How do you tell if your thumb is sprained or fractured?
How do you tell if your thumb is sprained or fractured?
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.
What are common thumb injuries?
One of the more common hand injuries/thumb injuries, especially among women, is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel thumb injury symptoms include pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in the thumb and possibly the index finger, middle finger and the medial half of the ring finger.
How do you know if you’ve torn your thumb?
When you sprain your thumb, you’ll usually feel pain, discomfort, and stiffness at the base of your thumb near the palm. You may have trouble grabbing or pinching objects, or barely be able to move your thumb. You’ll also see swelling and bruising around the base of your thumb.
When should you go to the doctor for a thumb injury?
A sprained thumb weakens your ability to grasp items between your thumb and index finger. There may or may not be pain right away. Other symptoms include bruising, tenderness, and swelling. See a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that the injury will not cause long-term weakness, pain, and instability.
What happens if a broken thumb goes untreated?
Failure to treat a broken thumb can often result in arthritis or breaking down of the joint. This can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling.
How do you treat a pulled tendon in your thumb?
How long does it take to recover?
- Rest: Avoid typing and other activities that require a lot of thumb movement.
- 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.
Do you have to go to the doctors for a sprained thumb?
Anyone who experiences thumb pain, particularly if it lasts longer than a few days should see a doctor. Even though most sprains do not require treatment, a doctor might recommend a splint and ensure that there is no additional damage.
Does a torn thumb ligament require surgery?
With skier’s thumb, the ligament is stretched or torn (sprained). This can cause pain and can limit movement and use of the thumb. You may need surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament and restore function.
Do you need a cast for a fractured thumb?
Treatment for a thumb fracture depends on where the break has occurred. For example, a break in the base of the thumb often requires surgery. This is because a doctor may have difficulty applying a splint or cast to the thumb. A splint or cast ensures that the thumb is in the right place to heal correctly.
What are the different types of thumb injuries?
Some of the most common types of thumb injuries include bone fractures, ligament sprains, bruises from impacts, tendon injuries and tendinitis, and damage to the skin of the thumb. Athletes are far more likely to incur thumb injuries, though others can also injure the thumb during daily activities.
How do you treat a sprained thumb?
Taking an anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, can reduce the swelling and pain of a sprained thumb. A cold compress can be applied to a sprained thumb to provide relief and reduce swelling.
Is my thumb broken or sprained?
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 the ligament or bone isn’t broken or torn. A broken bone or a torn ligament may require more long-term treatment.
What are the different causes of index finger pain?
Arthritis. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of finger pain and refers to the inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints in the body.
