Wrist & thumb pain: understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & thumb sprains

Photo credit: @mdjaff on Freepik

Pain, numbness, or stiffness in your hands and wrists can disrupt your daily life, affecting everything from typing on a keyboard to opening a jar. Understanding the potential cause of your discomfort is the first step towards effective management. In Australia, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and thumb sprains are among the most common conditions affecting this area.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, primarily causing joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

It is estimated that in Australia, around 514,000 people live with RA¹, and the wrist is one of the most frequently affected areas².

What is a thumb sprain?

A thumb sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support the joint. Typically caused by a fall or sporting activity³, this injury presents with pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability⁴, significantly disrupting daily activities. In fact, hand and wrist injuries account for up to 25% of all sports injuries in Australia⁵.

Management: supporting and immobilising for a better recovery

For both of these conditions, appropriate management is crucial.

• For Rheumatoid Arthritis, the goal is to manage symptoms by providing support to the joint to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease strain⁶.

• For a moderate to severe thumb sprain, the recommendation is to immobilise the joint with a splint to allow the ligament to heal properly.⁷

The role of a supportive brace

A brace or splint is not a cure, but it is an important tool for managing symptoms. By keeping the wrist and thumb in a neutral and stable position, a brace can help to reduce pain and improve joint stability, helping you to perform daily activities with greater comfort.

Our solution: the Ligaflex® Manu

To meet these needs for support and immobilisation, Thuasne has developed the Ligaflex® Manu brace. Indicated for both Rheumatoid Arthritis and thumb sprains, it provides firm and comfortable immobilisation of the wrist and thumb thanks to its rigid, anatomical stays. Its aerated lining makes it pleasant for daily wear, and its strap system allows for easy adjustment and even compression.

Ligaflex® Manu 3D preview

It is a solution designed to bring you the comfort and security needed to get through your recovery period.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or symptoms in your hands or wrists, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a GP or physiotherapist, for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised management plan.

Sources:

(1) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), as cited in the Thuasne document "Rheumatoid Arthritis: managing wrist pain". (2), (6) Thuasne, "Rheumatoid Arthritis: managing wrist pain" Social Media Carousel, September 2025. (3), (4), (5), (7) Thuasne, "Thumb sprain: a common and painful injury" Social Media Carousel, September 2025.