How long does it take for a thumb sprain to heal?
Sep 30, 2020 · A thumb sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones are strained by a sudden, forceful movement, usually when the thumb is stretched backward away from the palm. This is likely to occur when the thumb is directly impacted, such as partially catching a ball or falling on an outstretched hand. Symptoms include swelling and pain in the ...
When to go to the doctor for a thumb sprain?
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 as much as you can. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How long should I wear a splint for a broken thumb?
Aug 29, 2017 · 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...
How do you treat a torn thumb ligament?
Apr 26, 2016 · To ease pain and swelling, you can place an ice pack on your thumb twice a day for two to three days after the injury. For the first three weeks after your injury, you will wear the splint or cast at all times. After that, you can take it off to …
When should you start exercising sprained thumb?
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 do you rehab a sprained thumb?
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 long does a sprained thumb take to stop hurting?
Minor sprains usually heal in about 2 weeks, while severe sprains can take 6-12 weeks or more. Thumb pain that lasts for more than 6 weeks should receive medical attention, as an untreated severe sprain can lead to further damage to the ligaments, bones, and surrounding tissues.Nov 19, 2021
How long should you immobilize a sprained thumb?
For the first 3 weeks after your injury, you will wear the splint or cast at all times. After that, you can take it off to do strengthening exercises for your thumb. The splint should be worn at all other times. This should continue for another 2 or 3 weeks, until the swelling and tenderness in the thumb are gone.Mar 9, 2018
Can a sprained thumb heal by itself?
When diagnosed and treated properly, most thumb sprains will heal well with no complications. However, a sprained thumb that is ignored with the hope that it will heal on its own may lead to long-term problems, including chronic instability, weakness, and arthritis.
How do I know if I tore a ligament in my 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.
How do you tell if your thumb is sprained or just jammed?
Here are 5 signs that you have sprained your thumb:Swelling.Bruising.Pain.Weakness.Trouble performing daily activities such as writing or holding a glass.May 17, 2021
What helps ligaments heal faster?
Balance, control, and strengthening exercises can also help your ligaments heal more quickly than they otherwise would.
What Causes A Sprained Thumb?
A sprained thumb (also known as a jammed thumb) is often the result of a repetitive action that strains the ligaments in the thumb. A ligament is s...
How Is A Sprained Thumb Diagnosed?
To determine whether or not the thumb is indeed sprained (and if so, the extent of the injury), your doctor will perform a few sprained thumb tests...
How Long Does It Take For A Sprained Thumb to heal?
To ease pain and swelling, you can place an ice pack on your thumb twice a day for two to three days after the injury. For the first three weeks af...
Some Possible Complications
If you don’t seek treatment for your sprained thumb and you continue to engage in physical activities (even regular activities) too soon, the follo...
Preventing A Sprained Thumb
When participating in heavy contact sports, or sports like volleyball where you use your fingers a lot, taping can be an effective method of preven...
What is follow up care?
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
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 get rid of a swollen thumb?
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.
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.
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 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 ...
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.
Is a thumb sprain more serious than a broken thumb?
A thumb sprain is much less serious than a broken thumb because the ligament or bone isn’t broken or torn. A broken bone or a torn ligament may require more long-term treatment. 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.
Can you have surgery if you tore your thumb?
You may need surgery if your UCL is torn or if a splint or cast doesn’t help. This surgery can repair or reattach the ligament and any tissue or bones that may have been fractured or torn out of the joint when you injured your thumb.
What is a sprained thumb?
A sprained thumb (also known as a jammed thumb) is often the result of a repetitive action that strains the ligaments in the thumb. A ligament is soft tissue that connects bones to other bones, creating a complete joint. Thumb sprains are common in sports such as volleyball, rugby, martial arts, skiing, and even basketball ...
How to treat a sprained ankle?
Stage one treatment is focused on reducing pain and swelling using the classic remedy known as RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
Can a skier's thumb be sprained?
A sprained thumb is a very common injury among skiers, so much so that it’s often referred to as “skier’s thumb.”. But thumb injuries don’t only happen to those who ski; it can happen to anyone while doing any number of activities that involve the hands. When the thumb gets rapidly pulled in a direction too far beyond its normal range ...
What happens if you pull your thumb?
You will have difficulty writing, opening jars, turning a door handle, or even holding a glass. There will be swelling. Bruising will likely occur around the base of the thumb. The joint will become red and inflamed.
How to stop thumb from moving?
2. Thumb Taping. Thumb taping is another way to prevent the thumb from moving and potentially making the injury worse. Your doctor will show you how to wrap a sprained thumb.
What is a thorough checkup?
A thorough checkup by a physiotherapist is where you will land next in your path to diagnosis. They will be able to find out which joint has been injured and can determine a course of treatment. X-rays and an MRI might be called for if the physiotherapist suspects a fracture or thumb dislocation.
How does TENS work?
Your physiotherapist might suggest using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Small tabs are connected with wires to a machine and then placed on the injury site. A small amount of electricity is passed through the wires to your skin. The electrical current speeds up tissue healing, but can also help with pain management.
What is the procedure to repair a thumb sprain?
As a result, some surgeons will reconstruct injured ligaments by grafting in new tissue. This is a fusion procedure and is the surgery of choice for patients who work in jobs that put significant strain on their thumb.
What is the best medicine for a sprained thumb?
One way to treat the pain associated with a sprained thumb is to take over-the-counter pain medications. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and na proxen are two common drugs that are inexpensive and widely available. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another medication that can help provide some pain relief.
How to treat a swollen thumb?
The cold helps to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Use an ice pack or submerge your thumb in a cold bath. Ice the injury for 15-minute intervals for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid sleeping with an ice pack, if the cold is left on your skin for too long it can cause a skin injury.
