What is the treatment for a thumb sprain?
The treatment plan for a thumb sprain is specific to the degree of the injury. A first degree sprain should be treated immediately with the P.R.I.C.E. principle – Protection, Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation – for treating acute injuries. If the athlete has only mild swelling and no instability, the athlete should apply an ice pack to the thumb for twenty minutes every two hours for the first two to three days. If possible, the hand should be rested for the first couple of days post-injury to allow the healing process to take place. Taping the thumb can provide protection from further injury especially if the athlete wants to continue to participate in sports during the healing process. Once the swelling begins to subside, the athlete can begin range of motion and strengthening exercises for the thumb and hand. One of the best exercises to increase both range of motion and strength of the thumb and hand are ball squeezes. The athlete only needs a soft type of ball (i.e., racquetball
