Question 1

hi docs, would my dislocated thumb heal by itself?

Accepted Answer

Not correctly: If u have dislocated your thumb acutely you need to have the joint reduced promptly( either in the er or @ orthopedist's office).Most common thumb dislocations occur @ the metacarpal-phalangeal((knuckle) joint and occassionally require open reduction as tendon or other tissue can be 'stuck' in the joint.See an ors for evaluation/ x-rays for diagnosis and treatment . Best of luck!

Question 2

how to tell if i have a dislocated thumb or just damaged ligaments?

Accepted Answer

Physical exam: A trained health professional asking appropriate questions and performing a thorough physical exam should be able to identify ligament injury versus fracture.  In addition if there is a history of trauma or certain findings on exam than an x-ray will be used.  Mri may also be used in certain very specific instances.

Question 3

how long does a fractured and slightly dislocated thumb take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Several weeks: If everything is now back in place, it could take several weeks for your thumb to not hurt at all.  If it is immobilized, you will be given exercises to do when you can finally move it.  Doing these every day carefully will help the healing process.  Hopefully you will make a full and rapid recovery!
It is also important to avoid re-injury.

Question 4

how should i handle a dislocated thumb?

Accepted Answer

Protect: If it has been reduced (set back into position), splint until non-tender and gradually resume range of motion and progress to normal use.

Question 5

when is it to late to have a dislocated thumb fixed?

Accepted Answer

Never too late: If the thumb is still dislocated, you should see a hand surgeon.  The longer you wait the more involved the repair will be but the thumb is such a valuable part of the hand that you want it as functional as possible.  A prolonged wait might mean the surgeon will have to re-dislocate it and perhaps clean up scar and contracture elements to restore function.

Question 6

what besides ice should i put on a dislocated thumb?

Accepted Answer

Splint: You should wear a thumb splint to immobilize the joint for a period of time.  A dislocated thumb should be treated seriously as it is a very complicated and important joint.  Therefore, i highly advise that you see a doctor (preferably a hand specialist).

Question 7

please advise what is the difference between a broken thumb, fractured thumb, and dislocated thumb?

Accepted Answer

Fracture=break: Fracture is another name for a broken bone, no difference. Dislocation refers to a joint being displaced out of position so it is not properly aligned. This requires closed or open reduction to realign the bones on either side of the joint.

Question 8

dislocated thumb - lingering pain/weakness.  will arthritis set in?

Accepted Answer

Bad news: When you have dislocated thumb that not good , you should check out and treated. Thank you.

Question 9

how do i know if my thumb is dislocated or if a muscle is broken?

Accepted Answer

: It would be important for you to see a doctor in person for an examination as well as an x-ray to determine if you indeed have a dislocation, fracture or another type of injury to your hand.

Question 10

how can i  tell the difference between broken, dislocated, or sprained thumb?

Accepted Answer

Significant: A broken thumb implies fractured bone.  A dislocated thumb implies on of the joints in the thumb has dislocated (no longer in correct position).  To dislocate a joint you must tear ligaments.  A sprain in a minor ligament injury.

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Doctor answers about:

Dislocated thumb pictures

A member asked:

Hi docs, would my dislocated thumb heal by itself?

A member asked:

How to tell if i have a dislocated thumb or just damaged ligaments?

A member asked:

How long does a fractured and slightly dislocated thumb take to heal?

A member asked:

How should i handle a dislocated thumb?

A member asked:

When is it to late to have a dislocated thumb fixed?

A member asked:

What besides ice should i put on a dislocated thumb?

A member asked:

Please advise what is the difference between a broken thumb, fractured thumb, and dislocated thumb?

A member asked:

Dislocated thumb - lingering pain/weakness. will arthritis set in?

A member asked:

How do i know if my thumb is dislocated or if a muscle is broken?

A member asked:

How can i tell the difference between broken, dislocated, or sprained thumb?

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