How do I know if I tore a ligament in my thumb?
Table of Contents
How do I know if I tore a ligament in my thumb?
Symptoms
- Pain and severe swelling on the inner part of the thumb immediately after the injury.
- Pain and severe swelling on the base of the thumb immediately, or shortly after the injury.
- Weakness and instability during grasp or writing.
- Loss of motion when attempting to move the thumb circular.
How do I know if my thumb is fractured or sprained?
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.
What are common thumb injuries?
Thumb ligament injuries are common. The most common injury occurs to the ligaments at the joint located at the base of the thumb called the MP joint. When the thumb is forcefully bent sideways away from the rest of the hand, it can tear a ligament called the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
How can you tell if you have a fracture in your thumb?
Symptoms of a fractured thumb include:
- Severe pain at the fracture site.
- Swelling.
- Limited or no ability to move the thumb.
- Extreme tenderness.
- A misshapen or deformed look to the thumb.
- Numbness or coldness in the thumb.
Can a torn thumb ligament heal itself?
If the ligaments are completely torn, you will most likely have surgery to repair them. A torn ligament cannot fully heal itself. Surgery for the thumb collateral ligaments is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will probably go home the same day as the surgery.
How long does it take for a torn thumb tendon to heal?
Your tendon will take up to 12 weeks to completely heal and it is important to follow all advice to avoid rupturing your tendon.
What is a Bennett’s fracture?
Bennett fracture is the most common fracture involving the base of the thumb. This fracture refers to an intraarticular fracture that separates the palmar ulnar aspect of the first metacarpal base from the remaining first metacarpal.
What is jammed thumb?
A jammed finger occurs when the tip of the finger is compressed towards the hand. As the finger is compressed, the ligaments supporting the joints are stretched or “sprained.” Ligaments are soft tissues that hold bone to bone. The greater the force, the more severe the sprain.
Where is the thumb tendon?
Thumb Tendons The APL tendon runs on the radial side of the wrist (the side the thumb is on). Its muscle belly is in the forearm and then travels inside a tough band, or retinaculum, across the wrist. The band of tissue, or retinaculum, holds the tendons in place but allows them to slide up and down the arm.
Will a broken thumb heal itself?
A broken finger or thumb usually heals within 2 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.
Does ligament damage show up on xray?
X-rays. X-rays may be needed to rule out a bone fracture. However, X-rays don’t show soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What happens when you tear a tendon in your thumb?
If your flexor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to bend 1 or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and swelling (inflammation) in your hand. Sometimes, damage to the extensor tendons can be treated without the need for surgery, using a rigid support called a splint that’s worn around the hand.
What are the most common thumb injuries?
One of the most common thumb injuries is a sprain — which is what happens when you injure one of the ligaments. This can occur when hitting your thumb forcefully against a hard surface causes the ligaments to get stretched beyond their normal range.
What is a ligament sprain in thumb?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is a soft tissue that connects bones to each other at joints. The most common ligament to be injured in the thumb is the ulnar collateral ligament. This helps connect the thumb to the hand on the side near the index finger.
What causes thumb pain at the base of the thumb?
This pain could be a symptom of thumb injury or overuse, basil joint arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, pain at the base of your thumb can be caused by injuries to the ligaments at the lower part of your hand and in your wrist. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation at the thumb side of your wrist.
What is a broken thumb called?
A broken thumb is either a break to the small phalanges bones which make up the thumb. Or a fracture at the base of the thumb, where it attaches to the metacarpal bone in the hand. Fractures at the base are known as Bennett fractures or Rolando fractures.