Sprained Thumb

Sprained Thumbs: A Physiotherapist’s Guide

What is a Sprained Thumb?

A sprained thumb occurs when the ligaments in the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal joint suffer damage. This typically happens when the thumb bends beyond its normal range, often backwards. It’s a common injury in sports like skiing, basketball, and netball.

Symptoms

If you’ve sprained your thumb, you’ll likely experience:

Pain when bending the thumb backwards.
Pain in the thumb’s web area during movement.
Swelling over the bottom joint of the thumb.
Joint laxity and instability. Severe cases, with significant laxity, might indicate a total ligament rupture, necessitating surgical intervention.

Healing Time and Treatment

Recovery time varies, but most athletes return to sport in 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the injury’s severity. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial. Consulting a physiotherapist ensures a tailored recovery plan, including strengthening exercises to restore stability and prevent future injuries. Neglecting proper care could lead to re-injury or chronic instability, potentially requiring surgery.

Male-hand-with-healed-thumb-post-treatment — Successful Recovery From A Sprained Thumb

What is Skier’s Thumb?

Skier’s Thumb, a common injury among skiers, occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb is injured. This ligament is crucial for the stability and function of the thumb’s joint. The injury often happens when a skier falls with an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole, causing the thumb to be bent in an unnatural way.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The main symptoms of Skier’s Thumb include:

Pain at the base of the thumb in the web space between the thumb and index finger.
Swelling and bruising around the thumb area.
Difficulty or pain when gripping or pinching objects.

A physiotherapist or doctor will typically diagnose the condition through physical examination and may recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to assess the extent of the injury.

Treatment and Recovery

Immediate treatment involves R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to reduce pain and swelling. A physiotherapist will guide you through a rehabilitation program tailored to restore thumb function and strength. This program may include:

Exercises to improve range of motion and strength.
Splinting or bracing to protect the thumb during healing.
Techniques to reduce pain and swelling, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

In severe cases, where the ligament is completely torn, surgical intervention may be necessary. Post-surgery, physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery and preventing future injuries.

Prevention Tips

To prevent Skier’s Thumb:

Use proper ski pole techniques.
Consider wearing protective gear, like thumb stabilisers or wrist guards.
Engage in thumb-strengthening exercises as part of your regular fitness routine, especially if you’re an avid skier.

Remember, consulting a physiotherapist for personalised advice and treatment is crucial for a complete recovery.

Seeking Professional Advice

If you suspect a sprained thumb, it’s vital to consult a physiotherapist. They can provide a comprehensive treatment plan, including manual therapy, exercises, and advice on activity modification during recovery.

Conclusion

A sprained thumb, though common, requires careful attention and professional guidance for effective healing. Timely intervention and adherence to a physiotherapist’s advice are key to a speedy and complete recovery.

What to Do?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a sprained thumb, don’t delay in seeking professional advice. Contact your physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Please consult a trusted hand therapist or doctor.

Sprained Finger Treatment – Physiotherapy Guide – While this article focuses on sprained fingers, it includes useful information about general hand and wrist pain treatments, which could be relevant for those also dealing with sprained thumbs. It discusses various treatment options and supportive measures.
Common Causes of Wrist & Hand Pain – This piece explores various causes of wrist and hand pain, including injuries like thumb and finger sprains. It might provide valuable context for readers understanding how a sprained thumb fits into broader wrist and hand health issues.
Ligament Tear – This article discusses various ligament injuries, including those in the wrist and hand that can lead to thumb and finger sprains. It’s a great resource for understanding the broader category of ligament injuries and their implications.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It’s often caused by repetitive hand or wrist movements, leading to inflammation of the tendons and their sheaths.

Common Causes of Wrist & Hand Pain

Article by John Miller

Common Wrist & Hand Pain or Injuries

wrist hand pain physiotherapy — Wrist And Hand Physiotherapy

Wrist and hand pain can significantly impact daily life, limiting your ability to perform simple tasks. In this article, we explore the common causes of wrist and hand pain, various injuries, and effective treatment options from a physiotherapist's perspective.

Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries such as broken wrists, finger sprains, and thumb sprains are common causes of wrist and hand pain. These injuries often result from falls, accidents, or direct impacts. They cause immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the affected area.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries occur due to repetitive motions or prolonged strain on the wrist and hand. Common overuse injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and repetitive strain injury (RSI). These conditions often result in pain, numbness, and tingling sensations.

Degenerative or Systemic Conditions

Conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic wrist and hand pain. These conditions are typically progressive, leading to persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

Treatment Options for Wrist & Hand Pain

Physiotherapy offers a range of effective treatments for managing wrist and hand pain. Here are some common treatment approaches:

General Management and Early Injury Treatment
Early intervention is crucial for managing wrist and hand injuries. Avoiding harmful activities, applying ice, and resting the affected area can prevent further damage.
Ergonomics
Proper ergonomics can reduce the risk of overuse injuries. An online workstation assessment can help identify and correct poor ergonomic practices that contribute to wrist and hand pain.
Joint Mobilisation Techniques
Physiotherapists use joint mobilisation techniques to improve joint movement and reduce pain. Physiotherapy instrument mobilisation (PIM) is a specialised technique that can effectively target stiff joints.
Muscle Treatment
Soft tissue massage and strength exercises can alleviate muscle tension and improve function. These treatments help restore normal movement patterns and reduce pain.
Support & Protection
Wrist braces, supportive taping, and kinesiology tape can provide stability to injured areas, preventing further strain and promoting healing.
Pain Relief Approaches
Acupuncture, dry needling, electrotherapy, and local modalities like heat packs and TENS machines can offer significant pain relief. These methods help manage pain and promote recovery.

Conclusion

Wrist and hand pain can stem from various causes, including traumatic injuries, overuse, and degenerative conditions. Effective management through physiotherapy can significantly improve your quality of life. Remember, early intervention and proper treatment are crucial in preventing long-term issues.

What to Do?

If you experience wrist and hand pain, seek the professional advice of your physiotherapist. They can provide a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs and help you return to your daily activities pain-free.

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Wrist & Hand Pain FAQs

What are the common causes of wrist and hand pain? Wrist and hand pain can result from traumatic injuries, overuse conditions, and degenerative diseases like arthritis.
How can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated? Carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed with physiotherapy, ergonomic adjustments, wrist braces, and sometimes surgical intervention.
What are the symptoms of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis? Symptoms include pain and swelling near the base of the thumb, difficulty gripping, and a catching or snapping sensation when moving the thumb.
How does physiotherapy help with wrist and hand pain? Physiotherapy offers treatments like joint mobilisation, muscle strengthening, and pain relief techniques to improve function and reduce pain.
When should I see a physiotherapist for wrist and hand pain? If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty in movement, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist for a proper assessment and treatment plan.
Can ergonomic changes reduce wrist and hand pain? Yes, proper ergonomic practices can significantly reduce the risk of developing overuse injuries and alleviate existing pain.

Ergonomics and Your Workstation
Discover how proper ergonomics can prevent wrist and hand pain.
Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Learn about effective treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Understanding de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Find out the causes and treatments for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Physiotherapy for Arthritis
Explore how physiotherapy can help manage arthritis pain.
Effective Use of Wrist Braces
Understand the benefits of wrist braces for support and pain relief.
The Role of Strength Exercises in Pain Management
Discover how strength exercises can alleviate wrist and hand pain.
Benefits of Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Learn how acupuncture and dry needling can provide pain relief.
Electrotherapy for Pain Management
Find out how electrotherapy can help manage wrist and hand pain.
Understanding Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Get insights into the causes and treatments for RSI.
Joint Mobilisation Techniques in Physiotherapy
Learn about various joint mobilisation techniques used in physiotherapy.