How to Wrap a Thumb Sprain

PDF download Download Article
Plus, how to treat & heal a sprained thumb
PDF download Download Article

A sprained thumb is a common injury that can happen when playing sports like volleyball, basketball, softball, and skiing, or by simply falling. Wrapping your sprained thumb in sports tape or a compression bandage is a great home treatment to reduce pain and swelling and help stabilize the joint. However, if you’re still experiencing symptoms after 2 days, visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Read on to learn how to wrap your thumb and for more information on how to heal it.

Bandaging a Thumb Sprain

Wrap sports tape or a compression bandage around your wrist twice. Then, loop the tape or bandage around the base of your thumb from the outside to the inside. Repeat 2 more times, slightly overlapping the previous wrap each time.

Section 1 of 4:

Wrapping a Sprained Thumb

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hold your hand in a “C” shape and wrap your wrist with sports tape . Position your hand as if you are holding a soda can or going in for a handshake. Then, grab a roll of adhesive sports tape or an elastic compression bandage . Unravel a bit of the tape or bandage and place it over the bony bump on the top of your wrist. Then, wrap your wrist in a comfortable (but not too tight) loop, going around it 2 times. [1]
    • Wrapping your wrist first creates an anchor, which helps to support and stabilize your thumb.
    • Make sure you are not cutting off your circulation with the anchor. Your hand and/or fingers will tingle, feel cooler to the touch, and start to turn blue if the wrap is too tight.
    • Ask a family member or friend for help if you’re having difficulty wrapping your thumb by yourself.
  2. Pull the tape or bandage over to the outside of your thumb (the side that faces your palm) and lay it over the base where your thumb connects to your hand. Then, loop the tape around the inside of your thumb. [2]
    • The wrap should feel comfortably tight but not so tight that it’s painful or causes your thumb to lose circulation.
    • Feel free to wrap your thumb in the opposite direction by wrapping the tape around the inside of your thumb (the side that faces your fingers) and looping it around the outside. Just start the tape on the underside of your wrist.
    Advertisement
  3. Bring the tape or bandage back around the underside of your wrist and over the bony bump. Then, loop the tape around the base of your thumb, slightly overlapping the first wrap so the tape goes further up your thumb. Just wrap it from the outside of your thumb to the inside again. [3]
  4. Loop the tape or bandage back around the underside of your wrist and over the bony bump again. Then, bring the tape over the outside of your thumb and around the inside, slightly overlapping the second wrap so the tape is higher up your thumb. [4]
  5. As an optional step, loop the tape back around your wrist and bring it up to the inside of your thumb (the side that faces your fingers). Then, wrap the tape around the outside of your thumb. Simply repeat this a second time, slightly overlapping the first loop, to create a more secure and stable wrap. [5]
  6. Wrap the tape or bandage back around your wrist a final time. Then, use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the tape. Simply use a strip of medical tape or regular adhesive tape to secure the sports tape or bandage to your wrist. [6]
  7. Pinch the nail on your thumb for 2 seconds. Then, look at your nail immediately after you let go. If the nail becomes pink again after 1 or 2 seconds, then your thumb has good circulation. If it takes more than 2 seconds for your nail to turn pink again, the bandage may be too tight. Simply remove the bandage and wrap your thumb again using a slightly looser grip. [7]
    • Numbness, tingling, or a sense of pressure can also indicate the bandage is applied too tightly.
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Determining if You Need Medical Treatment

PDF download Download Article
  1. If it’s been 2 days and your thumb is still painful or swollen, call your healthcare provider. This can be a sign that your thumb is a more severe sprain, fractured, dislocated, or even broken. Your doctor will diagnose your injury and come up with a treatment plan. [8]
    • If the pain is very intense, visit your healthcare provider as soon as you can. If you are at school or a competition, there is usually a medical professional there to help.
    • To diagnose your thumb injury, your doctor will ask you questions about how and when you injured it and gently test its mobility. They will likely take an X-ray or MRI to determine the severity of the injury and how to treat your thumb. [9]
  2. If your thumb is mildly or moderately sprained, your doctor will typically suggest wearing a thumb spica splint or wrapping your thumb; they will be able to do it for you in the office. If your thumb is severely sprained or fractured, it may require surgery and occupational therapy. So, follow what the doctor outlines for your treatment. [10]
  3. If your thumb is painful and swollen, talk to your healthcare provider about which pain relievers are most helpful. In general, most over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling. However, your doctor may prescribe you something stronger if they think you need it. [11]
    • Follow your doctor’s recommendations on how often and long you should take the pain relievers.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Healing a Sprained Thumb

