Sports glove for arthritic thumb carpometacarpal joint

Abstract

A glove for reducing lateral subluxation of the first carpometacarpal joint that includes a glove body, and a strap portion carried by the glove body. The strap portion extends from a proximal end portion of the glove, and has a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb, to provide dorsal-radial tension on the thumb near the distal end of the first metacarpal in order to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. An attachment element is also provided for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 045,518, filed Apr. 16, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a glove for use by those suffering from arthritis. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a sports glove for use by participants suffering from an arthritic thumb (first) carpometacarpal joint.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]A variety of sporting gloves are known in the art for providing protection and or an enhanced grip. Additionally, there are various orthopedic support devices for providing protection and / or support of appendages and / or joints, such as finger splints, or those to guard against wrist injury. However, it is often uncomfortable or impossible to use such orthopedic support devices in conjunction with sporting gloves, which often require a close fit to maximize contro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, the invention includes, in one aspect, a glove for reducing lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. The glove includes a glove body, and a strap portion carried by the glove body. The strap portion extends from a proximal end portion of the glove body, and has a length sufficient to allow the strap to be looped around the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) to extend the thumb metacarpal and serve as a dorsal radial tension band to reduce lateral subluxation at the first carpometacarpal joint. In this manner, the strap portion is capable of gently extending the distal end of the first metacarpal thereby maximizing the first web space for gripping and redirect force at the first CMC joint. An attachment element is also provided for securing a distal end of the strap portion to a mutually engaging attachment element secured to the glove body.

[0010]Although discussed and illustrated herein as applying to the first (thumb) carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, Applicant recognizes, and it is to be understood that the invention can advantageously be applied to other joints of the hand in order to provide stability, reduce pain and the like.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is often uncomfortable or impossible to use such orthopedic support devices in conjunction with sporting gloves, which often require a close fit to maximize control of sporting equipment.

Images