I used to use a thumb brace with not much success. I finally gave in and had surgery to replace the joint nearest to my wrist. At the same time I had the joint nearest to the nail fused because it was too far gone. I did this because I was in nearly constant pain and it was ruining my life. I had a cast on for 7 weeks (right hand, my dominate one) and a brace for several weeks after that. I had lots of pain during that time, but it was worth it because now i have NO pain!!! I do not have the use (flexibility) that I used to have, but I feel that I am better off now anyway.