PDF download Download Article
  1. The acronym RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Many doctors encourage you to follow this home treatment as a way to move toward recovery: [12]
    • Rest your thumb on a soft surface and refrain from using it as much as possible for at least 48 hours. For instance, do not partake in physical activities that could injure it further.
    • Apply ice to your thumb to help reduce pain and swelling. Simply wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas in a towel and hold it against your thumb. Keep it there for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat 4 to 8 times each day. [13]
    • Compress your thumb by wrapping it with sports tape or a bandage to help reduce swelling. Or, wear a thumb spica splint.
    • Elevate your thumb so it’s above your heart whenever you’re resting. For instance, prop up your arm on a pillow or cushion to keep your thumb raised.
  2. HARM stands for Heat, Alcohol, Running, and Massage. These 4 elements have been found to impair your ability to heal quickly. In some cases, they can make the sprain worse. [14]
    • For instance, avoid using a hot compress on your thumb or soaking it in a warm bath.
  3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling caused by a sprained thumb. [15] They work to reduce inflammation caused by the sprain. [16]
    • The recommended dose of ibuprofen for adults is 1 to 2 200mg tablets taken up to 3 times each day. Eat something when you take the ibuprofen to avoid getting an upset stomach. [17]
    • Alternatively, use an NSAID gel . You apply it to the skin where the pain is most severe. Simply massage the gel into your skin so that it is absorbed fully.
    • Note : Always follow the dosage instructions on the bottle of medication or your doctor’s orders to ensure you’re taking the medication safely.
  4. Use arnica to prevent bruising. Arnica is an herb that can help to reduce bruising and swelling caused by a thumb sprain. Simply rub a bit of arnica cream, gel, or salve directly onto the painful area. [18]
  5. When you sprain your thumb, your thumb’s range of motion will most likely become restricted. To help regain your range of motion, your doctor might recommend that you do some thumb exercises, such as the following: [19]
    • Rotate your thumb in circles.
    • Pick up small objects, like marbles or pencils. Put a little pressure on your thumb as you squeeze the object. Repeat for 5 minutes.
    • Squeeze a small ball in one hand. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat. Do 2 sets of 15 to help strengthen your grip.
    • Move your thumb away from the rest of your fingers. Keep it as far away from your fingers as you can for 5 seconds, and then return it back to its normal position.
    • Bend your thumb down towards your palm. Keep your thumb as close to your palm as you can for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, return it back to its normal position.
    • Move your thumb away from your palm. This action should be like you are doing a coin toss. Extend your thumb away from your palm for 5 seconds, then return it to its normal position.
    • Do not apply any external forces to the sprain until late into recovery, if at all. Allow your sprained thumb to do the work — don't pull it or hold it with your other hand.
  6. Eat a healthy diet to promote healing. A healthy diet can help you to recover more quickly. In particular, repairing a sprained thumb requires protein and calcium. Try not to use your thumb while you eat to avoid further injury. For a balanced diet, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and Omega fatty acids. Make sure to drink plenty of water, too. [20]
    • Limit your intake of fatty, starchy, or sugary foods.
    7. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Thumb Sprain Symptoms and Causes

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are not sure that you have actually sprained your thumb, it is helpful to know what symptoms to look for. These symptoms include: [21]
    • Pain and tenderness
    • Swelling
    • Bruising
    • Limited mobility/range of motion
    • Loose or unstable thumb joint
    • Difficulty grabbing things
  2. Most sprains are caused by your thumb stretching too far backward from your palm, which can overstretch or tear the ligament. While you can sprain your thumb in a variety of ways, the most common causes of a sprained thumb include: [22]
    • Sports that involve catching or throwing a ball, like basketball, volleyball, or football.
    • Skiing and falling with the ski pole in your hand.
    • Contact sports like rugby and martial arts.
    • Falling.
    • Repetitive activities that involve the thumb and put excessive pressure on its joints.
  3. Wrapping a sprained thumb not only helps stabilize the injured thumb, but it also compresses it. Compression helps stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, which carries important nutrients to the damaged tissues surrounding the injury. Lymph fluid also removes waste from cells and body tissues, which is an important function during the tissue regeneration process. Wrapping the thumb also speeds the recovery process and keeps the injury from getting worse. [23]
    • In order to be completely effective, the bandage must be removed, the injury left to rest, and the bandage re-applied a few times a day. In this way, the lymphatic system can complete its evacuation of the injury site.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Most mild to moderate thumb sprains heal within 4 to 6 weeks. If your thumb sprain is severe and requires surgery, it may take several months to completely heal. [24]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Help prevent thumb sprains by stretching your hand before you exercise or play a sport and by wearing the proper safety equipment. Put on well-fitting, stable shoes and stay on flat surfaces when possible, too.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Put a Bandaid on Your Fingertip
      How to
      Wrap a Wrist
      How to
      Remove Bandage Adhesive from Skin
      How to
      Remove a Band Aid Painlessly
      How to
      Buddy Tape an Injured Toe
      How to
      Remove a Liquid Bandage
      How to
      Make a Sling for Your Arm
      Common Types of Bandages & How to Apply Them
      How to
      Bandage Fingers or Toes
      How to
      Wrap an Ankle with an ACE Bandage
      How to
      Wrap a Sprained Ankle
      How to
      Tape an Ankle Like an Athletic Trainer
      How to
      Apply a Tourniquet
      How to
      Remove Steri Strips
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/how-to/how-to-bandage-a-hand/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/TSgl77ncjuU?feature=shared&t=167
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/TSgl77ncjuU?feature=shared&t=180
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/TSgl77ncjuU?feature=shared&t=236
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/S3jC5SGvGrc?feature=shared&t=68
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/TSgl77ncjuU?feature=shared&t=257
      7. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003394.htm
      8. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-thumb/
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22226-sprained-thumb
      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22226-sprained-thumb
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22226-sprained-thumb
      3. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-thumb/
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-sprain/basics/art-20056622
      5. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/
      6. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/
      7. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/how-and-when-to-take-ibuprofen/
      9. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/arnica
      10. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=bo1531
      11. ↑ https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials
      12. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-thumb
      13. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprained-thumb/
      14. ↑ https://www.assh.org/handcare/blog/ask-a-doctor-thumb-sprains
      15. ↑ ​​ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22226-sprained-thumb

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 592,744 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Chantal Williams

        Dec 19, 2016

        "Took my son to ER, he sprained his thumb, but they left it up to me to wrap it. He plays sports so I needed help. ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement