how to rehab torn thumb ligament

How can I recover from a torn thumb ligament?

Circular motion massages to the scar, from the palm moving towards the wrist using a simple moisturising cream. This must be carried out for 10 minutes, at least 3 times a day. Rubbing the scar on different textured materials to improve skin sensitivity. Submerging the hand under the cold and warm water to improve the temperature sensitivity.

How do you treat a torn ligament in the thumb?

If the ligament is only partially torn but still attached to thumb bone, it can be protected in a splint (or cast) for a few weeks while it has time to heal. When the ligament completely tears, it gets caught up in another layer of soft tissue (called the adductor aponeurosis) and it cannot return to its insertion site without some help from your Hand Surgeon.

What are the symptoms of a torn thumb ligament?

If the ligament is completely torn, surgery to repair the ligament is necessary. A cast is normally worn for six to eight weeks after surgery to repair a torn ligament in the thumb. If the ligament isn’t completely torn, a cast may be used for around six weeks to stabilize the joint and allow the ligament to heal.

What do I do for a torn ligament?

Jul 23, 2014 · Most of the time the repair is done through a small incision over the torn ligament using special bone suture anchors to secure the ligament into its normal anatomical position. Following surgery, the thumb has to be immobilized in a cast or a splint for six weeks to allow healing. Occupational therapy may be needed.

How long does it take for a torn thumb ligament to heal?

A mild sprain usually heals within four to six weeks if you wear a splint or cast to immobilize your thumb and refrain from activities that irritate it. A more severe thumb sprain, such as a grade 3 sprain, could take several months before it's fully healed and you're able to use your thumb like normal again.Dec 23, 2021

What is the fastest way to heal a torn ligament in the 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.

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 know if I tore a ligament in my thumb?

They often include:Pain and discomfort at the base of the thumb.Bruising at the base of the thumb.Swelling at the base of the thumb.Stiffness.Tenderness of the thumb, towards the palm of your hand.If the ligament is completely torn, the end of the torn ligament may cause a lump on the thumb.Jun 8, 2020

What is a torn UCL in thumb?

When the thumb is forcefully bent sideways away from the rest of the hand, it can tear a ligament called the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The torn ligament makes gripping and pinching painful, and joint instability can lead to arthritis over time.

What happens when the thumb is straight?

When the thumb is straight, the collateral ligaments are tight and stabilize the joint against valgus force. If the force is too strong, the ligaments can tear. They may even tear completely. A complete tear is also called a rupture. When the collateral ligaments actually tear, the MCP joint becomes very unstable.

Why does the MCP joint hurt?

In Scottish gamekeepers, ligament damage in the MCP joint happened because the ligament stretched out after the gamekeepers repeated the same action over and over. Today, most cases of ligament damage in the MCP joint are caused from sports injuries.

What is the joint that is affected by a thumb pull?

The joint that is affected is called the metacarpophalangeal joint, or MCP joint . Any hard force on the thumb that pulls the thumb away from the hand (called a valgus force) can cause damage to the ulnar collateral ligaments. When the thumb is straight, the collateral ligaments are tight and stabilize the joint against valgus force.

What is the ligament that attaches to the middle of the thumb called?

Introduction. Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb is fairly common. This strong band of tissue is attached to the middle joint of the thumb, the joint next to the web space of the thumb. This condition is sometimes called gamekeeper's thumb because Scottish gamekeepers commonly injured their thumbs as a result of their job.

What happens when you pinch your thumb?

When the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb is injured, the MCP joint becomes painful and swollen, and the thumb feels weak when you pinch or grasp. You may see bruise-like discolorations on the skin around the joint.

Why is my thumb unstable?

It is especially unstable when the thumb is bent back. If one of the ligaments pulls away from the bone and folds backwards, it won't be able to heal in the correct position. When this happens, surgery is needed to fix the ligament.

What happens when you fall on a ski pole?

When a skier falls down while holding a ski pole, the thumb may get bent out and back, leading to an injury in the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb.

Why does my thumb sprain?

A sprained thumb occurs when the thumb ligaments are stretched beyond their capabilities , sometimes leading to a tear in the ligament. This is usually a result of excessive force bending the thumb backwards.

How to tell if a ligament is injured?

Diagnosis. Ultrasound scans and MRI scans can directly visualise and confirm whether the ligament has been injured. During clinical examination, the laxity of the ligament on the injured thumb will be compared to the non-injured thumb. The level of the ligament laxity indicates the degree of ligament injury.

How long should you keep your hand dry after a thumb surgery?

The hand should be kept dry and clean until the wound has healed. One week after the procedure the plaster will be removed and a supportive splint will be applied by a hand therapist. Supervised motion will be started by the hand therapist at one week. Heavy activity or stress on the thumb joint is not allowed for 8 weeks.

What are the different grades of thumb ligaments?