Can you rest your thumb?
Resting your thumb will give your body a chance to repair the damage. Be sure to avoid activities that involve using your thumb and protect it with a splint or brace.
What to do after thumb surgery?
Follow-up with the surgeon and a physical therapist is incredibly important after thumb surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate the incision site and determine if any additional treatment is necessary. A physical therapist will help you work through the stiffness after surgery and encourage you to strengthen the muscles surrounding the site. Follow any recommendations by your surgeon regarding rest, splinting, and pain management.
How to get your thumb to move?
Stretches and Exercise . After the initial injury phase has passed you can start stretching and exercise your arm, hand, and thumb. Stretching will help you maintain or regain the range of motion in your thumb. Exercise will strengthen the surrounding muscles to help prevent an additional injury.
Can ski poles cause a sprained thumb?
Skiing is one activity that is more commonly associated with sprains. The ski pole gets caught up in the thumb and hand during falls and can cause a sprained thumb. If you ski practice falling with your ski poles to be best prepared for the situation. Here are a few other ways to prevent thumb sprains:
What happens when you bend your thumb backwards?
This most often occurs by falling onto an outstretched hand.
What happens if you sprain your thumb?
You may have bruising, tenderness, and swelling around the base of your thumb, near the palm.
Who is Jaydee Vykoukal?
JayDee Vykoukal is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, owner of the healthy habit platform Health Means Wealth, and freelance medical writer. She loves traveling and spending time with her family in nature. Her passion is helping others continue to participate in the activities they love through education and proper exercise.
How to get strength when picking up small objects?
Simply pinch the tips of the fingers and the thumb together as you press into the putty. Decide how hard you can push based on your symptoms. This will help to regain strength when picking up small objects. Repeat 15-20 times for up to 2 sets.
Do walkers help with fatigue?
Traditional walkers and rollators can certainly benefit those with limited mobility or who fatigue quickly while walking, completing daily tasks, or staying active. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, making life a lot easier for those who really need them.
How to strengthen your hand?
This can be done with therapy putty or a hand strengthening rubber ball. Simply place the tool in the palm of your hand. Wrap your fingers and thumb around it as you squeeze the hand into a fist. Squeeze as hard as is comfortable for up to 5 seconds. Repeat 10-20 times for up to 2 sets each day.
How to strengthen your extensors?
Use a rubber band, circular band of putty, or a hand extension exerciser to strengthen the extensors in the hand. For the starting position, bring the tips of your fingers and thumb together before placing the band around your fingers. Then, spread the fingers apart as far as possible and hold for 2-3 seconds.
How to stretch your thumb?
Thumb Flexion. For this stretch, you will simply be opening and closing the hand with controlled motion. First, bend the thumb across your palm, then close your hand by bringing your fingers to your palm. Your fingers will wrap around your thumb as you close them.
How to extend thumb?
Thumb Extension. Start with your palm open and all the fingers straight and touching each other, side by side. With the palm facing sideways and the thumb facing up toward the ceiling, simply lift the thumb away from the fingers as you move it closer to the ceiling as far as you can go.
How to make a sprite out of a sprite?
Steps: . Pick up a variety of small objects, such as paper clips, safety pins, pencils, coins and marbles, using your thumb and each of your other fingers, one at a time. Practice this exercise for 5 minutes.
How to strengthen the wrist?
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.
What happens when you overuse your thumb?
This condition happens when the tendons around the base of your thumb, right where your thumb hooks into your hand, become inflamed. This irritation causes swelling, pain ...
Who is Michelle Zehr?
Michelle Zehr started writing professionally in 2009. She has written on health, fitness, fashion, interior design, home decorating,sports and finance for several websites. Zehr possesses a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Arts in professional writing from Chatham University and a graduate certificate in health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.
How to heal a thumb injury?
A few simple strategies to reduce swelling and pain during recovery include: 1 Rest: Avoid typing and other activities that require a lot of thumb movement. Wear a splint if recommended. 2 Ice: Apply ice to the injury for 20 minutes at a time and repeat at regular intervals, four to eight times per day. 3 Medication: Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), such as ibuprofen. 4 Elevation: Keep the area elevated for the first few days.
Can a sprained ankle be repaired?
Even though most sprains do not require treatment, a doctor might recommend a splint and ensure that there is no additional damage. While no medical treatment can repair a sprain, there are some things a person can do to ease pain and reduce swelling during recovery.
What is a sprain in the thumb?
A sprain can occur when a ligament in the thumb is injured or torn. Ligaments connect two bones, forming a joint. A sprain can be very painful and may be confused with a broken bone or a joint problem, such as arthritis. The hand is made up of a complex group of joints, including tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
How to treat a swollen thigh?
Wear a splint if recommended. Ice: Apply ice to the injury for 20 minutes at a time and repeat at regular intervals, four to eight times per day. Medication: Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), such as ibuprofen. Elevation: Keep the area elevated for the first few days.
Can a thumb sprain be broken?
While a sprain is not a medical emergency, a doctor can confirm that the thumb is not broken and ensure that a person receives proper treatment . With prompt care, most people fully recover and can return to their usual activities.
What is the hand made of?
The hand is made up of a complex group of joints, including tendons, ligaments, and muscles. When joints bear too much pressure, receive sharp blows, or are overextended, the ligaments can become injured, resulting in a sprain. The severity of a sprain depends on many factors, including whether the ligament is torn and how severe the tear is.
How to tell if a sprain is a sprain?
Common symptoms of a sprain include: pain that radiates throughout the hand or wrist. bruising, swelling, or discoloration around the thumb. looseness in the joint or trouble moving the thumb.
