Sprained Thumb: Treatment, Recovery, Symptoms, and More
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This type of injury may also result for other reasons. You reach out your arm to break a fall, and your finger jabs into the ground. This type of injury usually heals quickly if there is no fracture, although the pain may linger for months when direct pressure is applied to the finger. A thumb sprain can also happen over time from activities or sports that involve repetitive grasping or hand twisting.
You can then apply home treatment before you head to the nearest hospital. Safe and effective treatment of a sprained thumb starts with RICE and splinting. If that isn’t enough then physical therapy or surgery may be necessary. Always talk to your doctor if you have injured your thumb to help you determine the best treatment plan for your situation. For more severe sprains your doctor may recommend seeking treatment from a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will evaluate your injury and work out a treatment plan for you.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
A delay in treatment may make it more difficult to align the bones properly and may lead to a poor outcome. A padded splint can be used to prevent the bone from moving farther out of alignment. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving your finger may suggest a broken bone or dislocation.
If you keep it splinted for too long, or immobile after it is out of the splint, the joint will stiffen and your finger will become harder to move and use. Complex fractures are breaks in which the bone sticks though the skin. Simple fractures are breaks or cracks in the bone that do not break through the skin. Use medical tape to wrap together the stick or pen and your finger. If your finger is wrapped too tightly, this can cause additional swelling and cut off circulation to your injured digit.
How common are broken fingers?
To diagnose a sprain, your doctor will first move your thumb in various directions to see how it’s affected by a damaged ligament. Sprained thumbs are also common in sports that require you to use your hands, such as football, volleyball, rugby, or basketball. Read about how minor sports injuries can be treated at home. Read on to learn more about how to know if you’ve sprained your thumb, what can cause a sprain, and how it’s treated. Grade 3 —This is when the ligament is completely torn or pulled off the bone.
Once the pain and swelling are gone, you can try soft tissue massage. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into a bowl of warm water. Soak the sprained thumb in this water for at least 20 minutes.
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You may need to do rehab exercises each day, often under the guidance of a specialized hand therapist. These exercises can help with swelling and stiffness. They might take X-rays of both thumbs to compare your sprained thumb to your other thumb. Seek emergency care if signs of a Grade 3 sprain or a fracture are visible through the skin and/or if you’ve lost your range of motion. A bone fracture will need to be realigned and immobilized by a cast, while a torn ligament will require surgery for reattachment.
Once the fracture has healed, it is very important to follow all therapy instructions to improve motion in the thumb. After the immobilization period, thumb exercises should be performed to help regain full strength and movement. Hand therapy putty and elastic bands are particularly good for this. If you suspect a thumb fracture, especially a Rolando, or Bennett’s fracture at the base of the thumb then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Start moving your finger once it is out of the splint. As soon as your doctor confirms your finger has healed and it is out of the splint, it's important to move it around.
How do you treat broken finger at home?
These broken bone fragments must be held in place while the bone heals. A broken thumb is either a break to the small phalanges bones which make up the thumb. Or a fracture at the base of the thumb, where it attaches to the metacarpal bone in the hand.
Small bones called phalanges make up your finger structure. Each finger contains three phalanges, while the thumb contains two. Breaks can also happen in your knuckles, the joints where your finger bones come together. Before you try these moves, ask your physical therapist about which thumb rehab exercises are best for your injury. These thumb rehab exercises can help improve strength and range of motion.
A broken thumb can cause pain and swelling, and it may be visibly misshapen. Sometimes, a doctor may be able to correct the injury by using force to put the thumb back in place and applying a cast. If you suspect you’ve fractured your thumb, you can apply ice or cold water to the area to reduce swelling. Immobilization of your hand with a splint can help if you know someone with the proper knowledge to do so. You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect you have a broken or sprained thumb. Both types of injuries may require immobilization with a splint and surgery.
This article covers the common symptoms of a broken thumb, as well as some potential treatments. A broken thumb is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention. As long as you seek proper and quick treatment, your chances of recovery and full use of your thumb are very good. In a break called a Rolando fracture, there are multiple cracks to the large bone at the base of your thumb. During surgery, a specialist will insert a small plate and screws to hold your bone fragments together while your bone heals.
You should still see a provider even if you can tolerate the pain. The chances of successful treatment increase the sooner your treatment starts. Gently move your wrist from side to side, as if you're giving a handshake, and hold for 5 seconds in each direction. We look at what splints are available to effectively stabilize fingers for a number of concerns and needs. Stretch your muscles for a few minutes before you do any kind of exercise. Your surgeon will discuss with you which option is best for your fracture.
To reduce pain and stop the swelling due to your sprained thumb, compress the thumb as soon as possible. To ensure quick healing of your sprained thumb, you need to allow it to rest. Proper rest is a key component for repairing soft tissue damage. People who have arthritis are more susceptible to such injuries. It is also common among people who play sports like volleyball and football. When you sprain your thumb, the tissues that connect the bones in the joint are injured.
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