Thumb Sprain
What is a thumb sprain?
A thumb sprain is an injury to your thumb joint that causes a stretch or tear in a ligament. A ligament is a strong band of tissue connecting one bone to another.
How does it occur?
A sprain usually occurs when there is an accident. For example, a ball may hit the tip of your thumb or you may fall forcefully onto your thumb.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and tenderness in your thumb.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your thumb. You may have an X-ray to make sure you have not broken any bones.
How is it treated?
To treat this condition:
- Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a cloth on the area every 3 to 4 hours, for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Raise your injured hand on a pillow when you sit or lie down.
- Take an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take for more than 10 days.
- Follow your provider’s instructions for doing exercises to help you recover.
- Wear a splint on your thumb for 1 to 4 weeks after your injury as directed by your provider.
How long will the effects last?
Your thumb may remain swollen with decreased range of motion and strength for many weeks. It is important to continue your rehabilitation exercises during this time and even after you return to your normal activities.
When can I return to my normal activities?
Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities depends on how soon your thumb recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better. The goal is to return to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury.
In many cases you will be able to return to your activities as long as you wear your splint or have your thumb taped.
Written by Pierre Rouzier, MD, for RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-06-08
Last reviewed: 2009-12-28
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
