A sprained thumb occurs when the ligaments, the strong, fibrous tissues connecting bones at a joint, are stretched or torn. This injury often results from the thumb being forcefully bent backward or twisted beyond its normal range of motion, frequently seen in sports or falls. Wrapping a sprained thumb provides stability to the injured joint, reducing excessive movement and preventing further damage. This method also offers gentle compression, which can aid in alleviating pain and discomfort while managing swelling and inflammation.
Preparing for the Wrap
Before beginning the wrapping process, it is important to gather the necessary supplies. You will need athletic tape, which should possess good adhesive properties and provide adequate support. Scissors are also needed, and optionally, pre-wrap or foam underwrap. It is also advisable to ensure the thumb and surrounding hand area are clean and dry before applying any materials. This preparation helps the tape adhere properly to the skin.
Step-by-Step Thumb Wrapping
Hold your hand in a natural, relaxed position, similar to how you would hold a soda can or prepare for a handshake. First, create an anchor point by wrapping athletic tape around your wrist twice, just above the bony bump. This initial wrist wrap establishes a stable foundation for the subsequent tape applications, ensuring consistent support. Ensure this anchor is comfortable and not too tight to avoid restricting blood flow.
Next, bring the tape from the wrist anchor across the back of your hand and loop it around the base of your thumb. Continue by bringing the tape diagonally across the joint and around the thumb, creating a figure-eight pattern that provides comprehensive support. Overlap each subsequent strip slightly, typically by about half the tape’s width, to ensure continuous coverage and reinforce the support. This overlapping technique builds layers that stabilize the thumb joint effectively.
After completing a few figure-eight loops, secure the tape by wrapping another anchor strip around the thumb itself, just above the joint, to hold the support strips in place. For added stability, especially if the injury is more pronounced, you can apply additional diagonal strips across the joint. These strips should extend from the base of the thumb, across the joint, and back towards the wrist, further limiting painful movements. Ensure the thumb remains in a neutral, slightly flexed position to promote healing and maintain some functionality.
It is important to regularly check the tension of the wrap throughout this process. The tape should feel secure and supportive, but it must not be so tight that it causes discomfort, tingling, or numbness. A properly applied wrap allows for some comfortable movement while still restricting the range of motion that could aggravate the sprain.
Post-Wrap Care and When to Seek Help
After wrapping, monitor the area for complications. Regularly check for indicators of poor circulation, such as the skin turning blue or purple, increased pain, numbness, tingling, or coolness to the touch. If any of these symptoms appear, the wrap should be loosened or removed immediately to restore proper blood flow. A quick check can be done by pressing on the fingernail; if it takes longer than a few seconds for the color to return to pink, the wrap may be too tight.
To support the healing process, incorporating the RICE principles (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is beneficial. Rest involves avoiding thumb-straining activities for at least 48 hours, allowing ligaments to heal. Apply ice to the sprained thumb for 15-20 minutes several times daily to reduce swelling and pain. The wrap provides compression, minimizing swelling. Elevating the hand above heart level, especially when resting, also reduces fluid accumulation.
Seek professional medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen after a few days of home care. Specific concerns that warrant a doctor’s visit include severe pain, noticeable deformity, inability to move the thumb, or if the thumb feels loose or unstable. These signs could indicate a more severe injury, such as a complete ligament tear or fracture, requiring different treatment like splinting or surgery.