Sports Injury Info

Question - Jammed Thumb (water polo)

I jammed the top joint of my thumb today in water polo. What can I do to help it heal as quickly as possible?

I'm wondering whether i should try to move it to keep it from going stiff or if that will just impede the healing. Also, I can't tape it to another finger or anything, so I don't how I can tape it for practice tomorrow.

Lastly, I've heard that I should try to increase the blood flow to the area to increase healing, but i've also heard that I should restrict blood flow to lessen swelling.

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Question - Jammed Thumb (water polo)

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Jun 06, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Gentle range of motion
by: Bart - SII

A jammed thumb can stiffen up after injury, so working on gentle range of motion may be a good idea. Make sure it is gentle, and that there is only minor discomfort as you move it.

Even if you think it is only a sprain, it is always a good idea to get it looked at and have an X-ray to make sure that there isn't a fracture. The thumb can be tricky and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

As far as taping it, if you have access to an athletic trainer, have them look at it and tape a thumb spica which may help - or you might try a google search on "thumb spica" and see if you can tape it yourself.

I really recommend getting it looked at if it is causing you pain and problems, just to be safe.

Comment back if you have other questions.

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