Thumb Sprain

What is Thumb Sprain

Thumb sprain is an injury to one of the bands of tissue (ligaments) that connect the bones in your thumb. The ligament may be stretched too much, or it may be torn. A tear can be either partial or complete.

How bad, or severe, the sprain is depends on how much of the ligament was damaged or torn.

What are the causes?

A thumb sprain is often caused by a fall or an accident, such as when you hold your hands out to catch something or to protect yourself.

What increases the risk?

This injury is more likely to occur in people who play sports that involve:

  • A risk of falling, such as skiing.
  • Catching an object, such as basketball.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Not being able to move the thumb normally.
  • Swelling.
  • Tenderness.
  • Bruising.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms and medical history. Your health care provider may ask about any recent injuries to your thumb.
  • A physical exam.
  • Imaging studies such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on how severe your sprain is.

  • If your ligament is overstretched or partially torn, treatment usually involves keeping your thumb in a fixed position (immobilization) for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Your health care provider will apply a bandage, cast, or splint to keep your thumb from moving until it heals.
  • If your ligament is fully torn, you may need surgery to reconnect the ligament to the bone. After surgery, you will need to wear a cast or splint on your thumb.

Your health care provider may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen your thumb.

Follow these instructions at home:

If you have a splint or bandage:

  • Wear the splint or bandage as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
  • Loosen the splint or bandage if your thumb or fingers tingle, become numb, or turn cold and blue.
  • Keep the splint or bandage clean and dry.

If you have a cast:

  • Do not stick anything inside the cast to scratch your skin. Doing that increases your risk of infection.
  • Check the skin around the cast every day. Tell your health care provider about any concerns.
  • You may put lotion on dry skin around the edges of the cast. Do not put lotion on the skin underneath the cast.
  • Keep the cast clean and dry.

Bathing

  • Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you may take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.
  • If your splint, bandage, or cast is not waterproof:
    • Do not let it get wet.
    • Cover it with a watertight covering to protect it from water when you take a bath or shower.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

  • If directed, put ice on your thumb:
    • If you have a removable splint, remove it as told by your health care provider.
    • Put ice in a plastic bag.
    • Place a towel between your skin and the bag, or between your cast and the bag.
    • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
  • Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
  • Raise (elevate) your hand above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Activity

  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
  • Do physical therapy exercises as directed. After your splint or cast is removed, your health care provider may recommend that you:
    • Move your thumb in circles.
    • Touch your thumb to your pinky finger.
    • Do these exercises several times a day.
  • Ask your health care provider if you may use a hand exerciser to strengthen your muscles.
  • If your thumb feels stiff while you are exercising it, try doing the exercises while soaking your hand in warm water.

Driving

  • Do not drive until your health care provider approves.
  • Donot drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.

General instructions

  • Do not put pressure on any part of the cast or splint until it is fully hardened, if applicable. This may take several hours.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Do not wear rings on your injured thumb.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you have:

  • Pain that gets worse or does not get better with medicine.
  • Bruising or swelling that gets worse.
  • Your cast or splint is damaged.

Get help right away if:

  • Your thumb feels numb, tingles, turns cold, or turns blue, even after loosening your splint or bandage (if applicable).

Summary

  • A thumb sprain is an injury to one of the bands of tissue (ligaments) that connect the bones in your thumb.
  • Thumb sprains are more likely to occur in people who play sports that involve a risk of falling or having to catch an object.
  • Treatment will depend on how severe the sprain is, but it will require keeping the thumb in a fixed position. It might require surgery.
  • Make sure you understand and follow all of your health care provider’s instructions for home care.
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