A sprained thumb is a common injury involving the stretching or tearing of the ligaments within the thumb joint. It is particularly the result of sports injuries, falls, and activities that require repetitive thumb movements.
These sprains can be distressing and cause significant inconvenience by limiting the ability to grip and perform everyday tasks. You might wonder, “How long does a sprained thumb take to heal?”
This blog will talk about the causes, symptoms, recovery timeline, and ways to avoid a thumb ligament injury.
Common Causes and Graded Symptoms of Sprained Thumbs
Thumb sprains usually happen when your thumb forcefully stretches backward and far away from your palm. It can cause the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb to stretch or tear.
The National Library of Medicine shows that UCL injuries are among the most common injuries to the hand and the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. [1] It can be painful and affect the normal pinch and grip strength of individuals. Here is an overview of some causes and sprained thumb symptoms in the following:
1. Causes
Some common causes of sprained thumbs might include:
- Sports Injuries: Common in sports like basketball, skiing, and volleyball, the thumb can be jammed or forced into unnatural positions. For example, a thumb sprain injury can occur when you fall on your thumb or forcefully jam it into a surface. This type of UCL injury is typically called a skier’s thumb.
- Repetitive stress: A thumb sprain can also occur from repetitive grasping or twisting motions. This chronic type of thumb sprain is known as the gamekeeper’s thumb.
- Falls: Thumb sprains often occur from falling on an outstretched hand. It causes the thumb to bend, which leads to the injury.
2. Graded Symptoms
Healthcare professionals have used a grading system to showcase the severity of thumb sprains. The three different grades are:
- Grade 1: A mild injury where the ligament is stretched but not torn. You may notice bruising, tenderness, and swelling at the injury site. You also might experience discomfort, but some people won’t feel any pain with mild thumb sprains.
- Grade 2: It is a moderate thumb sprain where the ligament is partially torn. Symptoms include bruising, swelling, and pronounced pain. It can also lead to a limited range of motion and the loss of some functions.
- Grade 3: A severe sprain in which there is a complete rupture of the ligament, and sometimes the bone can also fracture. This injury causes deformity, discoloration, swelling, and pain with movement.
Healing of a Sprained Thumb
A sprained thumb can be severe enough to affect daily activities and overall hand function. Understanding “how long does a sprained thumb take to heal” and influencing factors helps to manage the healing process efficiently.
1. Factors Affecting the Healing Time of Sprains
Several factors can impact the recovery time of thumb sprains, such as:
- Severity
The severity of the sprain is a primary determinant. Mild sprains typically heal much faster than severe sprains.
- Treatment
Prompt and appropriate medical intervention can significantly speed up the healing process. For example, immobilization with thumb and wrist brace tools or splints, physical therapy, and proper care can lead to a quick recovery.
- Health Status
An individual’s overall health status is another important factor. Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or a compromised immune system can slow down the body’s natural healing processes.
Additionally, lifestyle choices can also impact recovery timelines. For instance, your daily diet, smoking, and physical activity levels affect your healing journey.
- Age
Another important factor affecting healing time is your age. Younger people tend to heal faster due to their bodies’s more efficient regenerative capabilities. Older adults may experience a slower recovery due to the natural aging process.
2. How Long Does a Sprained Thumb Take to Heal?
Patients often inquire about “how long a sprained thumb takes to heal.” The recovery time for a sprained thumb varies depending on the grade level of the injury. Here is a quick overview:
- In cases of mild sprains, the ligament is only slightly stretched. People usually recover within two weeks with self-care.
- In moderate-grade injuries, people may require medical treatment and recover in four to six weeks. In some cases, it can also take up to 12 weeks to restore strength.
- Severe thumb injuries typically take a few months to recover fully. The patients might require surgical treatment to repair the damaged ligament. Rehabilitation and proper care are key factors in determining the healing time.
How to Treat a Sprained Thumb
The treatment for a sprained thumb involves various steps that can alleviate discomfort and promote healing. If you have a slight thumb sprain, you can try some self-care at home by following the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
But how to tell if your thumb is broken or just stretched? For that, medication assessment and interventions are required.
Understanding the treatment options is crucial in determining ‘how long does a sprained thumb take to heal effectively.” Here are some ways you can employ them to manage thumb ligament injuries.
- Protection: Protect your injured thumb from further strain. For that, wear a thumb spica splint to limit the movement.
- Rest: After your initial injury, avoid using your hand for at least 48 hours. The best way is to immobilize the thumb and prevent movements that could worsen the sprain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs covered in a cloth to your injured thumb for 15-20 minutes at a time. You can also repeat ice compresses at regular intervals, four to eight times per day. They can help minimize swelling and pain.
- Wearing Wrist Braces: Wrist braces can help immobilize the thumb and radiocarpal joints. They prevent unnecessary motion that could delay healing. These braces provide stability and support during daily activities.
- Using a Thumb Splint: A thumb splint is specifically designed to hold the thumb joint and restrict its movement. After surgery, you are required to wear a splint for about 6 to 12 weeks. It helps your thumb sprain heal faster.
Fivali’s Thumb Brace for Sprain
So, if you are ready to promote your healing, Fivali’s sprained thumb brace is ideal. They offer the required support and stabilization for your thumb joint and foster a recovery timeframe. Here are two useful products:
1. Fivali Thumb Splint Brace 1 Pack FWR02
Fivali Thumb Splint Brace 1 Pack FWR02 offers:
- Comfortable fit
- Thumb-specific stabilization strap
- Assist with conditions like a strained tendon, a ruptured ligament, wrist sprains, or a fractured bone.
2. Fivali Thumb Spica Brace with Fishbone Splint for Recovery – 1 Pack
If you want a quick injury recovery, the Fivali Thumb Spica Brace with Fishbone Splint for Recovery – 1 Pack can be your top choice. The main features are:
- Professional thumb protection
- Offer fishbone splint support
- Comfortable to wear
- Offer prompt injury healing
- Helpful in wrist sprains, fractures, tendonitis, or arthritis.
FAQs about Sprained thumb
- How to prevent sprained thumbs?
You can prevent sprained thumbs by using proper safety gear during activities and practicing correct techniques to minimize strain on the thumb.
- Do I need to go to the hospital for a sprained thumb?
If the pain persists after two days of resting or icing, you should contact your healthcare provider. You might ask your orthopedist ‘jammed thumb how long to heal’ in your follow-up appointment.
- Are there any other adverse effects of a sprained thumb?
Adverse effects may include chronic pain in the thumb joint, arthritis, and long-term instability.
Conclusion
In short, understanding ” how long does a sprained thumb take to heal” helps you anticipate the recovery timeline. While mild injuries can often be treated at home, severe symptoms need some extra medical intervention.
Fivali thumb and wrist braces help to accelerate the healing process. With the right support, you can alleviate the adverse effects and promote recovery. Visit their website to pick one!
References
[1] Thumb collateral ligament injuries in the athlete. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5344852/ (Accessed: 24 June 2024)
