Is my thumb broken or sprained?

Is my thumb broken or sprained? 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.

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. Moving it will stop it getting stiff.

Is my thumb broken if I can still move it?

Symptoms of a fractured thumb include: Severe pain at the fracture site. Swelling. Limited or no ability to move the thumb.

What does a fracture feel like in thumb?

Symptoms. Symptoms of a fractured thumb include severe pain, swelling, limited motion or inability to move the thumb, extreme tenderness, a misshapen or deformed appearance, and a sensation of numbness or coldness in the thumb.

Can you sprain your thumb?

A sprained thumb occurs when the ligaments that support the thumb stretch beyond their limits or tear. This usually happens when a strong force bends the thumb backwards, away from the palm of the hand. The most common way for this to occur is by falling onto an outstretched hand.

How do you wrap a sprained thumb?

Position your thumb against your palm and push your hand toward your ulna bone. Place the tape over the knuckle of the thumb and up your arm. With a 2-inch wide kinesiology tape, place it perpendicularly over the wrist but do not wrap it completely around the wrist.