Key Highlights

1. A jammed thumb happens when the ligament in the thumb gets stretched or torn. This can make the thumb swell and feel sore.

2. A jammed thumb can be mild, like a little sprain, or it can be really bad with the ligament being fully torn or coming away.

3. A doctor may need to look at the thumb and sometimes will order tests to check how bad the injury is.

4. To treat a jammed thumb, you may need to rest and keep the thumb still for a time. Ice can help with swelling. If the injury is worse, surgery might be needed.

5. Getting better after a thumb injury could take weeks or even months. It depends on how bad you hurt it.

6. You can stop thumb injuries from coming back by wearing gear to protect it and changing some things in your daily life. This can help keep your thumb safe.

Introduction

A jammed thumb can hurt a lot and make it hard for you to go about your day. This injury can happen in sports or even during simple accidents at home. It is important to know the signs of a jammed thumb, how to treat it, and what to expect while it gets better. If you want to learn more about jammed thumbs, read the full guide here: jammed thumbs.

The guide will explain where a jammed thumb comes from and how you feel when you have this injury. You will learn what you need to do for your injured hand. Steps like icing it, adding compression, and keeping it up with elevation can help. The guide also covers how long recovery takes and what you can do during that time to feel better.

Understanding a Jammed Thumb

What is a "jammed thumb"?

A jammed thumb, also called a jammed finger, happens when the ligaments in the thumb joint stretch or tear. A key ligament that may be hurt is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The UCL is found on the inside of the thumb at the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, which is at the base of your thumb close to your palm. The injury can be a mild sprain, a full tear, or the ligament might pull away from where it should be. This kind of problem can affect how steady and how well the thumb and index finger move.

What Constitutes a Jammed Thumb?

A jammed thumb happens when the ligament at the thumb joint gets hurt. The severity can change based on how bad the injury is. Doctors usually use a grading system to sort the cases. A mild jam means the ligament is stretched too much but not ripped. A moderate jam means part of the ligament is torn. A severe jam is when the ligament is totally torn or comes off its attachment to the bone. Serious injuries like these may need medical help or surgery to recover the right way.

Common Causes Behind Thumb Jamming

Thumb jamming may happen for many reasons. It often comes from sports injuries, falling, or doing the same activity over and over that stresses the thumb joint. The, this injury can be due to forcefully bending the thumb too far back or in a strange way. It may happen when someone falls and lands on their hand. A person could also get the thumb caught in something or on a leash.

People who take part in many sports might get thumb jamming from catching, throwing, or passing a ball. This is common in volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, or skiing. It can get worse when they are holding a ski pole or other equipment. You can read more about this on ski pole and see why skiers’ thumb happens.

People who are more likely to fall, like skiers, have a greater chance of getting a jammed thumb. Using a walker or a cane can help stop falls and lower the risk of jamming your thumb. It is good to be careful and take steps to keep from getting hurt.

Identifying the Signs of a Jammed Thumb

Knowing the signs of a jammed thumb can help you get the right treatment fast. A sprained thumb can hurt. There can be some swelling, and it may feel tender near the base of the thumb. A broken thumb will hurt a lot more. It may look bent or out of place. A broken thumb can also give you numbness or a tingling feel in your thumb.

The severity of your injury can be different based on how bad the damage is. A mild sprain usually causes some pain and a little swelling. A severe sprain may come with strong pain, swelling, instability in the joint, and trouble picking things up. It is important to look at the swelling, pain, and instability to check how bad your injury is, and also think about a broken thumb. The doctor might use an ultrasound or other scans to find out more and choose the best treatment for you.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of a jammed thumb can be different depending on how bad the sprain is. In a mild sprain, a person might feel pain or tenderness at the thumb joint. There might be some swelling and bruising at the base, and not everyone will feel the pain right after it happens.

If the sprain is moderate, there can be more pain, swelling, and bruising in the thumb. The thumb may feel harder to move and work, so it can be tough to do normal things with it.

For a severe sprain, there is usually strong pain and much tenderness in the thumb. The thumb joint could feel loose or unstable. A person might find it hard to grab or hold objects. A lump may show up in the thumb. Numbness is also possible. This numbness can mean there is a worse injury or maybe a break.

Knowing these signs, like swelling, numbness, and tenderness, can help people get the right help and treatment for the thumb.