Grades of Thumb Ligament Injury. Thumb ligament injuries are categorised into three different grades based on the severity of the injury: Grade 1 (mild spra in) – The ligaments have been stretched, causing discomfort and swelling, however there is no tearing. Grade 2 (moderate sprain) – The ligaments have been extensively stretched, ...

How is a tourniquet used?

A tourniquet is used; which is like a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm that prevents blood from obscuring the surgeons view. The ligament is repaired to its bony origin using a bone anchor. The repair is then protected by putting the thumb in a plaster.

What happens when your thumb is pushed away from the rest of your hand?

In an acute injury, the thumb is pushed drastically away from the rest of the hand (while skiing, fall or during contact sport.) In a chronic injury, a recurrent strain of this ligament leads to chronic rupture (gamekeeper’s thumb.)

How to get rid of a scar on your hand?

Rubbing the scar on different textured materials to improve skin sensitivity. Submerging the hand under the cold and warm water to improve the temperature sensitivity.

What happens if your thumb is bent too far?

However, if the thumb is bent too far to the side, a ligament can tear. The most common thumb ligament to tear is the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) of the thumb (it connects the 1st metacarpal bone with the proximal phalanx, see picture). This ligament prevents your thumb from being bent too far away from your hand.

Why is my thumb bent?

The thumb joint (called the MCP) is bent away from the hand by the doctor to determine if there is a healthy ligament keeping the bones aligned. Excessive bending suggests that the ligament is torn.

Why is it called a skiier's thumb?

A UCL tear got the nickname "Skiier's Thumb" because when someone falls while holding a ski pole, the pole can forcefully push your thumb away from the hand , causing this type of injury. The vast majority of people that tear their thumb ligament are not skiing, and are doing something much less exciting, like cleaning the attic.

Why is the thumb ligament important?

Our thumb ligaments are especially important because our thumbs are so mobile and so busy every day. The thumb, also known as the opposable thumb, distinguishes humans from monkeys... among other things. The thumb is the stable foundation that other fingers lean on to perform daily functions. The thumb is not just strong ...

How long does it take for a MCP joint to fix itself?

After a few weeks, our body is done fixing itself and you get what you get. This means that any instability recognized months later need a more complex surgery for repair. You cannot simply re-attach the ligament, but need to use a graft (substitute for the real thing) or just fuse the MCP joint.

What is the function of ligaments in bones?

Our ligaments connect one bone to another. They keep our bones in alignment and they prevent our bones from wobbling all over the place. Whenever two bones meet up they form a joint, and its the ligaments that hold the joint together and prevent dislocations.

Can you see a torn ligament on an x-ray?

Sometimes, the thumb bones don't line up correctly on x-ray, so even though you cant see a torn ligament, you know something is wrong.

What causes a ulnar collateral ligament injury?

Cause. Ulnar collateral ligament injuries are usually the result of a sudden force, called a valgus force, bending the thumb backwards, away from the hand 3 4. The sudden force on the thumb tears the ligament either partially or completely 3. An acute injury such as a fall on the outstretched thumb or a repetitive motion injury from overuse can ...

What is a skier's thumb?

An ulnar collateral ligament tear is often called a skier’s thumb or a gamekeeper’s thumb; skier’s thumb describes an acute injury and gamekeeper’s thumb a chronic injury, but the terms are often used interchangeably 3 4.

How to tell if your thumb is torn?

Symptoms. Pain occurs at the time of the injury. Afterward, the thumb is unstable; it’s difficult to grasp objects tightly between the thumb and index finger. Bruising and swelling may develop at the base of the thumb. If the ligament has completely torn away from one of the bones, the end may fold under and form a bump ...

What is a torn ligament in the thumb?

A torn ligament in the thumb usually affects the ulnar collateral ligament, which is used to pinch and grasp 3 4. The ulnar collateral ligament also stabilizes the thumb so it doesn’t bend too far 3 4. An ulnar collateral ligament tear is often called a skier’s thumb or a gamekeeper’s thumb; skier’s thumb describes an acute injury ...

How long does it take for a torn ligament to heal?

If the ligament isn’t completely torn, a cast may be used for around six weeks to stabilize the joint and allow the ligament to heal. A cast is normally worn for six to eight weeks after surgery to repair a torn ligament in the thumb.

How long does it take for Ulnar ligament to heal after cycling?

Ulnar Nerve Damage From Cycling. Learn More. If the ligament isn’t completely torn, a cast may be used for around six weeks to stabilize the joint and allow the ligament to heal. Ice packs help decrease pain and swelling. If the ligament is completely torn, surgery to repair the ligament is necessary. A cast is normally worn for six ...

How many degrees can a thumb move?

Ability to move the thumb less than 30 degrees, or 15 degrees more than the uninjured thumb, indicates a partial tear. If the thumb can move more than 30 degrees from the hand or more than 15 degrees than the uninjured thumb, diagnosis is likely to be a complete tear.

