Do hand exercises help thumb OA?
Sydney researchers say their study is the first to compare a mix of treatments
![](https://images.media.ausdoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/25212111/squeezing20a20ball-1136840658-1.jpg)
Doing hand exercises and wearing a splint appears to improve function for patients with thumb base osteoarthritis, but has less impact on pain, a Sydney trial shows.
Researchers compared outcomes over 12 weeks for 204 patients, half receiving a splint and an exercise program and the remainder receiving only education about joint protection.