What's the Difference Between a Jammed Thumb and Thumb Sprain?

The words "jammed thumb" and "thumb sprain" are used when talking about hurting your thumb. People sometimes use these terms to mean the same thing. However, there may be a small difference between the two.

A jammed thumb is a broad term used for any kind of hurt to the thumb. A thumb sprain, on the other hand, happens when the ligaments in the thumb get hurt. A ligament is a strong tissue that links two bones at a joint. If this ligament is stretched too far or torn, it is called a sprain.

All thumb sprains are really jammed thumbs. But not every jammed thumb is a sprain.

If you get a jammed thumb, you should keep an eye on the symptoms. If you feel a lot of pain, notice big swelling or see bruising, or if you can't move your thumb well, you should see your doctor. The doctor can check if you have a thumb sprain or another kind of sprain or injury. Here is more about it: thumb sprain.

Initial Steps for Managing a Jammed Thumb

Taking care of a jammed thumb right away can help make the pain and swelling better. Here are some things to do that can help with swelling and take care of your thumb:

1. Let the thumb rest and do not use it. This helps stop more injury.

2. A good way to help with swelling and pain is to use ice or cold compresses on the place that hurts. Keep the ice there for about 15 to 20 minutes each time. You can do this several times in a day.

3. You can use an elastic compression bandage. It gives support to the thumb and also helps keep down the swelling.

4. Try to keep your hand higher than your heart. This helps lessen swelling and keeps blood flowing well.

5. If you feel pain or swelling for a long time, or you think you have a worse injury, you should get help from a doctor.

Immediate Care Techniques

Immediate care is important for a jammed thumb. Taking care of it right away helps it heal faster. You can help the thumb feel better with these steps: rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation.

1. Rest: It is good to let your thumb rest. Try not to do things that can make the injury worse. A splint or a brace can keep your thumb still. This will help stop more damage and help your thumb heal.

2. Ice Therapy: Put ice or a cold compress on the sore spot. This can help bring down swelling, pain, and heat. Hold the ice there for about 15-20 minutes. Do this several times a day during the first two or three days after you hurt your thumb.

3. Compression: A bandage or an elastic compression bandage can give your thumb some extra support. It can also help stop swelling. The bandage should feel firm but not too tight. You do not want to stop blood from moving to your hand.

4. Elevation: Try to keep your hand up above your heart. This can help control swelling because it helps blood move the right way. You can use pillows or a sling to prop your hand up if you need to.

When to Apply Ice vs. Heat

At first, when you get a jammed thumb, you should put ice on it. This is a good way to make the swelling go down. Ice also cools the skin and helps lower the pain. Ice therapy can be used for this. When you use ice, it can help squeeze the blood vessels and feel numb in that spot. You can keep the ice on for about 15 to 20 minutes each time. Try to do this several times a day. You should keep using ice like this during the first two to three days.

After the first swelling goes down, you can use heat therapy for your injured thumb. This may help blood move better in the area. It also helps the muscles feel less tight. You can use warm compresses, warming mitts, or put a warm towel on it. Do not put heat directly on your thumb though. This helps stop burns or more harm to the thumb.

The choice between using ice or heat depends on how bad the injury is and how you feel. Most of the time, it is a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider for more help.

Professional Diagnosis Procedures

When you get a jammed thumb, it is good to see a healthcare provider. A doctor will check your thumb in different ways. They may also use scans or pictures to see how bad the injury is. This helps them pick the best way to treat you.

Examination Methods by Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers can use different ways to check a jammed thumb. Some of these ways are:

1. Physical examination: The healthcare provider will look at the thumb joint for swelling, tenderness, instability, or deformity. They will also check how much the thumb can move and see how strong it is.

2. Palpation: The healthcare provider will feel the thumb joint with their hands. They want to find out if there is pain, swelling, or tenderness in that area.

3. Stress tests: The healthcare provider will press on or move the thumb joint. This helps them see if the thumb joint is stable or if there is any abnormal movement.

4. X-rays: X-rays might be done to check for fractures or dislocations in the thumb joint. These pictures show details of the bones and help the healthcare provider know how bad the injury is.

5. MRI or CT scans: Sometimes, MRI or CT scans are used to get better pictures of soft tissues around the thumb joint, like ligaments and tendons. These scans help find tears or other problems.

