Restricted Movement in Thumb After Injury from Glass
(23 years old, contemplating removing this post due to feeling anxious; likely overthinking the situation, possibly just need some time.) A few weeks prior to Christmas in 2024, I accidentally injured my thumb while trying to separate two glasses that were stuck together instead of running them under water as I should have, while doing the dishes. There were no glass fragments discovered in the cut, and although the base of my thumb could move, the tip had limited flexibility. I received four stitches on the side of my thumb that faces the palm, positioned about a quarter of an inch above the base. Although the cut wasn’t very deep, I could actually see the muscles in my hand flexing after the injury occurred. It has been several months since the wound healed, and I was advised by urgent care that ice therapy, rest, ibuprofen, and hand exercises would promote recovery. Yet, I still experience restricted movement at the tip of my thumb. The tip can bend normally when I use a splint designed for metacarpal trigger fingers (the kind that put pressure on your palm when you attempt to make a fist). I apologize if “metacarpal” isn’t the correct term. Additionally, holding the base of my thumb while wiggling the tip seems to help. Making a circle with my fingers takes some effort, but it serves as an effective stretch for my thumb. Each exercise feels reminiscent of lifting a small dumbbell with my thumb, and it cannot fully curl into my palm; I can only bend it across as if I am demonstrating the number four. The swelling has subsided, and there’s no discoloration, but I am uncertain whether I should continue with the exercises, be patient, and discuss it with my doctor at my next check-up, or if this warrants immediate medical attention due to my delayed concern. (I apologize if I’m merely overreacting or haven’t shared enough details.)
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 4:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling anxious about the restricted movement in your thumb after your injury, which is completely understandable. It's good that your wound has healed and that you are focusing on recovery through exercises. Let's break down your situation and the next steps.
Main Points:
- Persistent Limitation in Movement: It is not uncommon to experience stiffness and limited range of motion after an injury, especially if it involved muscles and tendons.
- Current Management: Continuing your exercises while being patient is generally advisable, but it's valuable to monitor your progress.
- When to Seek Further Help: If there’s no improvement over time, it may warrant a discussion with a healthcare professional.
Explanation:
After an injury, especially involving stitches, it's normal for the area to take some time to regain full mobility and strength. The exercises you mentioned, such as making a fist and holding the base of your thumb while wiggling the tip, are helpful for rehabilitation. However, recovery can take longer than expected, and patience is often required.
Your use of a splint and self-guided exercise are great approaches to support your thumb's recovery. It's also reassuring that you do not have swelling or discoloration, which suggests that there is no ongoing acute issue.
Next Steps:
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Continue Your Exercises: Stick with the hand exercises you've identified, focusing on gentle stretching and movement. Make sure to do these regularly, but avoid any exercises that cause pain.
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Patience is Key: Allow more time for recovery; tendons and muscles can take several weeks or even months to fully regain their strength and flexibility after an injury.
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Documentation: Keep a simple log of your thumb's movements and any particular challenges you face during exercises. This will help you track your progress and provide useful information for any healthcare provider if needed.
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Consultation with a Doctor: If you do not see improvement in the next few weeks, or if the pain increases, it would be wise to discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment. They can assess if there is underlying damage, such as to the tendons or nerves.
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Reassure Yourself: It's normal to feel anxious in situations like this. You are doing all the right things by seeking information and actively working on your rehabilitation.
If you have more specific symptoms or concerns along the way, it’s okay to reach out sooner than your scheduled appointment. You’re taking positive steps towards healing, and I encourage you to keep that focus.
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