Thumb Injuries
The thumb often becomes twisted or jolted or it can be an overuse injury from continually holding a cricket ball in long practice sessions or gripping the handle bars when long distance cycling. We don't appreciate our thumbs until one of them becomes injured and then we realize just how much we use them!SPRAINED THUMB SYMPTOMS
The tip of the thumb will move but the joints below are painful when moved. You may see swelling and bruising.
TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
Apply ice immediately, crushed finely if possible to mould around the thumb, put a thin towel between the ice and skin to prevent ice burn. This will help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Keep applying every 2-3 hours for a day or two and use an elasticated support to avoid unnecessary movement, although gentle movements can be started as soon as there is no pain. Keep the support on for 2 weeks gently exercising you thumb. When you resume your sport, wear the elasticated supported if you are at risk of injury in your sport within the next 2 weeks.
OVERUSE INJURY OF THE THUMB
The joints become sore and tender and the thumb feels stiff when you try to move it.
TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
Rest is the most important. As much as you love you sport, to return to it before your thumb has recovered fully will mean that you will probably suffer the same problem in the near future. Apply ice when you first have pain, crushed finely if possible to mould around the thumb, place a thin towel between the ice and thumb to prevent ice burn. This will help reduce swelling and to wear a light elasticated support over the thumb will give protection. For prevention of further injury, relax the grip of your thumb whenever possible.