The Role of Imaging in Diagnosing Thumb Injuries

Imaging is very important when doctors check thumb injuries, like a jammed thumb. They often use X-rays to look at the bones and joints. X-rays can help show if there is a break or if something is out of place. These pictures give a clear view of the thumb and help doctors find out how bad the injury is.

When doctors think there could be soft tissue damage, like a torn ligament or other problems, they may ask for tests like a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a CT scan. These scans give very clear pictures of the soft tissue, including the ligaments and tendons. This helps the healthcare team see how bad the injury is. Then, they can decide on the best treatment plan for you.

The healthcare provider will look at the results of the imaging tests and also check what they find during the physical exam. This helps the provider make a correct diagnosis. Then, they can create a treatment plan for the jammed thumb that fits your needs.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Treating a jammed thumb means you have to use a few steps. These can be medical treatment, physical therapy, and a treatment plan made for you. The way to fix it depends on how bad the injury is.

Home Remedies and Their Effectiveness

In some cases, when you have a jammed thumb that is mild or moderate, home remedies can help with pain. They can also help your thumb get better. Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Rest: It is good to let the thumb rest. Do not do any work or things that might make the injury worse. This will help it heal.

2. Ice therapy: Put some ice or a cold pack on the thumb. This can help lower swelling and stop pain.

3. Compression: You can use an elastic compression bandage for support. A compression bandage can also bring down swelling.

4. Elevation: Try to keep the hand up, higher than the heart. Elevation can help lower swelling and help blood flow better.

It is important to try these home remedies the way they are told. If you do not feel better or if signs get worse, you should see a doctor.

Medical Interventions for Severe Cases

In bad cases of a jammed thumb, you may need to get help from a doctor to fix the problem the right way. Some of the things that doctors might do are:

1. Splinting or casting: A splint or cast helps keep the thumb in place. This can help the joint feel better and heal the ligament.

2. Surgery: Sometimes, the ligament tear or break can be bad. A person may need surgery to fix the torn ligament or set the bone back in place.

3. Physical therapy: A person might do physical therapy to help their thumb move better, feel stronger, and help with recovery. A physical therapy plan will often use exercises for the thumb and may help make the healing better.

The type of medical help you need will depend on how bad and what kind of injury you have. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you find the best way to treat it.

The Road to Recovery

Getting better after you jam your thumb takes time. You need to stick to the rehab plan for it. A mild thumb sprain may feel good again in a few weeks. A bad one can take several months to heal. How long it takes will depend on how bad the injury is. Please be patient with the process.

Expected Recovery Timelines

The time it takes for a jammed thumb to heal depends on how bad the sprain is. A mild sprain can get better in about 4 to 6 weeks, as long as you rest and do the right rehab exercises. A moderate sprain takes more time. You may need 6 to 8 weeks to heal. A very bad sprain, like a grade 3 sprain, or one that needs surgery, can take several months to get better. How long you feel pain and need to heal will depend on the severity of your sprain.

It is important to listen to your healthcare provider. You should do the rehabilitation exercises they give you to help your thumb get strong again and help it heal. When you want to start doing normal activities, make sure you do this with your healthcare provider's help. This way, you will not injure yourself again.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Strengthening

Rehabilitation exercises be important for making the thumb stronger and helping it heal. These exercises can help you feel better and move your thumb well. They include things like:

1. Thumb range of motion exercises: In these exercises, you slowly move the thumb in different ways. The goal is to help the thumb feel looser and increase how far it can move.

2. Thumb strengthening exercises: With these exercises, you work on making the muscles and ligaments around the thumb joint stronger. You can try thumb opposition by touching your thumb to the tips of your other fingers, or practice squeezing things like therapeutic putty or hand grippers.

3. Functional exercises: In functional exercises, you practice using your thumb during tasks like picking up objects or doing tasks that need fine movements. This helps you get better at controlling the thumb and bring back its normal use.