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.

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.

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.

What causes a torn ulnar collateral ligament?

Other common sites of ligament tears and the possible causes behind them include: 1 Thumb: The ulnar collateral ligament can be torn when skiing (the injury is often called skier's thumb) or in a fall when the thumb is bent in an extreme position. 6  2 Neck: The ligaments of the neck can be torn during whiplash injuries when sudden acceleration and deceleration cause extreme movement of the cervical spine. The ligament tear is just one part of a whiplash injury, which may also damage muscles, nerves, and bones. 7  3 Back: The ligaments in the back can be torn by lifting something that is too heavy. 8 

What is a grade 1 sprain?

10 . Grade 1: This is a mild sprain that damages the ligament but does not cause significant tearing. Grade 2: This is a moderate sprain that includes a partial tear of the ligament. As a result, the joint may show abnormal looseness.

How to tell if a ligament is tearing?

Symptoms. A ligament tear is painful and tender to the touch. You may see swelling and bruising. It may be difficult to move the joint. In the case of some ligaments, you may hear a pop or feel tearing at the time of the injury. You may also experience muscle spasms. 1 . Ligaments support and strengthen joints.

What ligaments are torn when skiing?

Thumb: The ulnar collateral ligament can be torn when skiing (the injury is often called skier's thumb) or in a fall when the thumb is bent in an extreme position. 6 . Neck: The ligaments of the neck can be torn during whiplash injuries when sudden acceleration and deceleration cause extreme movement of the cervical spine.

Why do ligaments tear?

A ligament tear usually occurs due to extreme force to a joint such as with a fall or another high-impact event. Common ligament tears are to the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, neck, or back ligaments.

Which ligament is most commonly injured?

The ACL is the most common ligament to be injured. 4 . Wrist: There are 20 ligaments in the wrist and tears most often occur in falling on an outstretched hand. The scapholunate ligament and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are the most common ones injured. 5 . Other common sites of ligament tears and the possible causes ...

What is the function of ligaments?

Ligaments support and strengthen joints. Their main function is to keep the bones of the skeleton in proper alignment and prevent abnormal movements of the joints. Movement will be impaired when a ligament is torn, resulting in looseness in the joint or being unable to move the joint normally.

How to treat a UCL tear?

After diagnosis, one of many UCL tear treatment options will be recommended to you. Your treatment will be personalized based on your specific injury, your age, and other factors. Treatment can include: 1 At-home treatment for mild cases. You should refrain from activities that could make your skier’s thumb worse. Apply ice to mitigate swelling and take over-the-counter painkillers for any residual soreness. 2 A cast or splint for a partial tear. Immobilizing the thumb will expedite the healing process and prevent the tear from getting worse. The splint or cast is typically used for four to six weeks until the ligament has healed. 3 Surgery for severe or complete tears. During the procedure, a small incision is made to repair the ligament. You will also need a cast for several weeks following the procedure.

Who is Karen Heiden?

She understands the intricacies of the hands and other extremities and is proud to offer treatment for a variety of conditions, including ulnar collateral ligament injuries. Dr. Karen He iden has a deep understanding of the hand’s structure and the complex nature of an injury impacting the use of such an integral body part.

What is the most common knee ligament injury?

One of the most common knee ligament injuries is to a ligament called the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). There are more than 200,000 of these a year. In half the cases, people need surgery to repair the problem. Your doctor may ask you to do physical therapy before an operation.

How to help a tendon heal?

Strengthening exercises to help you rebuild tendon strength and avoid future injuries. Ultrasound heat therapy to improve blood circulation, which may aid the healing process. Deep massage to boost flexibility and circulation and prevent further injuries. Endurance activities, such as riding a stationary bike. Coordination or agility training.

What is a ligament sprain?

For example, knee ligaments connect your thighbone to your shinbone, forming a joint, which lets you walk and run. A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament.

What exercises can you do after a sprain?

The number of sets and reps will vary, depending on your injury, but the exercises include straight leg lifts, squats, static squats, leg extensions, leg curls, and leg presses. Heart fitness. Exercises include swimming and using a stationary bike or elliptical trainer. Rehab After Surgery.

How does physical therapy help with a sprain?

Rehab gets you back to full speed. It helps you improve how well your injured joint moves and eases your pain.

What are the goals of a gynecologist?

Your goals include trying to get your "gait" -- or manner of walking -- back to normal. Exercises include step-ups and modified lunges. You may also use weight machines to do leg extensions, hamstring curls, or leg presses. Weeks 7-16.

How to reduce swelling in knees?

Elevate your knee above your heart while you keep an ice pack on. Compression with a knee sleeve or ACE bandage and the range-of-motion exercises will also help reduce swelling. Retain muscle strength.