Thumb and finger injury
This leaflet will provide information to help you recover from your thumb or finger injury.
You can injure your thumb and fingers due to a fall, direct blow or overuse. This can damage the ligaments and tendons that help to support and move the small joints. These types of injuries can cause pain, swelling and bruising. Your joints may also feel limited in their movement and you may have difficulty using your hand properly and making a fist to grip things.
These symptoms are expected following injury or overuse. It will heal, but it is important to do the correct treatment to assist yourself to reduce the pain, swelling and improve the movement.
Pain
If you feel the pain is severe enough to stop you sleeping then take some regular pain relief. Paracetamol taken regularly will help control the pain and allow you to exercise more comfortably. If you need a stronger painkiller such as Codeine then see your GP.
As the inflammation process of the injury needs to happen it is important that you don’t take Ibuprofen for the first 48 hours. If the swelling persists after this time then you can take Ibuprofen as well as the Paracetamol. If you have asthma or stomach problems then please discuss with your doctor whether you can take any form of anti-inflammatory tablets. (Ibuprofen is not recommended if you have asthma, kidney disease or stomach problems)
Swelling
It is important to limit the amount of swelling you have as this can delay the healing.
You may have been given a sling to rest and elevate your hand. You can also rest with your hand elevated on some cushions. However it is important to remove the sling regularly during the first two days, to exercise the thumb and fingers to prevent stiffness and reduction of strength.
Ice packs
Using a proper ice pack around the hand every two hours will also help both the pain and the swelling. Ideally use a small pack of frozen peas and wrap this in a tea towel that is wet with cold water (do not put the packet plastic in contact with your skin and do not leave on while you are asleep).
Place this pack over the joints with the most swelling and press it on firmly. Wrap this in place tightly with a bandage, scarf or another towel. Keep this ice pack in place for 15-20 minutes. Immediately after do some gentle exercises as shown below.
Remember to put the peas back in the freezer so you can use them again and label them clearly so that you don’t cook them by mistake. Repeat the icepack treatment every two hours.
Alternatively you can place your hand in a bowl of very cold water containing some ice cubes. Let your fingers and thumb go cold and try and do some gentle gripping exercises in the water. Don’t leave your hand in the water any longer than 10 minutes.
Repeat the ice or water treatment every two hours
Thumb and finger exercises
To help with the swelling in your fingers and palm, hold your hand upwards and open and close your fingers making a fist. Try this 10 times at least 3-4 times a day.
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Have your palm in an open position. Bring your thumb down across your palm towards the base of your little finger and back again Try this 10 times at least 3-4 times a day.
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Hold the base of your thumb with your other hand. Try to bend the end joint of your thumb down and up Try this 10 times at least 3-4 times a day.
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Have your palm in an open position. Try to circle your thumb first in a clockwise direction, then anticlockwise Try this 10 times in both directions at least 3-4 times a day.
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Try to touch your thumb to the tip of your index finger and then to your middle, ring and little finger tips Try this 10 times at least 3-4 times a day.
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Keep your fingers and thumb straight and try to spread them apart and close them together Try this 10 times at least 3-4 times a day |
Getting back to activity
True healing of the damaged tissues can take at least six weeks.
Injuring your thumb and hand can limit your day to day function so it is really important to do the exercises regularly and reduce the swelling. It may be more difficult if you have injured your dominant hand, but try to start using your hand for normal functional activities as soon as the pain allows.
Pain will limit the strength of your thumb so be careful lifting heavier objects (kettles, pans, boxes etc) for the first few days.
Make sure you regain your full thumb movement and strength before attempting very heavy work or sporting activities.