Full Answer
How to treat a broken thumb at home?
Apr 15, 2022 · Steps: Place the elbow of your affected thumb on a table or other flat surface. Gently bend your wrist forward and hold for 5 seconds. Complete 2 sets of 15 reps. Next, gently bend your wrist backward and hold for 5 seconds. Complete 2 sets of 15 reps. Gently move your wrist from side to side, as ...
How do you fix a stiff thumb after surgery?
slide 1 of 3, Thumb IP flexion, Place your forearm and hand on a table with your affected thumb pointing up. With your other hand, hold your thumb steady just below the joint nearest your thumbnail. Bend the tip of your thumb downward, then straighten it. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How do you treat a torn ligament in your thumb?
Aug 29, 2017 · Bend the top part of your thumb back and forth. Hold the base of your thumb and bend it so that the thumb touches your palm. Touch …
What to do for pain in Palm of hand at base?
Treatment for a sprained thumb depends on the severity of the injury. Home Care. Mild thumb sprains will usually improve with home treatment that includes the RICE protocol: Rest. Try not use your hand for at least 48 hours. Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
How do you heal the base of your thumb?
Mild thumb sprains will usually improve with home treatment that includes the RICE protocol:Rest. Try not use your hand for at least 48 hours.Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down. ... Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling.Elevation.
How do you tell if base of thumb is broken or sprained?
Is my thumb broken or sprained? Both a broken (fractured) thumb and a sprained thumb can cause pain, swelling and bruising, but there are some differences to look for. A broken thumb usually causes more intense pain, and your thumb may look deformed or misshapen. A broken thumb can also cause numbness or tingling.Dec 23, 2021
How do you tell if you have a torn ligament in thumb?
SymptomsPain and severe swelling on the inner part of the thumb immediately after the injury.Pain and severe swelling on the base of the thumb immediately, or shortly after the injury.Weakness and instability during grasp or writing.Loss of motion when attempting to move the thumb circular.
Can you sprain the base of your thumb?
When you sprain your thumb, you'll usually feel pain, discomfort, and stiffness at the base of your thumb near the palm. You may have trouble grabbing or pinching objects, or barely be able to move your thumb. You'll also see swelling and bruising around the base of your thumb.
Will a broken thumb heal itself?
A broken finger or thumb usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer. It may be 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand. Once it's healed, use your finger or thumb as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff.
Can a torn thumb ligament heal itself?
A torn ligament cannot fully heal itself. Surgery for the thumb collateral ligaments is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will probably go home the same day as the surgery.
What helps ligaments heal faster?
Balance, control, and strengthening exercises can also help your ligaments heal more quickly than they otherwise would.
How do I strengthen my thumb ligaments?
Thumb IP flexionPlace your forearm and hand on a table. Your problem thumb should point up.With your other hand, hold your thumb steady just below the joint nearest your thumbnail.Bend the tip of your thumb down. Then straighten it.Repeat 8 to 12 times.Do this exercise several times a day.
How do you wrap an injured thumb?
0:512:56How To Wrap An Elastic Bandage: Thumb Sprain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to anchor securely to the wrist and then you're going to apply a spike or a figureMoreYou're going to anchor securely to the wrist and then you're going to apply a spike or a figure eight around the thumb just keep your hand relaxed.
Should I wrap a sprained thumb?
Taping the thumb can provide protection from further injury especially if the athlete wants to continue to participate in sports during the healing process. Once the swelling begins to subside, the athlete can begin range of motion and strengthening exercises for the thumb and hand.
How to straighten your thumb?
Place your forearm and hand on a table with your affected thumb pointing up. With your other hand, hold the base of your thumb and palm steady. Bend your thumb downward where it meets your palm, then straighten it. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How to do thumb IP flexion?
slide 1 of 3, Thumb IP flexion, Place your forearm and hand on a table with your affected thumb pointing up. With your other hand, hold your thumb steady just below the joint nearest your thumbnail. Bend the tip of your thumb downward, then straighten it. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How to do slide 3 of 3?
slide 3 of 3, Thumb opposition, With your affected hand , point your fingers and thumb straight up. Your wrist should be relaxed, following the line of your fingers and thumb. Touch your affected thumb to each finger, one finger at a time. This will look like an "okay" sign, but try to keep your other fingers straight and pointing upward ...
