We use our hands and fingers for so many things daily that it’s no surprise how often people sprain their thumbs. A thumb sprain happens when you overstretch or tear one or more ligaments attached to the thumb.

Sometimes, a thumb sprain is called a skier’s thumb or gamekeeper’s thumb. Both professions require frequent force that can result in a sprained thumb. But the most common way that people sprain their thumbs is by falling. The force of the impact can bend the thumb too far away from the palm.

What Are the Types of Thumb Sprains?

The two major ligaments that stabilize your thumb are the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and the radial collateral ligament (RCL). Most thumb injuries involve the UCL.

The type of thumb sprain you have also depends on the severity of the damage to the ligament. When medical staff assess your injury, they will determine the grade of the thumb sprain you have. The three grades are:

  • Grade 1: This type of sprain is mild and does not include any ligament tears.
  • Grade 2: A moderate sprain means you have partially torn a ligament.
  • Grade 3: A severe sprain means you have torn a ligament or it has separated from the bone. You may also have a minor fracture and need surgery to repair it.

It is possible to develop a thumb sprain slowly over time. This injury happens when you do a repetitive motion involving twisting or grasping. But most people sprain their thumbs in a single, forceful event.

thumb sprain

Symptoms of a Thumb Sprain

The symptoms of a thumb sprain can depend on how you injured it, and you may not feel any symptoms right away. Some of the most common signs of a sprained thumb include the following:

  • A feeling of looseness or instability.
  • A lump inside your thumb, especially if you tore the ligament.
  • Difficulty grasping or holding objects with your thumb.
  • Pain, especially when you move the thumb.
  • Swelling, bruising, or feeling tenderness at the base of your thumb.

How to Treat a Thumb Sprain

Mild thumb sprains are inconvenient but may not require medical treatment. You may get some relief at home by resting the injury. You can also take over-the-counter pain relief and use compression to wrap the thumb. Ice can also help keep swelling down and reduce pain.

However, it can be hard to tell the extent of the damage without an evaluation. Having a medical professional look at your injury is a good idea to ensure you don’t have a partial or full tear. You may also have a fracture and not a sprain.

The doctor will discuss how you got the injury with you and may order tests like an X-ray or MRI. A splint can be helpful even for a mild sprain to prevent you from injuring the thumb more. If you have a Grade 2 sprain, your doctor may recommend a cast to immobilize the thumb while the ligament heals.

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Access Full-Service Care Fast at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

When you have an injury and are in pain, you may not know whether to go to the ER or urgent care. The expert medical staff at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care will quickly assess your injury and get you to the right place.

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits. However, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: