My thumb REALLY hurts!?!


Question: My thumb REALLY hurts!?
Not sure what's going on to be honest. For the past few weeks, every time (and I do mean EVERY time) I move my left thumb it clicks (I am left handed), and as of about an hour ago it's really hurting and the knuckle looks pretty swollen. Should I splint it and put some tape around it to stop me moving it and to hopefully stop the clicking? I've taken some Nurofen it's hurting that bad and I've been icing it on and off.

Answers:

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See your health care provider as soon as possible (orthopedic surgeon), for consultation. Thumb fractures are usually caused by direct stress, such as when you fall or when a ball catches and pulls the thumb back. Some fractures may be caused iindirectly from twisting or muscle contractions. People who play contact sports such as wrestling, hockey or football; skiers; and people with a history of bone disease or calcium deficiency are especially at risk.

The risk of a thumb fracture can be lessened by using protective taping, padding or other equipment and by developing strength in your hands through exercise and proper nutrition.

Symptoms of a fracture:

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. This may not be your case.

When you have a sprained thumb, you lose some or all of your ability to grasp items between your thumb and index finger. It may or may not hurt right away. Other signs include bruising, tenderness, and swelling. To make sure your injury won't cause long-term weakness, pain, and instability, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Your thumb ligament may have a partial or complete tear. Your doctor will probably move your thumb joint to test its stability and take X-rays to make sure you don't also have a broken bone. You may also get a stress X-ray showing what the joint looks like when your ligament is being used. If it hurts to do this, a shot of local anesthetic may help. Your doctor will probably also X-ray your uninjured thumb for comparison.
I hope this helps you. And good luck.




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