Sprained thumb

An injury of the tissue that connects the bones at the base of the thumb.

Description

An injury that happens when one of the bands of connective tissue in the thumb, called a ligament, is stretched too far.

Overview

A sprained thumb often happens when the thumb is bent backward, away from the palm of the hand, by a strong force. With a mild sprained thumb, a ligament is stretched but isn't torn. With a moderate sprain, a ligament is partly torn. With a serious sprain, a ligament is completely torn or pulled off the bone it's attached to.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a sprained thumb depend on how serious the injury is. It's possible to have swelling, pain and bruising around the base of the thumb, by the palm. A serious sprain might cause swelling or a lump on the inside of the thumb. This might make it hard to grasp objects between the thumb and index finger.

Treatments

Treatment for a thumb sprain also depends on how serious the injury is. A mild sprain often is treated with rest, ice and gentle compression. A moderately sprained thumb might be placed in a bandage, cast or splint while it heals. A serious sprain may need to be fixed with surgery.