Diagnosis
The diagnosis of an overstretched thumb is first suspected on the basis of the so-called anamnesis. During this initial questioning of the affected person by the physician a trauma or accident should be recalled, otherwise the probability of an overstretched thumb is rather small. Afterwards the thumb should be examined, whereby a pressure and movement pain are noticeable.
Usually the affected joint is swollen, occasionally there is a bruise. In order to diagnose the overstretched joint, imaging is also necessary. This serves primarily to rule out more serious injuries.
Neither bones nor other structures should be seriously broken or torn. In the case of overstretching, no defects can be seen in the X-ray image; in an MRI examination, water retention could be an indication. However, no serious injuries should be seen there either.
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The overstretch describes a pre-stage of the sideband tear. Both injuries are caused by the same mechanism. However, a tear of the collateral ligament requires even more force to be applied to the thumb than in the case of overstretching.
During overstretching, the individual fibers of the collateral ligament are pulled to length, and some of the fibers may tear, but these tears are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. On imaging, the band appears stable as a whole.In the case of a torn collateral ligament, on the other hand, so many fibers are torn that the tear can be seen on an MRI image. Often the two torn ends of the collateral ligament no longer have any contact with each other. The treatment is correspondingly more complicated, and healing takes longer with a torn collateral ligament in the thumb than with an overstretched thumb.
- Torn ligament on thumb
Therapy
The therapy of the overstretched thumb is usually not complicated. If no structures are seriously injured, immobilising the thumb with a splint is completely sufficient. After a few weeks, the thumb can be used again for light activities.
Through additional physiotherapeutic exercise, the thumb can then be strengthened again. Further treatment is not necessary in most cases. Taping the thumb after overstretching can initially serve to immobilize it.
A rather firm tape is needed for this. Once the immobilization phase is over, the thumb can be used again. Usually some discomfort occurs when returning to sports.
By taping the thumb, the overstretched tape can be supported in its stability. Depending on the type of load, a firm or elastic tape can be used. Do you suspect that your tape is not only overstretched but actually torn?
