#Black and bruised punch out skin

If you have swelling in your thumb, sit on a chair and place your elbow on cushions so that it is level or slightly higher than your shoulder. Unless otherwise advised the bandage should be removed when you go to bed at night because when you are asleep you cannot monitor these symptoms.

#Black and bruised punch out skin

It is important this is removed if you develop any signs of poor circulation such as tingling, numbness, blueness of the skin of the thumb and increasing pain. You may have been given a special compression bandage to wear to help control swelling in your thumb.

the area becomes excessively painful, numb or tingles.

the area becomes white, blue or blotchy.

where you can feel hot and cold.ĭo not apply an ice pack to an area that has poor circulation.ĭuring ice application check the skin every five minutes and discontinue its use if: Only use an ice pack on areas that have normal skin sensation i.e. Whichever method you choose it is important that you wrap the ice in a damp towel, in order to prevent it from ‘burning’ the skin. There are many different ways in which ice can be applied however it believed crushed ice, in the form of frozen peas for example, is the most effective. Ice will help reduce the pain in your thumb and so should be applied for 10 – 15 minutes. Ensure you continue to move your fingers and wrist as normal as it is common for these joints to quickly become stiff. The most important initial treatment is aimed at controlling the pain and swelling by following the principles of RICE: R – RestĬomplete rest is not advisable but it is important that you prevent putting the thumb under strain in the early stages of healing. What should I do in the first 72 hours after the injury? If you have allergies or conditions which prevent the use of pain relieving or anti-inflammatory medication, please seek advice from your doctor or a pharmacist. To manage your pain it is advised that you regularly take simple pain relief which can be brought over the counter. What are the symptoms?Ī soft tissue injury to the thumb may result in: Injuries to the soft tissue surrounding the thumb are usually caused by a forceful stretch when landing awkwardly on the hand or direct blow for example when playing ball sports. The term soft tissue refers to muscles, ligaments and tendons that surround and support our joints.

If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team but may act as a starting point for discussion. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your injury.

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