It is good to talk with a healthcare provider or a hand therapist. They can show you the right way to do your rehab exercises. This will help you get better faster and keep you safe.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Injuries

Taking steps ahead of time can help cut down on the chance of thumb injuries. They can also help with long-term pain. Some things you can do are:

Protective Gear and Its Importance

Wearing things like thumb splints or braces can help keep the thumb joint safe. These give support while doing things that may stress the thumb. It is very important for people who play sports or work jobs where they could hurt their thumb. Using the right gear can stop or lower discomfort and keep thumb injuries from getting worse.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Thumb Health

Making some changes in your daily life can help keep your thumb healthy and lower the chance of getting hurt. Try to use the right hand and thumb position when you do things. Stay away from doing the same thumb motions over and over, as this can put strain on it. Take regular breaks so you can rest your thumb and stretch it out. This helps stop stiffness. Keeping your hand and wrist strong with regular exercise, along with a healthy lifestyle, can also be good for your thumb.

Conclusion

It is important to know what to do right away if you get a jammed thumb. This can help you heal faster. If you notice the signs, get help quickly. Follow the right treatment steps. Doing this can help you feel better and stop bigger problems later.

Make sure to do rehab exercises for your thumb. Listen to your doctor. Put safety steps in place to stop future injuries. Change some things in your daily activities. Use gear to protect your thumb when you need it. Be active and focus on your recovery. This will help your thumb get its strength and movement back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Jammed Thumb Lead to Long-Term Issues?

In most situations, a jammed thumb gets better with time and does not cause lasting problems. But there can be some problems, mostly if you don’t treat the jammed thumb right away or if you have a severe sprain. The points below show what long-term problems could come up:

Untreated Jammed Thumb:

1. Chronic instability: If you have a sprain or a ligament tear and the thumb joint is not treated right, it can stay unstable. This means there may be pain all the time, the thumb could feel weak, and it might be hard to hold or grip things. It can also make everyday tasks tough in the future.

2. Arthritis: If ligament damage or instability in the thumb joint is ignored, the risk of developing arthritis goes up over time. Arthritis can make the thumb joint hurt, feel stiff, and swell, so these signs can affect how you use your hand or feel every day.

Severe Sprain:

1. Incomplete healing: A severe sprain with a big tear in the ligament may not heal all the way on its own. Even if you treat it right, this can still happen. It can cause ongoing pain, instability, and weakness in the thumb.

2. Nerve damage: In some rare cases, a severe jammed thumb can hurt the nerves near the thumb joint. This may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in your thumb.

Signs that your jammed thumb might lead to long-term problems:

1. Persistent pain: This is pain that does not get much better after a few weeks since you hurt your thumb.

2. Chronic instability: You feel like your thumb keeps slipping or jumps out of place very easily.

3. Significant weakness: It is hard to hold or squeeze things with your thumb that got hurt.

4. Numbness or tingling: Your thumb may feel numb or have a tingling feeling that does not go away.

Here's how to lower the chance of having problems for a long time:

1. Early diagnosis and treatment: If you think you have a sprain or notice any bad signs, you should see a doctor right away. A doctor can help find out what is wrong and give you the right treatment plan.

2. Follow treatment recommendations: You should use the RICE method. This means rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You also need to do what your doctor or physical therapist tells you. Doing these things is the best way to heal well.

If you feel worried about your jammed thumb, or if you notice any of the signs listed above, you should reach out to a healthcare professional. This will help your thumb heal the right way and lower the chances of any long-term complications.

How Often Should I Perform Rehabilitation Exercises for a Jammed Thumb?

How often you need to do rehab exercises for a jammed thumb will depend on how bad the injury is and how much it has healed. Here is a simple guide to help you:

Early Stage (First few days):

1. Focus on RICE: At first, you should rest and use ice on the area to help with swelling and pain. Try compression and keep the spot up with elevation. A physical therapist might let you do some gentle moves, but you will not need to do these a lot at this time.

Mid Stage (After initial inflammation subsides):

1. Increase frequency: When swelling and pain start to go down, you can begin doing your rehab exercises more often. Try for 2-3 times a day. Each time, do each exercise a several times, around 8-12 repetitions.

Later Stage (As strength and mobility improve):

1. Maintain or slightly decrease frequency: You can keep doing the exercises 2-3 times a day. As you get more strength and can move better, you may lower it to 1-2 times a day.

Listen to your body and notice how your thumb feels. If you feel pain when you do an exercise, stop doing it. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist. They can help you find better exercises or change how often you do them. This way, you don't make it worse and your thumb has time to get better.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

1. **Doctor's or physical therapist's recommendations:**The doctor or physical therapist will make exercises that fit your sprain and how you are healing.

