When should I be worried about a broken thumb?
When should I be worried about a broken thumb?
Symptoms of a fractured thumb include:
- Severe pain at the fracture site.
- Swelling.
- Limited or no ability to move the thumb.
- Extreme tenderness when the thumb is touched.
- A misshapen or deformed look to the thumb.
- Numbness or coldness in the thumb.
- Instability of a joint in the thumb.
Should I go to the hospital for a broken thumb?
You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect you have a broken or sprained thumb. Both types of injuries may require immobilization with a splint and surgery. Waiting for treatment can lead to complications or slow down your recovery process.
What does a broken thumb joint feel like?
Both a broken (fractured) thumb and a sprained thumb can cause pain, swelling and bruising, but there are some differences to look for. A broken thumb usually causes more intense pain, and your thumb may look deformed or misshapen. A broken thumb can also cause numbness or tingling.
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 long should a broken thumb hurt?
A broken finger or thumb usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer. It may be 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand. Once it’s healed, use your finger or thumb as normal. Moving it will stop it getting stiff.
What does a doctor do for a broken thumb?
Treatments for a broken finger or thumb try to straighten your finger – they’ll give you an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the pain. put your finger in a splint or cast, or strap it to another finger to keep it in position. give you a tetanus injection or antibiotics if there’s a cut, to prevent infection.
Can I get sepsis from a broken bone?
Musculoskeletal sepsis is infection of bone, joints, muscles, and skin and often occurs after open fractures. Thus, the main objective in the treatment of open fractures in restoration of function and prevention of infection. It is important to consider all open fracture wounds as contaminated.
Can I drive with a broken thumb?
Your injury may affect your insurance and you should contact your insurer before driving. Once you are out of your splint the general advice is you must be able to safely perform an emergency stop or manoeuvre. You should always be in full control of your vehicle.
What happens when you break your thumb and it hurts?
A sprained thumb could also result in swelling and stiffness. Your thumb may also be in pain if it’s broken. If you have a broken thumb, you’ll feel intense pain radiating from the site of the break. This deep, inner pain may make you feel nauseated.
What causes pain in thumb that radiates up forearm?
Variable.: Pain in thumb that radiates up your forearm and maybe into arm can be tenosynovitis …Swelling and inflamation of the tendons that move the thumb as they travel through a compartment. Thumb base arthritis as well can cause pain.
How to treat a broken thumb at home?
1 Rest: Support the thumb and rest it for as long as possible. 2 Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes every hour for the first day. 3 Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling. 4 Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
How do I know if my thumb hurts?
To diagnose the underlying cause of thumb pain, a doctor will conduct a physical examination. He or she may also ask if a person recently injured their thumb or hand. If the cause of the pain is unclear, the doctor may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.