what is the best treatment for a badly sprained thumb

How long for a thumb sprain to heal?

Sprained Thumb

• Causes. A sprained thumb is common in sports and falls when the thumb is either jammed into another player, the ground or a ball, or when the thumb is bent ...
• Signs and Symptoms. With a sprained thumb, the thumb or hand usually swells and may bruise. ...
• Treatment. ...

Would you go to the doctor for a sprained thumb?

You should visit your primary care physician for an X-Ray. Although often a sprained thumb may be ignored with the hope that it will heal itself, if a ligament injury is not diagnosed and treated correctly, chronic instability may result. What is causing your symptoms?

How to heal a sprained thumb faster?

Right after you’ve sprained your thumb, use the PRICE method:

• Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down.
• 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.

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How can you tell if your thumb is sprained?

• 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 long does a severe thumb sprain take to heal?

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.

What do doctors do if you sprain your 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.

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 do I know if my thumb is fractured 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.

Can a torn ligament in the thumb heal on its own?

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 happens if a sprain is left untreated?

If they're left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis. Don't delay treatment. Sprains should be immobilized quickly, with the ankle ligaments in a stable position.

How do you check for a torn UCL in your thumb?

0:391:19Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAway from the palm to gap the inner aspect of the joint. A positive test is indicated by pain orMoreAway from the palm to gap the inner aspect of the joint. A positive test is indicated by pain or laxity laxity over 15 degrees may indicate a rupture.

How do you relieve pain at the base of your thumb?

TreatmentRest: 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.Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling.Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.

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...

How to treat a sprained 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.

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 heal a thumb spica?

Compression. Use compression with a bandage or thumb spica brace for 24 to 48 hours. A bandage is better for the compression, but a spica cast or brace will immobilize your thumb to help prevent further damage. Both options will reduce swelling within the soft tissue of the thumb, in turn, this reduces pain and helps to improve healing time.

What ligament is involved in a sprained thumb?

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which is the ligament typically involved in a sprained thumb, needs plenty of time to heal. 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 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.

How to reduce swelling in thumb?

Raising your thumb above the level of your heart will reduce swelling by encouraging fluid to return to the heart and not pool in the area around the thumb. Prop your hand and thumb on a couple of pillows. Keep your thumb elevated intermittently for the first two days after your injury.

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.

What happens if you don't treat a sprained thumb?

If you don’t seek treatment for your sprained thumb and you continue to engage in physical activities (even regular activities) too soon, the following complications might occur: Chronic pain; Chronic thumb joint instability, and a possibility for it to happen again but with less force applied; and.

How to heal a strained thumb?

Here are a number of possible treatments for a sprained thumb that your doctor and/or physiotherapist will recommend. 1. A Splint or Cast.

Why do you tape your 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 prevention in keeping the thumb joint stabilized and preventing ulnar collateral ligament injuries. There are a few ways to tape a thumb, depending on how the joint was damaged.

How long does it take to heal a sprained thumb?

The recovery time for a sprained thumb is typically four to six weeks unless the ligament is torn, in which case a more involved sprained thumb treatment, such as surgery, is necessary and will result in a much longer recovery time.

What is the ligament in a sprain?

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 and Ultimate Frisbee to some extent.

What is the best way to heal a torn ligament in your thumb?

A Splint or Cast. If there is a partially torn ligament, a cast or splint is used. It helps speed up the healing process by keeping the injured thumb in a constricted environment, to prevent use, overextension, and further injury. 2.

How to diagnose thumb sprain?

The following are how most thumb sprains are diagnosed: Your doctor will first look at the injury and if they need a second opinion they may refer you to a specialist. Next, your doctor may do a stress test, in which they put pressure on the injured ligament.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is a third degree sprain?

Third-degree sprain: This is a complete tear of a ligament or separation of the ligament from the bone. In the case of a third-degree sprain, part of the bone may fracture and be pulled with the ligament (avulsion fracture).

What are the symptoms of a sprained finger?

A third-degree sprain is the most severe type of sprain. It indicates a severe tearing or rupture of the ligament. Symptoms may include: 1 full or partial dislocation of the finger 2 severe pain and swelling 3 instability of the full finger 4 discoloration of the finger

Why do my fingers sprain?

Sprained fingers are caused by physical impact to the finger. In most cases, sprains are caused by a blow to the end of a finger, which reverberates up to the joint and causes it to become hyperextended. This stretches or tears the ligaments. Sports injuries are extremely common causes of sprained fingers. This is especially true ...

What is a sprain in sports?

A sprain is an injury that occurs when ligaments are torn or stretched. Ligaments are the bands of tissue that connect joints together. Sprains are extremely common injuries. While they are especially common in athletes that participate in sports involving catching or throwing balls, anyone can sprain a finger relatively easily.

What is the mildest sprain?

A first-degree sprain is the mildest. It involves ligaments that are stretched but not torn. Symptoms include: some localized pain and swelling around the joint. a restriction in the ability to flex or extend the finger. The strength and stability of the finger and joint are not affected.

How many different grades of sprains are there?

General symptoms of sprains are pain, swelling, limited mobility, and bruising. There are three different grades of sprains. Each grade has its own specific version of these symptoms.

How long does it take for a sprain to heal?

Mild and moderate sprains typically are fully healed within three to six weeks. Sprains can be painful, but fortunately, they’re highly treatable. They’re also preventable. If you stretch before you exercise and build strength in the surrounding muscles, you’ll be less susceptible to sprains.

