1. Why It Hurts
Sprained thumbs usually occur as sports injuries. Sports like volleyball and football are dangerous to fingers because the player uses his hands and also comes in full contact with other players. Sprained thumbs can also be the result of trying to brace yourself during a fall. It's a natural reaction to put your hands out to try to stop yourself from falling, but the impact of all your body weight can overextend the many ligaments and small muscles in your hand, causing a sprained thumb.
2. Splint It Up
There is no cure for a sprained thumb, but supports and splints can help it heal faster. Soft splints and supports allow movement of the thumb and fingers but keep it from overextending; rigid splints have metal inserts that keep the thumb completely immobile. A sports medicine doctor can determine what kind of splint or support will be best for your injury.
3. Keep It Out Of Commission
You have to rest your sprained thumb in order for it to heal properly. This doesn't just mean skipping volleyball practice for a few days, but also not using the hand with the injured thumb at all if possible. Writing, holding things and making a fist all use the ligaments that have been sprained. You might need help getting dressed and driving to keep from using the sprained thumb. It will be an inconvenience if the injured thumb is on your dominant hand, but it will heal faster if you let the muscles rest.
4. Reduce Inflammation
You can reduce the inflammation and pain in your thumb by taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Ibuprofen and naproxen, found in over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, will reduce the inflammation and swelling around the sprained thumb and also help to reduce the pain of the injury. Most anti-inflammatory medications can upset your stomach so take them with a meal or snack and plenty of water.
5. Chill Out
Alternate between using cold and hot therapy on your sprained thumb to help reduce pain and swelling. Buy universal packs that can be frozen or heated in the microwave; wrap the hot pack around the injured thumb for thirty minutes, then remove it and replace it with the cold pack for the same length of time. This alternating therapy will relax muscles, reduce swelling in your sprained thumb and help to alleviate the pain.