How to heal a sprained thumb?
Right after you’ve sprained your thumb, use the PRICE method: 1 Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down. 2 Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse. 3 Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the area of the sprain to reduce pain and swelling. 4 Compression: Wrap the area of the sprain with elastic wrap to keep pressure on the sprain. 5 Elevation: Keep your hand lifted above your heart to reduce swelling and internal bleeding.
How to stop a sprained thumb from getting worse?
Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse. Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the area of the sprain to reduce pain and swelling . Compression: Wrap the area of the sprain with elastic wrap to keep pressure on the sprain.
What is a thumb sprain?
Overview. A thumb sprain happens when you injure the tissues in your thumb that connect the bones in a joint. These tissues, known as ligaments, keep your bones in place when the joint moves. In your thumb, several ligaments help you grab objects, pinch, and make a fist. A thumb sprain is much less serious than a broken thumb because ...
Why is it called a skier's thumb?
A sprained thumb is sometimes called skier’s thumb because you can easily injure your thumb’s UCL if you hit your thumb at high speeds against a skiing pole. It’s also sometimes called gamekeeper’s thumb because of how common a chronic UCL sprain is among gamekeepers.
What ligament is involved in thumb sprain?
Read about how minor sports injuries can be treated at home. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the most common ligament involved in a thumb sprain. This ligament is at the base of your thumb near your palm at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). It keeps your thumb from bending too far or dislocating.
How long does it take for a thumb splint to be removed?
To treat a minor sprain, your doctor will have you wear a thumb spica splint or a cast to keep your thumb from moving. After about six weeks , the splint or cast is removed. Your thumb will be stiff after not using it for six weeks, so your doctor will then recommend exercises to get back full control of your thumb.
How to get rid of a swollen thumb?
Repeat these exercises 8–12 times several times a day. Bend the top part of your thumb back and forth. Hold the base of your thumb and bend it so that the thumb touches your palm. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of each finger in succession.
How to fix a thumb sprain?
Surgical Treatment. For a severe sprain, surgery may be needed to restore the stability of your thumb joint and help you regain function. Surgery involves reconnecting the ligament to the bone and/or repairing the avulsion fracture using a pin, screw, or special bone anchor.
How to treat a sprained thumb?
Mild thumb sprains will usually improve with home treatment that includes the RICE protocol: 1 Rest. Try not use your hand for at least 48 hours. 2 Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly on the skin. 3 Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling. 4 Elevation. As often as possible, rest with your hand raised up higher than your heart.
What ligament is the most common to be injured in the thumb?
Injury to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Thumb. The most common ligament to be injured in the thumb is the ulnar collateral ligament. This strong band of tissue, which is attached to the middle joint of the thumb (the metacarpophalangeal or MCP joint), keeps your thumb stable so that you can pinch and grasp things.
Why is it called a skier's thumb?
A sprained thumb is often called a “skier’s thumb” because falling on the ski slopes with your hand strapped to a ski pole is a common cause of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament . The ligament can also be injured more gradually, over time, from repetitive grasping or twisting activities.
What is the ligament in the thumb?
The ligaments in the thumb help keep the bones in proper position and stabilize the joint. Sprains can range from a stretch or tiny tear in the fibers that make up the ligament to a complete tear through the ligament or through its attachment to the bone. In this sprain, the ulnar collateral ligament is completely torn.
What happens when you bend your thumb backwards?
This most often occurs by falling onto an outstretched hand.
What is a gamekeeper's thumb?
This type of chronic injury is known as a “gamekeeper’s thumb.”. The ulnar collateral ligament can tear in different ways. For example, it may be pulled off its attachment at the base of the first bone (the proximal phalanx) in the thumb or from its origin on the metacarpal bone.
How to heal a torn ligament in thumb?
Rest: Support the thumb and rest it for as long as possible. Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes every hour for the first day.
How to fix a thumb ligament tear?
Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling. Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain. If the thumb ligament has a partial tear, a person will need to wear a temporary cast to immobilize the thumb.