What is second degree sprain?

A second-degree sprain is considered a moderate sprain, where more damage is done to the ligament. Damage may be done to the joint capsule, too. This may include a partial tear of the tissue. Symptoms include:

How to reduce swelling in finger?

While swelling isn’t necessarily the enemy, it can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Ice in a bag or an ice pack can be applied to the finger for 10 minutes every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

Why do you need a finger splint?

Using a finger splint can provide more rigid support for the finger. Typically, you can simply adjust a splint to the appropriate size and position you need them for gaining optimal support. A splint can provide pain relief and prevent you from re-injuring or aggravating the injury.

Why do we need to rest our fingers?

With any type of new injury, rest should always be the first line of defense. As the body mounts a healing response (via swelling and heat), rest allows it to complete this cascade more efficiently. For a high use area like the finger where you might forget to keep it rested, you may need a finger splint or taping as a reminder.

What is the best medication for swelling?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, Aleve , and naproxen are over the counter medications that can provide you relief.

How to stretch your fingers?

You can mix this one up depending on what specific finger and joints you’re focusing on. Simply curl the fingers in toward the top of your palm, touching if possible. Then, alternate between touching the top and the middle of the palm. In between each repetition, completely straighten the fingers before going moving into the next. For an additional stretch, try spreading the fingers apart as far as possible as you straighten them.

What happens if you have a grade 3 sprain?

When a grade 3 sprain results in instability of the finger there is generally significant compromise of connective tissue in the finger necessary for normal function. If the finger has been dislocated, there is typically tissue damage that affects the biomechanics of the finger that will also need to be repaired.

How to strengthen your fingers with putty?

Power Squeeze for Finger Strengthening. Roll therapy putty into a ball, roll up a small towel, or find a soft ball for this one. Simply place the object you will be squeezing in the palm of your hand, wrap your fingers around it, and squeeze for 3-5 seconds. Keep the squeeze as pain-free as possible.

What to do when you have a sprained thumb?

1. Rest. Rest is one of the elements of ‘RICE’, a mnemonic for four elements used to treat soft tissue injuries. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. To ensure quick healing of your sprained thumb, you need to allow it to rest .

What is the best medicine for a sprain on the thumb?

Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain due to the sprain on your thumb. When applied topically, capsaicin produces a warming sensation that helps treat soft tissue injuries.

How to stop a sprained thumb from hurting?

Compression. The C in RICE stands for compression. To reduce pain and stop the swelling due to your sprained thumb, compress the thumb as soon as possible. Compressing the thumb prevents fluid from accumulating in the area, which will help reduce swelling as well as pain. It will also prevent further injury.

How long does a thumb sprain last?

Symptoms can last for days or weeks, depending on the severity of the sprain. A thumb sprain is much less serious than a broken thumb because the ligament or bone isn’t broken or torn, but the pain and discomfort can cause a lot of problems.

How long does it take to heal a sprained thumb?

The good news is that there are many effective at-home treatments for minor sprains. The recovery time for a sprained thumb is typically four to six weeks, unless the ligament is torn. Caution: No matter what, any kind of thumb injury should be checked by your doctor.

How to keep thumb elevated while sleeping?

To keep the sprained thumb elevated above your chest level while sitting, put a few pillows on the arm rest of your chair or sofa and rest your hand on it. To keep the thumb elevated while sleeping, put a few pillows under your hand. 5. Moist Heat. Just like ice therapy, moist heat is also beneficial.

What happens when you sprain your thumb?

When you sprain your thumb, the tissues that connect the bones in the joint are injured. These tissues, known as ligaments, keep your bones in place when the joint moves. It can happen due to any activity that requires strenuous or repetitive use of your thumb. Also, a fall can lead to a sprained thumb.

How to treat a sprained finger?

In addition to taping or splinting the injured finger, other treatments for a sprain include: 1 Ice the injured finger 2 Elevate if there is swelling 3 Take an anti-inflammatory medication 4 Gently move the finger to prevent stiffening

How long does it take to use your hand after a sprain?

Usually, you'll be able to use your hand as normal within a week. It is also normal for a sprain to cause pain and discomfort for a longer period of time. If it's really bothering you, ask your doctor if there is a way to reduce the discomfort. 6 . Although dislocation is a more serious injury, expect treatment similar to that of a sprain.

What is the most common injury to the hand?

Finger sprains and dislocations are common injuries to the hand. When a sprain occurs, a ligament that supports a joint is stretched too far and the tough fibers of the ligament tissue become either partially or completely torn. Ronald Martinez / Getty Images.

How long does it take for a finger sprain to heal?

So long as there is no fracture or dislocation, most finger sprains should be allowed to move within about a week.

What causes a finger to sprain?

Common causes of finger sprains and dislocations include sports injuries, work-related injuries, and automobile accidents.

What is a dislocated finger?

A finger dislocation is a more severe injury to the digit, as it involves not only the ligament, but also the surrounding joint capsule, cartilage, and other tissues. When a joint is dislocated, the normal alignment of the finger is altered, and the joint must be put back into place. Sometimes, relocating a finger dislocation can be simple ...

What is the purpose of X-rays for dislocated fingers?

The X-ray is performed to ensure the joint is perfectly aligned, and that there was no fracture that occurred at the time of the injury. 5 . Once is has been reduced and splinted, care for a dislocated finger is similar to that of a sprained finger. You should ice and elevate the injured finger after the injury.