Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooThumb Fracture
Elbow, Wrist & Hand
What It Is
Broken thumbs are a serious issue. A break can make it hard to grab, pinch or hold things, and certain types of thumb fracture can increase your risk of arthritis later on (AAOS, n.d.). Although breaks can occur in any of the bones in the thumb, fractures that go into a joint are often harder to treat and more likely to cause problems. Some common fractures happen near the base of the thumb, where it joins the wrist; these are called Bennett and Rolando fractures (AAOS, n.d.).
It can be hard to tell whether a thumb is broken, dislocated or badly sprained, so you will probably need an X-ray (NHS, 2025).
A nearby injury to be aware of is a fractured scaphoid. The scaphoid is a small wrist bone near the base of the thumb. It is usually broken by a fall on an outstretched hand and causes pain just below the base of the thumb (AAOS, n.d.).
Thumb Fracture Anatomy
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team
Recovery
A broken thumb usually heals within 6 to 8 weeks, but it may be 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand (NHS, 2025). Once it has healed, using the thumb normally will help stop it getting stiff (NHS, 2025).
Rehab
Tips
- Thumb fractures commonly occur when a ball catches the thumb and pulls it back (AAOS, n.d.).
- Wrestling, skiing, football and hockey have all been known to cause thumb fractures (AAOS, n.d.).
- People with bone diseases that weaken the bones, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, are at increased risk of fractures (AAOS, n.d.).
- Make sure to use proper equipment when playing any sport. Ask your doctor when it is safe to return to contact sports (NHS, 2025).
Treatment
My Approach
A broken thumb needs to be kept still while it heals, but a hand left still too long gets stiff, and doing too much too soon can move the bone. Your fracture team decides how your thumb is protected, in a cast or splint or after surgery, and when you can start using it. I work inside those limits, and if your fracture was treated with surgery or stops you doing your normal daily activities, I need your team's okay before any hands-on treatment.
Please bring any X-ray or scan reports and notes from your medical team to your first visit. They're an important part of planning safe treatment for you.
While It's Protected
- Easing the neck, shoulder and forearm, and the other arm, which takes over
- Gentle lymphatic drainage above the cast or splint, with your hand raised
- Keeping the fingers, elbow and shoulder moving, as far as your team allows
Once Your Team Allows More
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to Get Emergency Help
Get medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have broken your thumb (NHS, 2025). Call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital if, after an injury, your thumb is pointing at an odd angle, looks blue or feels numb, or there is a cut with bone showing or poking out (NHS, 2025).
While waiting to be seen, raise your hand to reduce swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, cover any cut with a clean dressing, and remove any rings from that hand (NHS, 2025).
Sources
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Thumb fractures. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/thumb-fractures/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2025) Broken finger or thumb. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-finger/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (2024) Thumb fractures and soft tissue injury advice. Available at: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/display-pil/pil-thumb-fractures-and-soft-tissue-injury-advice-5884/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) Scaphoid fracture of the wrist. OrthoInfo. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/scaphoid-fracture-of-the-wrist/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).