On the human hand, alongside the four fingers, lies the thumb which plays a crucial role in every task. A thumb provides half of the hand’s overall capability through its ability to oppose the other fingers.
Alongside the fingers, the thumb plays a crucial role in picking up an object. While doing any task repeatedly, our thumb often gets injured, which eventually starts causing difficulties even with our daily activities. Sustaining an injury is a common occurrence that typically heals.
However, the effects of certain injuries can persist for a considerable period and may even be quite serious. For which we may even have to resort to orthopedic assistance.
In this blog, we will discuss this topic, specifically focusing on the thumb spica splint. When and for how long it should be used.
How does Pain Develop in the Thumb?
When the pain is felt in the thumb or the surrounding areas is referred to as thumb pain. Thumb pain can commonly occur while performing certain tasks. In many instances due to the severity of the pain one is unable to make any movements with the thumb, and touching it results in even greater discomfort. Excessive pain can be caused by an injury such as a twisted thumb, or something falling on it that has resulted in a bruise.
What Causes Thumb Injury?
These are some reasons for thumb injury:
- Thumb sprains
- Fracture
- Dislocation
- Repetitive Strain
Thumb sprain occurs when the tissue connecting the bones stretches or tears, spraining one’s thumb while performing a task. Something landing on the thumb, which increases the chances of a fracture. Thumb dislocation occurs when the bones are forcefully pushed out of their normal alignment at the knuckle joints. Repetitive strain which damages the tough, fibrous cords that connect thumb muscles to bones. The constant workload of your thumb like lifting heavy grocery bags, typing endless blogs in offices etc.
Symptoms of Thumb Injury
- Following an injury to the thumb, significant pain will be felt even without touching it.
- Swelling will start to develop at the injured site.
- Along with swelling, there will be bruising around the thumb, causing the skin to turn black, blue, or purple.’
- The thumb joint may feel loose, weak, or as if it is “giving out” when trying to use it.
- To exert effort in lifting or grabbing objects.
What is a Thumb Spica Splint?
A thumb spica splint is specifically designed to stabilize the base of the thumb and the wrist . This is an orthopedic aid useful for recovering from thumb sprains, strains, fractures, and ligament injuries. Here are the benefits of using a thumb spica:
- It immobilizes the joint that restricts unwanted movement to prevent pain, inflammation and swelling after post-operative care for quick recovery.
- This spica prevents unwanted motion and this splint directly supports the affected area of the pain and inflammation.
- The support of this aid gives the inflamed tendons and ligaments a chance to heal properly by reducing the stress on the injured area.
- While performing any activity such as, typing, lifting, and using tools, it gently supports your joints which can cause overuse injuries and inflammation.
- It completely helps you perform everyday tasks with less pain and discomfort.
When Do You Need a Thumb Spica Splint?
Locations where you need a thumb spica splint include:
- Ligament tears are frequent while playing games like badminton, cricket, and baseball.
- The thumb helps in performing household chores such as cleaning, washing clothes, and washing dishes.
- Elderly adults experience difficulty in holding or lifting objects with daily chores.
- To avoid that pain, use a thumb splint
- That keeps the thumb safe while tissues recover.
How Long Should You Use a Thumb Spica Splint?
Thumb injury can be painful that can disrupt your routine work. Such as using your mobile phone, typing, cooking, or lifting. The duration generally depends on the nature of injury that you have:
- In a minor sprain, a thumb spica can be used for 1–2 weeks.
- Moderate injuries require up to 3-4 weeks in healing.
- If there’s any fracture or recovering from post-surgery, the thumb spica should be used for more than 6 weeks to heal.
- This aid gives you confidence to move and use your hand without fear.
Wearing a thumb spica in a correct manner can help your thumb recover faster, comfortably and safely.
Conclusion
A thumb plays an important role in assisting with household chores, typing, cooking and eating, and with lifting or holding anything. Half of the hand’s overall capability through its ability to oppose the other fingers is provided by a thumb. Thumb pain can be a common ailment that sometimes occurs while performing certain tasks. Pain can occur due to sprain, fracture, or dislocation in the thumb.
Intense pain, swelling, bruising are some of the common symptoms of thumb injury. A thumb spica splint is an orthopedic aid that supports your wrist and thumb joint, in order to avoid strain on a particular area. This splint promotes healing, supports faster and safer recovery of inflamed tendons and ligaments with time.
Wearing a thumb spica in a correct manner can help your thumb recover faster, comfortably and safely. A thumb spica is typically worn for 1-2 weeks for minor sprain. With the longer periods 6+ weeks needed for fractures or post-operative care.
