Table of Contents
- 1 How do you stop a dislocated thumb from hurting?
- 2 How do doctors treat a dislocated thumb?
- 3 Can you move a dislocated thumb?
- 4 How do I know if my thumb is broken or dislocated?
- 5 Why is dislocation an emergency?
- 6 What are the signs of dislocation?
- 7 What should I do after a thumb dislocation?
- 8 Do you need an X-ray for a dislocated thumb?
How do you stop a dislocated thumb from hurting?
Rest: Support the thumb and rest it for as long as possible. Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes every hour for the first day. Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling. Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
How do doctors treat a dislocated thumb?
If your thumb dislocation is not severe, the doctor can immediately fix it by externally manipulating and putting your bone back in its original position. This is known as a closed reduction. Before they do this, you might get a local anesthetic medication to numb your thumb and an analgesic to ease your pain.
How do you ease the pain of a dislocation?
Try these steps to help ease discomfort and encourage healing after being treated for a dislocation injury:
- Rest your dislocated joint. Don’t repeat the action that caused your injury, and try to avoid painful movements.
- Apply ice and heat.
- Take a pain reliever.
- Maintain the range of motion in your joint.
What is the fastest way to heal a dislocated thumb?
Treatment
- Rest. Try not use your hand for at least 48 hours.
- Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down.
- Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation. As often as possible, rest with your hand raised up higher than your heart.
Can you move a dislocated thumb?
Share on Pinterest A person should not try to relocate a dislocated finger themselves. People who suspect they have dislocated their finger should seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for help or heading to a clinic, it is important not to move the damaged finger or thumb.
How do I know if my thumb is broken or dislocated?
You may have a dislocated finger if:
- your finger joint looks crooked or misshapen.
- your finger bone appears dislodged, such as sticking out to one side.
- you have swelling and bruising around the joint.
- you have pain around the joint.
- you are unable to move your finger.
How do you tell if my thumb is dislocated?
Can you move your thumb if it’s dislocated?
Why is dislocation an emergency?
Since a dislocation means your bone is no longer where it should be, you should treat it as an emergency and seek medical attention as soon as possible. An untreated dislocation could cause damage to your ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.
What are the signs of dislocation?
Signs and symptoms of a dislocation include:
- Joint is visibly deformed or out of place.
- Numbness or tingling at the joint.
- Swollen or discolored.
- Limited ability to move.
- Intense pain.
Does dislocating your thumb hurt?
Dislocating a finger or thumb can be extremely painful and distressing. Although dislocation is not a life-threatening emergency, it is still important to seek prompt medical attention.
What happens to the thumb when it is dislocated?
Thumb Dislocation. A thumb dislocation occurs when the tissues, or ligaments, that hold the joint together are torn. The bones then move, or are dislocated, out of their normal position. This causes pain, swelling, and bruising.
What should I do after a thumb dislocation?
Keep your arm elevated to reduce pain and swelling. When sitting or lying down, raise your arm above the level of your heart. You can do this by placing your arm on a pillow that rests on your chest. Or you can place your arm on a pillow at your side. This is most important during the first 48 hours after injury.
Do you need an X-ray for a dislocated thumb?
General practitioners may require a dislocated thumb X-ray to assess the severity of your injury. Knowing what a dislocated thumb looks like means accurate treatment and medication.
Can a wrist brace help with a dislocated thumb?
Just like a thumb splint, wrist braces also offer optimum support for injured joints on the wrist. They reduce pain and discomfort caused by the injury, while providing maximum comfort and flexibility. Look for a wrist brace that is lightweight for better mobility while doing your daily routine.