Helpful tips

How do you know if you fractured a bone in your thumb?

How do you know if you fractured a bone in your thumb?

Symptoms of a broken thumb include: swelling around the base of your thumb. severe pain. limited or no ability to move your thumb.

How do you tell if your thumb is broken or just sprained?

They often include:

  1. Pain and discomfort at the base of the thumb.
  2. Bruising at the base of the thumb.
  3. Swelling at the base of the thumb.
  4. Stiffness.
  5. Tenderness of the thumb, towards the palm of your hand.
  6. If the ligament is completely torn, the end of the torn ligament may cause a lump on the thumb.

Is my thumb jammed or fractured?

The Difference Between a Jammed and Broken Finger

Jammed Finger Broken Finger
Mild to moderate pain Severe pain
Finger able to bend Finger unable to bend
Swelling recedes after a few hours Swelling persists

What happens if a broken thumb goes untreated?

When to go to the ER for a Sprained or Broken Thumb A bone fracture will need to be realigned and immobilized by a cast, while a torn ligament will require surgery for reattachment. Failing to do this could lead to complications such as deformity, chronic pain, arthritis, stiffness, and/or permanent disability.

How do you diagnose a sprained thumb?

To diagnose a sprain, your doctor will first move your thumb in various directions to see how it’s affected by a damaged ligament. Then your doctor may take X-rays of your thumb and hand to see any damage to your UCL, bones, or muscles, especially if your doctor suspects that you fractured or broke a bone.

What is a nightstick fracture?

An isolated fracture of the ulnar shaft is defined as a nightstick fracture. The injury derives its name from the idea that a suspect struck with a police nightstick would hold his forearm above his face in a defensive posture when struck with a police baton, resulting in a fracture to the ulna.

What is the recovery time for a sprained thumb?

The recovery time for a sprained thumb is typically four to six weeks unless the ligament is torn, in which case a more involved sprained thumb treatment, such as surgery, is necessary and will result in a much longer recovery time.

How do you heal a broken finger?

Treatment for a finger fracture typically involves realigning, or setting, the bone and immobilizing it with a splint or cast. A finger fracture, or broken finger can take up to six weeks to heal, but this recovery process is typically uneventful and uncomplicated.

How do you know if your thumb is broken or sprained?

You can tell if your finger is sprained by seeing if it cramps or turns red and by examining whether or not it’s swollen. If you’re struggling to figure out if your finger is sprained or broken, make an appointment to see your doctor.

What are the symptoms of a broken thumb?

Symptoms of a broken thumb include: swelling around the base of your thumb. severe pain. limited or no ability to move your thumb. extreme tenderness. misshapen appearance. cold or numb feeling.