What is the difference between trigger finger and de Quervain's tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQT) is similar to trigger finger. However, DQT involves inflammation of the tendons, whereas trigger finger involves inflammation of the tendon sheath. DQT causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. Other symptoms may include: pain or tenderness at the base of the thumb and the wrist.
Why do my fingers feel tingling?
It provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when inflammation of the wrist compresses the median nerve. This can cause a burning or tingling sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. Other symptoms may include:
What causes a finger to lock?
A tendon is a band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. In trigger finger, inflammation of the tendon sheath causes the thumb or finger to catch or lock in a bent position. The condition may occur as a result of repetitive use or injury. Some symptoms of trigger finger affecting the thumb include:
What is a thumb sprain?
Thumb sprain. A thumb sprain results from stretching or damage to the ligaments of the thumb. A ligament is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, sprains most commonly occur when a person falls onto an outstretched hand.
How long does it take for a thumb to heal after a cast?
After around 4 weeks , the person can usually remove the cast and begin exercises to help regain movement in the thumb. If the injury has caused a complete tear to the thumb ligament, a person will need surgery to repair it.
How long does it take for ice to heal a thumb sprain?
Usually, after transitioning from anti-inflammatory medications, ice can be used readily for two or three days after an injury.
Why is my thumb joint loose?
A loose or unstable joint can be caused by the absence of connections of the bones of the thumb by the possibly sprained ligament. This is, of course, if the ligament has been torn significantly or completely away from its points of attachment.
How does a Gamekeeper's thumb affect a skier's thumb?
Gamekeeper's thumb affects the same ligament as skier's thumb. It occurs, however, when you damage the ligament through repeated stress on the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. The direction of force should press the thumb away from the palm. Thumb sprains from chronic injury can occur in a similar fashion today for individuals who need to quickly crush or apply force to an object. People who spend time kneading dough, molding clay, or breaking objects using their palm as a lever may experience a chronic repetitive stress injury leading to a thumb sprain.
How long does it take for a sprained thumb to swell?
Main symptoms. The main symptoms of a sprained thumb include the following. Swelling: This usually lasts for up to a week after injury and depends on the degree of damage to the tissue. Determining if the pain is caused by a sprain requires a physical examination of the thumb and may require imaging.
What is the most common movement that can result in injury if it is fast or forceful enough?
In the case of a thumb sprain, stretching the thumb backward away from the palm is the most common movement that can result in injury if it is fast or forceful enough. Common situations where this may occur include:
How long does it take for a sprain to dissipate?
If you have persistent pain after two weeks. Usually, the pain associated with a sprain dissipates within two weeks of a simple sprain. If the pain persists generally, on motion, or is not improving within one week of the injury, you should seek further medical attention.
What does it mean when your thumb hurts?
bruises, fractures, abrasions). It indicates damage to tissue but does not indicate which tissue may be damaged.
How to stop a thumb from hurting?
Ease Pain with Acupressure. If the base of your thumb really hurts, try acupressure as a simple home remedy. Using the thumb and index finger from your opposite hand, apply firm pressure for 30-seconds to the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger.
How to get rid of swollen thumbs?
Relieve Thumb Pain with Distraction. Joint distraction is an easy and effective way to get some relief from sore and swollen thumbs. Take your opposite hand and use it to gently grasp the base of your painful thumb, then gently pull until you feel a slight relief, hold it for 30-seconds and release.
What does it mean when your thumb hurts?
Thumb pain, whether it’s right thumb pain or left thumb pain, is a common symptom of thumb osteoarthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis or CMC arthritis. These simple at home stretches for the thumb and wrist will help ease pain, increase range of motion, and stretch & strengthen to help ease sore, swollen, ...
How to get wrist to move?
This exercise has two parts to help get your wrist moving, do 10 repetitions 3 times a day of each. First, move the hand back and forth as much as possible. Second, move the wrist from side to side as much as you can without straining.
How to increase resistance with a hammer?
This exercise can be done with or without a weight, here we’ve used a hammer to help increase the resistance. Hold the hammer handle closer to get less resistance and further down the handle for more. Holding the hammer, turn your hand from palm up to palm down, twisting at the wrist, do 3 sets of 10.
