Thumb fracture – what can help it heal

A thumb fracture or broken thumb can affect not just the bone but tissues like the muscles and ligaments around it. Non-surgical and surgical treatment can help so discover what’s best for you.


What are the symptoms?

What’s the cause? 

When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

Treatment for a fractured thumb

Self-help for recovery

A thumb fracture or broken thumb can be caused by accidents or weakened bones. Healing usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks but can be longer. It’s important to see a doctor and get the right treatment if you think you’ve broken your thumb to avoid long-term problems. Here’s what you need to know. 


A thumb fracture, also called a break or crack, happens when 1 or 2 of the bones in your thumb break. 

A fracture can also affect the area around your thumb including tissues such as your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, causing pain and limiting movement, such as preventing you from gripping objects. 

Here’s how to help your recovery after a thumb fracture and get back to normal life as soon as possible. 


## What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a thumb fracture can vary depending on the type of injury and where it is.

You may experience the following symptoms, and it's important to get medical help right away: 
- intense pain 
- swelling
- bruising
- trouble moving your thumb or not being able to move it at all
- extreme tenderness when touching the thumb.

Get emergency help if your thumb is pointing in an unusual direction, you feel a numbness or a cold sensation in your thumb, it looks misshapen or deformed, or you can see bone through it. 


Get help with this

## What’s the cause? 

A thumb fracture is usually due to an accident such as a fall or blow to your hand – putting your hand out to protect yourself from a fall, or catching your thumb in a door, for example. 

Sometimes your thumb can be pulled backward, such as from catching a ball in sports. Or the injury can happen from twisting it. 

If you have a bone condition such as osteoporosis, or a calcium or vitamin D deficiency you may also be at risk of thumb fractures. 


## When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

See a doctor if you’ve injured your thumb and you have pain, swelling, and bruising, and you can’t move it properly.

Fracturing your thumb can increase risk of other issues such as [arthritis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/arthritis) later on, so it’s important to get it checked out. 

It can help to keep your hand lifted and also apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel for around 15 to 20 minutes every few hours, to reduce swelling.

Take painkillers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) to help with pain, and cover any wounds with a clean dressing.

A doctor may suspect a broken thumb based on your symptoms and how the injury happened, but an X-ray is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis.They’ll also test the tendons and nerves of the hand to check for damage. 


## Treatment for a fractured thumb
Medical treatment may include:
- __realigning your thumb__ – a local anesthetic may be used to numb it before straightening the bone
- __keeping your thumb stable__ – a splint or cast might be needed to hold your thumb in place while it heals
- __preventing infection__ – a tetanus shot or antibiotics may be given if there’s a cut.
- __surgery (in some cases)__ – if there’s nerve damage or bad breaks in the bone, surgery may be necessary.

## Self-help for recovery
- __try gentle movements__ – in the first 3 weeks after injury gradually increase movement in your affected thumb and hand. Light activities like eating and dressing where pain allows, plus gentle exercises (be guided by your healthcare provider) can help
- __start using your thumb and hand normally after 3-6 weeks__. Avoid anything intense such as contact sports or heavy lifting until at least 12 weeks after your injury
- __slowly stop using your splint__ as long as you are comfortable
- __see a doctor if you think your thumb isn’t healing__ as it should, pain and swelling have not started to ease after a few days, or it hurts to use your thumb when the cast or strapping comes off.
- __give it time__ – it can take several weeks to a year for your thumb to heal fully.


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References

Fiona Bugler

Jo Wheatley

Dr Ewan O'Farrell

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A thumb fracture or broken thumb can affect not just the bone but tissues like the muscles and ligaments around it. Non-surgical and surgical treatment can help so discover what’s best for you.