool is a small and the Push is a size 2.

[@MrRafterPL]

I beliieve in surgery.

[@GregHalvorson]

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