Can a physiotherapist help with thumb pain?
Thumb pain is a common symptom of thumb osteoarthritis, along with thumb soreness, swelling, less strength when grasping or pinching objects, and less ability to move your thumb. If that sounds like you, physiotherapy can help reduce pain and prevent progression.
How to treat a thumb sprain?
Treatment of a thumb sprain 1 Rest the injured hand and protect it from further injury by taping the thumb or using a wrist and thumb support. 2 Apply ice or cold therapy as soon as possible after the injury. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin but in a wet tea towel or use a commercially available cold wrap. Cold therapy can be applied for 10 minutes every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours reducing the frequency as symptoms and swelling die down. 3 Wear a compression bandage or thumb support to protect the joint and help reduce swelling. This should be worn all the time during the acute phase. 4 Later in the rehabilitation stage, a more specific taping or thumb splint support to prevent the thumb bending backward may be more beneficial.
How to protect your hand from a sprain?
Rest the injured hand and protect it from further injury by taping the thumb or using a wrist and thumb support. Apply ice or cold therapy as soon as possible after the injury.
What to wear for thumb splint?
Wear a compression bandage or thumb support to protect the joint and help reduce swelling. This should be worn all the time during the acute phase. Later in the rehabilitation stage, a more specific taping or thumb splint support to prevent the thumb bending backward may be more beneficial.
Is the thumb joint injured?
It is far more likely that your thumb will be injured at the base (MCP) joint than higher up at the phalanges bones (interphalangeal joints). The thumb joint (MCP joint) has a great deal of movement, this range of movement comes at the expense of stability. Therefore, making it more prone to sprains and dislocations.
Can you tape a thumb sprain?
Taping for a thumb sprain. The thumb can be taped in a number of different ways depending on how the joint was damaged. The basic principles of taping remain the same though with anchors being applied and support strips to prevent movement. This article has been written with reference to the bibliography.
Can thumbs be taped?
The thumb can be taped in a number of different ways depending on how the joint was damaged. The basic principles of taping remain the same though with anchors being applied and support strips to prevent movement. This article has been written with reference to the bibliography.
Can you catch your thumb bending back?
Players may catch their thumb bending it back the wrong way. Often they do it more than once making it worse each time. Once the MCP ligaments are sprained then the thumb is less stable and more likely to be injured again, especially if correct treatment is not applied.
How to heal a dislocated thumb?
As with all injuries, the thumb will recover much more quickly if you keep it at rest. This means you may need to keep from using the painful thumb for the moment, and the pain will go away in time. This is especially true for a dislocated or broken thumb, which you can immobilize with a splint.
Why is physical therapy good for thumb?
The advantage of physical therapy is that it adds stability and strength to the thumb, preventing further injury in the future.
Why does my thumb hurt?
With the pain, the twisting of the wrist may even add to the discomfort. Experts believe thumb pain is typically triggered by the weakening of the tendons extending from the wrist to the thumb, ...
How to dim your palms in warm water?
When dimming palms throughout the warm water, you could possibly first add a teaspoonful of salt to the water before you, in fact, dip both your hands. For preventing pain in your palms and also wrists, due to unnecessary use of computers as well as mouse, make an effort to expand your hands at standard intervals.
What causes pain in the palm of the hand?
Some of the most frequent problems triggering palm discomfort include rheumatoid arthritis, common exercise; get in touch with frost, muscle turning, bruising as well as injury, and so on. At times, this may not come in the palm themselves. Here are some simple ways to manage your palm ...
What does it mean when your palm hurts at the base of your thumb?
Palm pain at the base of the thumb may be something that seems inconsequential for other people, but for the person suffering from it, it is not only annoying but sometimes also greatly debilitating, particularly if it happens on his dominant hand.
What are the symptoms of thumb pain?
Other symptoms may accompany the pain, such as stiffness, swelling, or weakness in the thumb. So is there a way to treat thumb pain? Technically, the main objectives of treatment for thumb pain are to reduce the pain, enhance the mobility of the joint, and give stability to the joint that has been weakened.