Dislocated Thumb: Care Instructions

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Wear the splint day and night until your follow-up visit. Do not take it off unless your doctor tells you to.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your thumb for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Prop up your hand on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse pain.
• Your thumb is cool or pale or changes color.
• You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your thumb.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.