The Injury Hub

Thumb Sprain: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of a sprained thumb.

The Injury Hub: Thumb Sprain

What is a thumb sprain?

A Sprained Thumb is often referred to as Skier’s Thumb, due to the prevalence of this injury during skiing. It is a common cause of thumb pain. Skier’s Thumb refers to damage to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament at the base of the thumb.

It is important to note that this injury is not exclusive to skiers and can occur to anyone where there is sufficient force applied to the thumb that takes it in a direction furthest away from the hand.

Man holding a sprained thumb

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common thumb sprain and injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

In severe Sprained Thumb injuries there is often immediate thumb swelling and bruising may develop in a few days. In more chronic cases of Sprained Thumb that have not been diagnosed early, then there may be a persistent thickening of the joint with chronic thumb swelling. The joint between the metacarpal (long bone) and thumb bone will feel lax and unstable.

The ability to pinch grip small objects between the thumb and the index finger is often severely impaired because of the resultant instability in the MCP joint.

The Ulnar Collateral ligament of the thumb may be partially or completely torn. One of our physiotherapists will apply various tests and movements to help determine the extent of your thumb sprain and the stability of the joint.

Diagnosis is made by physical examination by our Physios. During the immediate period following damage to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the thumb, cold therapy applied by Physiotherapists is the best treatments. With a Physio rehab programme, sprains tend to resolve in around four to six weeks.

For complete ruptures of the ligament early referral onto an Orthopaedic Surgeon is required.

Friction and mobilisation work can be commenced early in the rehabilitation. Mobility of the Thumb, strength and dexterity can be improved by using hand therapy balls and therapeutic putty. Your Physiotherapist will advise you on the most appropriate rehab tools and when it is safe to return to full hand function.

Our Physiotherapists have a great deal of specific clinical experience in the management of thumb sprains.

Initially, our chartered physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment to determine the grade of your sprain, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help you recover.

Our physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

We have a team of Clinical leads who visits our physios and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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