Do you require any assistance? Simply reserve your appointment online below
Sprained thumb
Care you can count on
A sprain is an injury that involves tearing or stretching of a ligament, which is a soft tissue that connects bones to each other at joints. Sprained thumb occurs when the thumb is bent out of its normal range of movement, usually backward.
The most common ligament to be injured in the thumb is the ulnar collateral ligament.
This helps connect the thumb to the hand on the side near the index finger. It allows the thumb to act like a post. Injury to this ligament is sometimes called “skier’s thumb” because it is a common injury from a ski pole. The radial collateral ligament is on the other side of the thumb. It can tear, but this is not as common as a tear on the ulnar side.
Causes of finger and Sprained thumb
Sprained thumb are 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 into an extreme position. One or more ligaments can tear.
Sprained thumb are most often caused when you extend your arms to reduce the impact of the fall, or from overuse or repetitive activity of the thumb such as with texting.
Signs and symptoms of Sprained thumb
The thumb or hand may bruise. Pain might last for only a week or two.
After that, the usual problem is function and reduction in your ability to grasp items.You might have trouble writing, turning a doorknob, or holding a drinking glass. Sometimes this is felt as pain and sometimes weakness.
Redness and tenderness can also be seen
If the ulnar collateral ligament is completely torn, the end of the ruptured ligament may cause a lump or swelling on the inside of the thumb.
Grades of Sprained thumb
Sprains are graded, depending on the degree of injury to the ligaments
- Grade 1 sprain (mild). The ligaments are stretched, but not torn.
- Grade 2 sprain (moderate). The ligaments are partially torn. This type of injury may involve some loss of function.
- Grade 3 sprain (severe). The ligament is completely torn or is pulled off its attachment to the bone. These are significant injuries that require medical or surgical care. If the ligament tears away from the bone, it may take a small chip of the bone with it. This is called an avulsion fracture.
Diagnosis of Sprained thumb
Sprained thumb or finger sprains are diagnosed with the help of a physical examination of the hand to check for any abnormalities by moving your fingers in different positions.
Usually, an X-ray leads to an apt diagnosis of the injury. The doctor also ascertains damage to the bone and ligament and develops a treatment plan.
World-class comprehensive care
Treatment of Sprained thumb
Sprained thumb can be treated with the help of applying ice packs and immobilizing your finger to allow it to heal.
It is also advised to keep the thumb elevated and restrict its movement. A heat pack is beneficial as it can ease pain and relax the muscles. However, heat pack must be avoided during the first 48 hours of injury as it can lead to bleeding.
You may also be given pain medications to reduce discomfort.
Once your fingers heal, you will be advised to perform strengthening exercises to strengthen your fingers.
If there is a chronic injury and the ligament is completely torn, surgical treatment is needed. A surgery helps join a new ligament to the bone in case the torn ligament fails to heal.
It also helps reconnect the injured ligament to the bone. Sometimes, there might be bone damage as bone fragments might get pulled away with the ligament. In such cases, bone fragments need to be put back in their position through surgery.
After the surgery, a cast or splint is put till it heals completely.
Physiotherapy also helps immensely after surgery through planned mobility exercises that regain movement and strength.