Sprained thumb
From opening a jar to gripping your phone, a sprained thumb can make even the simplest everyday activities painful and difficult.
What is a sprained thumb?
A sprained thumb happens when the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), one of the main ligaments that stabilises the base of the thumb, is stretched or torn. This ligament is essential for gripping, pinching and holding objects securely. Thumb sprains most commonly occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand or when the thumb is forced away from the hand. This is particularly common during skiing, where the thumb can become trapped against a ski pole, which is why the injury is often called skier's thumb. Repeated strain during sport can also gradually weaken the ligament over time. Although many thumb sprains are mild, a complete ligament tear or an associated fracture may require more specialised treatment. Having your injury assessed early helps identify the severity of the damage and ensures you receive the most appropriate care.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury but commonly include:
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling and tenderness around the thumb joint
- Bruising around the thumb
- Difficulty gripping or pinching objects
- Weakness when holding items between the thumb and fingers
- A feeling that the thumb is unstable or gives way
- Reduced movement due to pain
If your thumb feels very unstable or you are unable to grip objects after an injury, it's important to seek medical assessment promptly.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by discussing how your injury happened, your symptoms and how your thumb is affecting your daily activities.
They will then carefully examine your thumb to assess the stability of the ligament, your range of movement and whether there are signs of a complete tear or fracture.
To confirm the diagnosis, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination of the thumb
- Assessment of thumb movement and stability
- X-rays to check for an associated fracture
- An ultrasound or MRI scan if further assessment of the ligament is needed
How is it treated?
Your treatment will depend on the severity of your injury, your lifestyle and your recovery goals. Your consultant will explain your options clearly and work with you to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
Treatment may include:
- A splint or cast to protect the thumb while the ligament heals
- Ice and pain relief to reduce discomfort and swelling
- Hand therapy or physiotherapy to restore strength, movement and function
- Activity modification during the early stages of recovery
- Surgery if the ligament is completely torn or has pulled away from the bone, or if there is an associated fracture
Treatment routes for a Sprained thumb
Many thumb sprains can be treated successfully without surgery.
If the ligament is only partially torn and the joint remains stable, your thumb is usually protected in a splint or cast for around four to six weeks. As healing progresses, rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, rebuilding strength and helping you return confidently to everyday activities.
Recovery goals after a Sprained thumb
During the first stage of recovery, the focus is on:
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the injured ligament Allowing the thumb to heal safely Maintaining movement in the surrounding joints
As healing progresses, rehabilitation focuses on:
Restoring thumb movement Improving grip and pinch strength Increasing confidence using your hand Returning to normal daily activities
The final stage of rehabilitation aims to:
Build strength for work, hobbies and sport Improve hand function and coordination Return safely to higher levels of activity Reduce the risk of future injury
Working with Hand and Wrist professionals and teams
Our hand and wrist specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hands and wrists. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Hand and Wrist treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Sprained Thumb FAQs
A mild thumb sprain may recover within four to six weeks. More severe injuries, particularly those requiring surgery, can take several months to regain full strength and function.
Not always. Many thumb sprains heal successfully with a splint or cast and rehabilitation. Surgery is generally recommended for complete ligament tears, unstable injuries or when the ligament has pulled away from the bone.
You may still be able to use your hand for light activities, but gripping and pinching are often painful. It's important to avoid activities that place further strain on the injured ligament until your consultant advises it is safe.
This depends on the severity of your injury and the demands of your sport. Some people return after six to eight weeks, while others may need longer following surgery. Your consultant and therapist will advise when it is safe to return based on your recovery and hand strength.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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