Definition
A sprain is an injury to the capsule-ligament-joint apparatus that does not result in bone fractures (fractures) or joint surface displacements (luxations). Like almost all other joints, the thumb joint can of course also be affected by a sprain. The sprained thumb joint is often the so-called thumb saddle joint (lat.
Articulatio carpometacarpalis pollicis), which is located at the transition of the hand to the thumb. A wide range of sprains is possible, from mild sprains, which usually correspond only to a slight overstretching of the ligaments that surround and support the joint, to severe sprains, which are often accompanied by torn muscles and/or torn ligaments. It is therefore important to know that not every sprain is equally “bad” and it is quite possible that one variant requires medical treatment while other sprains of the thumb heal quickly and easily.
Causes
The cause of a sprain usually lies in banal everyday accidents or sports injuries; quickly you may have stumbled or got stuck and it may have happened! Almost always a force that presses the thumb further away from the hand than would naturally be possible causes the sprain. This unnatural movement overstretches the ligaments, causing a sprain.
With regard to sports injuries, those sports that involve a lot of work with the hands – such as handball or volleyball – are very risky in terms of thumb injuries. If a fast, powerfully thrown ball hits the thumb at an unfavorable angle, a sprain is almost unavoidable. But also when skiing, it is not uncommon for a fall with an unfavorable angle onto the ski poles to cause a sprained thumb.
Diagnosis
In order to make a diagnosis, the attending physician will first listen carefully to the patient’s description and, above all, ask for details about the course of the accident. This usually provides initial clues as to the type of injury behind the problem. He will then take a thorough look at the injured hand (and usually the healthy hand for comparison) and palpate the injury.
An exact localization of the pain is just as important as determining the exact extent of the injury and possibly recognizing another injury. In some cases, an ultrasound or X-ray examination may be necessary. If the findings are still not certain, a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) is performed. This may be necessary and important in individual cases to clearly distinguish other injuries from severe thumb sprains.