2. **Severity of the sprain:**If the sprain is worse, you might need to do exercises for a longer time and not as often to help things heal well.

3. **Complexity of the exercises:**Easy exercises can be done many times, but harder ones may need fewer times in each session.

Remember: Doing your exercises every day is very important to help you get better. This will help your thumb get stronger, feel less stiff, and work like it should. If you feel unsure about any of the exercises or how often you need to do them, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

How long does a jammed thumb take to heal?

The time it takes for your jammed thumb to heal can be different. It mostly depends on how bad the hurt is. Here is a simple guide for you:

1. Mild jam: A mild jam often gets better in about 2-4 weeks. It helps if you use the RICE method. This means rest, use ice, add compression, and put it up for elevation.

2. Moderate jam: A moderate jam with more sprain takes about 4-6 weeks to feel good again.

3. Severe jam: A severe sprain can mean you have a ligament tear. This can need 6-12 weeks to heal, or sometimes more. You might need physical therapy for this.

Here are some signs your jammed thumb might take longer to heal:

1. Severe pain that does not go away, even when you take pain relievers.

2. Significant swelling or bruising that gets worse after a few days.

3. Deformity in the thumb.

4. Numbness or tingling in the thumb.

5. Difficulty moving or gripping with the thumb.

6. Symptoms getting worse after home treatment.

If you have any of these signs, you should go to a doctor. A doctor can check what is wrong. They may give you a splint or other help with your treatment plan. This can help you heal well.

Remember, these are general timelines. Each person may heal at different speeds. You should talk to a healthcare professional for the right checkup. If you feel worried about how bad it is or how your jammed thumb is healing, get advice from them.

How do you tell if your thumb is sprained or just jammed?

While there may be a few similar signs, you can use these tips to tell a jammed thumb and a sprained thumb apart:

Severity of Symptoms:

1. Jammed thumb: The pain from a jammed thumb can start right away, but it is usually not too bad. The swelling and stiffness are often not very strong. They tend to get better after a few days. A jammed thumb might look a little bruised, but the bruise is often small. Most people do not lose function in their thumb because of this.

2. Sprained thumb: A sprained thumb can feel very painful, especially if it is a severe sprain. A sprain can cause a lot more swelling and stiffness, and these signs might not go away for weeks. There is usually more bruising. A person with a sprained thumb may feel weakness, have trouble gripping, and feel instability.

Movement:

1. Jammed thumb: You may feel some discomfort when you move the thumb. Still, you usually can move it, and the thumb joint is not held back much.

2. Sprained thumb: How bad it is can change what you feel. You can have a lot of pain in the thumb joint. You might even find you can’t move it much. There may also be a feeling like your thumb joint is too loose or has instability.

Timeframe:

1. Jammed thumb: You feel pain and stiffness in your thumb. This often gets better in a few days if you take care of it at home and use the RICE method.

2. Sprained thumb: A sprain in this area can take several weeks or even months to fully heal. The pain and stiffness can stay longer, and you may need physical therapy to get all the strength and movement back in your thumb.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

1. A jammed thumb can happen when it gets hit hard or there is a sudden impact. A thumb sprain be if you twist or bend your thumb too much or with strong force.

2. A broken bone in your thumb can give it a deformity that you can see. A sprain does not make that kind of change to the thumb.

If you feel any of these, you should see a doctor. This can help you find out if you have a sprain or another bad injury.

1. Severe pain

2. A lot of swelling or bruising that gets worse after one or two days

3. A change in the shape of the thumb

4. Feeling numb or tingling

5. You cannot bend or straighten the thumb

6. Things get worse even after you try home treatment for a few days

This information is for general knowledge and not meant to take the place of expert medical advice. If you feel worried about your jammed thumb, talk to a healthcare professional, so you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

How do you fix a jammed thumb point?

There is no fast way to heal a jammed thumb. You can use the RICE method for help. It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This will be the best way to make your thumb feel better.

1. Rest: Try not to use the injured thumb, mainly for things that made it hurt in the first place. Let your thumb have time to heal and get stronger again.

2. Ice: Put ice packs on the thumb for about 15 to 20 minutes each time. Do this several times a day. Make sure you use a thin towel with the ice pack so it does not bother your skin. Icing can help with swelling and pain.

3. Compression: Gently wrap your thumb using an elastic bandage or kinesiology tape. This helps keep the swelling down and gives some support. Do not wrap it too tight. If you feel any discomfort, make the wrap looser or take it off for a bit.

4. Elevation: Hold your thumb up higher than your heart when you can, especially in the first days after it gets hurt. This helps with the swelling on the injured thumb.

Here are some more tips to help you feel better:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease pain and bring down swelling.

2. Buddy taping: Sometimes you can tape your thumb to another finger that is not hurt. The taping can help keep your thumb steady and offer support.

3. Physical therapy: A physical therapist will help you with exercises. These will work to make your thumb more flexible, strong, and able to move better as it gets better.

Remember:

1. If the pain in your thumb is strong, if you see a lot of swelling or bruising, or if you cannot move your thumb well, you need to see a doctor. The doctor can check if you have a sprain or another kind of injury.

2. You should use heat on the injured area only when the swelling is down. This is usually a few days after you get hurt.

If you follow these steps, your jammed thumb can get better in a few weeks. Sometimes, it can take a few months. This depends on how bad the injury is. If you feel more pain or the swelling and problem do not go away, you should talk to a doctor. A healthcare professional can check your thumb and give you the right care.

Should I wrap a jammed thumb?

Wrapping a jammed thumb can help in many ways.

1. Reduced swelling: Wrapping with an elastic bandage puts gentle compression on the area. This can help to slow down swelling and reduce inflammation after an injury.

2. Improved stability: Wrapping helps support the ligaments and joint, making them feel steadier. It stops too much movement, so there’s less risk to make the injury worse. This is good when you need to use your hand for some tasks.

3. Pain relief: The support from wrapping can help with pain for some people.

Here are some things to keep in mind about wrapping a jammed thumb:

1. Don't wrap too tight: Make sure you do not wrap the thumb so hard that blood cannot get through. A thumb bandage should feel firm but never so tight that you feel numb or have a tingle.

2. Use appropriate materials: You should pick an elastic bandage or some kinesiology tape when you wrap it. Stay away from rough things or anything that may stick to the wound and cause more discomfort.

3. Immobilize only if necessary: A doctor might suggest using a splint to fully keep the thumb still. A basic bandage often helps with some support, but does let you move the thumb a bit, which can feel better for most people.

4. Monitor the thumb: Keep an eye on how it feels. If you feel pain that gets worse, see more swelling, or feel uncomfortable, take off the wrap or loosen it.

Wrapping a jammed thumb can help it heal. However, you may not always need to do this. If you do choose to wrap your thumb, make sure to do it the right way. Keep an eye on your thumb to see how things go.

Here are some additional points to consider:

1. Severity of the injury: If you have a mild sprain, wrapping the area might be enough to give the support you need. For a severe sprain, the doctor could say you should use a splint, since it helps keep your hand steady and you do not move it.

2. Your activity level: When you need to move your hand or do things, wrapping can help by giving you some support. It may also ease the pain while you still use your hand for some work.

If you are not sure if you should wrap your thumb or how to do it right, you should talk to a doctor or see a physical therapist for advice.

When should I go to the doctor for a jammed thumb?

You do not always have to go to the doctor if you jam your thumb. Most of the time, you can take care of it yourself at home. Using the RICE method can help you feel better. This means you need to rest, put ice on it, use compression, and keep the thumb in elevation.

However, there are some times when it is a good idea to see a doctor:

1. Severe pain: If the pain in your thumb gets so strong that you cannot handle it, even with over-the-counter pain medicine, you should see a doctor.

2. Significant swelling or bruising: When swelling or bruising is too much and does not get better with home treatment after 24 to 48 hours, or if it gets worse, go to the doctor.

3. Deformity: If your thumb looks crooked or sticks out at an odd angle, get medical help right away. You should not try to fix it on your own.

4. Numbness or tingling: When your thumb feels numb or you feel a tingling sensation, this can mean nerve problems, so have a doctor check it.

5. Loss of function: If you are not able to bend or straighten your thumb at all, or if you feel your thumb is much weaker than normal, a doctor's visit is needed.

6. Worsening symptoms: If the pain, swelling, or stiffness gets worse after several days of home treatment instead of getting better, see a doctor.

If you are worried at all, it is a good idea to play it safe and go to a doctor. This way, you can make sure it is not something more serious like a fracture.