Dislocated Thumb: How to Care for Your Child

With proper treatment, most kids who dislocate a thumb can gradually return to their normal activities. The thumb may feel sore or stiff for a while.

A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A dislocated thumb may happen from a fall, blow, or sports injury, especially if the thumb is bent back or jammed.

Your child had X-rays to diagnose the dislocated thumb. The bones may have moved back into place on their own or the health care provider may have gently put the joint back with a quick maneuver called a reduction. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the joint.

To keep the joint from dislocating again, the health care provider put a splint on the thumb. Your child will follow up with an orthopedic doctor (bone specialist) and the splint might be changed to a cast. Your child will have a splint or cast for a few weeks while the thumb heals. A sling (sleeve to hold the arm up) may have been fitted to help with swelling.

• For the next few days:

  • Put a cold pack or plastic bag of ice wrapped in a towel on the thumb for 15–20 minutes three or four times a day. Do not place ice directly on the skin.

  • To keep swelling down, your child should keep the hand raised above heart level as much as possible. Try propping it up with pillows. Use the sling when your child is awake.

• If your child is uncomfortable, a medication may help:

  • For children under 6 months, you may give acetaminophen.

  • For children over 6 months, you may give acetaminophen OR ibuprofen, if recommended by your health care provider.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for taking care of the splint. Do not try to remove it; only the doctor or medical technician should adjust it.

• Schedule a follow-up appointment with the orthopedic doctor as directed.

• Ask your health care provider when it's OK for your child to return to sports. The health care provider may recommend protective hand gear or taping for sports play.

• The thumb dislocates again.

• Pain doesn't improve with medication.

• Swelling doesn't improve with propping the hand up.

• The thumb is blue, pale, cold, or numb.