What Happens if You Don’t Get Treated for a Broken Thumb?

If a broken thumb is left untreated, several potential complications can arise, ranging from mild to severe. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs, we frequently see patients with thumb pain. Here are some possible consequences of not seeking treatment for a broken thumb:

1. Poor Healing: Without proper immobilization and alignment of the broken bones (fracture), the thumb may not heal correctly, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased functionality.
2. Deformity: The thumb may heal in a misaligned position, resulting in deformity and aesthetic concerns. This can affect the appearance of the hand and may lead to difficulties with activities requiring fine motor skills.
3. Chronic Pain: Improperly healed fractures can cause ongoing pain, especially during activities that involve using the thumb. This can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
4. Loss of Functionality: A poorly healed broken thumb may result in reduced range of motion and strength in the thumb, making it difficult to perform tasks such as grasping objects, writing, or typing.
5. Arthritis: Malalignment of the broken bones or damage to the surrounding cartilage can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the thumb joint over time. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and further loss of function.
6. Infection: Open fractures or injuries that break the skin can introduce bacteria into the broken bone or surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of infection. Untreated infections can spread and lead to serious complications, including sepsis.
7. Delayed Healing: Without proper treatment, the broken thumb may take much longer to heal, prolonging pain and disability.

How long can you leave a broken thumb?

Leaving a broken thumb untreated is not advisable, as it can lead to various complications and impairments in hand function. However, if for some reason medical attention cannot be sought immediately, here’s a general timeline of what might happen if a broken thumb is left untreated:

Immediately After Injury:

1. Pain and Swelling: Initially, there will likely be pain, swelling, and possibly bruising around the injured thumb. The thumb may be difficult to move or use.

Within a Few Days to Weeks:

1. Delayed Healing: Without proper immobilization and alignment, the broken bones may begin to heal on their own, but the process may be delayed and less predictable.
2. Risk of Complications: As healing progresses, there is an increased risk of complications such as malunion (improper alignment of the bones), nonunion (failure of the bones to heal), and arthritis in the thumb joint.
3. Functional Impairment: The lack of proper treatment can lead to decreased range of motion, strength, and function in the thumb, making it difficult to perform daily activities.

Beyond Several Weeks to Months:

1. Chronic Pain and Disability: Over time, chronic pain, stiffness, and disability may develop, significantly impacting the individual’s quality of life and ability to use their hand effectively.

Will my broken thumb heal on its own?

Whether a broken thumb can heal on its own depends on several factors, including the severity and location of the fracture, as well as the individual’s overall health and age. In some cases, particularly with minor fractures or hairline cracks (stress fractures), the broken thumb may heal without medical intervention. However, it’s essential to understand that leaving a broken thumb untreated can lead to complications and impairments in hand function.

Here’s what typically happens if a broken thumb is left to heal on its own:

1. Natural Healing Process: The body’s natural healing mechanisms will attempt to repair the broken bones over time. This process involves the formation of callus tissue around the fracture site, which gradually bridges the gap between the broken bone ends.
2. Potential Complications: While some minor fractures may heal adequately without treatment, there is a risk of complications, including malunion (improper alignment of the bones), nonunion (failure of the bones to heal), and arthritis in the thumb joint. Leaving the broken thumb untreated can also result in chronic pain, stiffness, and functional impairment.
3. Delayed Healing: Without proper immobilization and alignment, the broken bones may take longer to heal, and the healing process may be less predictable. This can prolong pain and discomfort and delay the return to normal hand function.
4. Functional Impairment: A broken thumb that heals without proper alignment may result in decreased range of motion, strength, and function in the thumb. This can affect the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and may require rehabilitation to regain hand function.

How do I know if my thumb injury is serious?

Determining whether a thumb injury is serious requires assessing the severity of the injury, the extent of pain and functional impairment, and the presence of any concerning symptoms. Here are some signs that may indicate a serious thumb injury:

Signs of a Serious Thumb Injury:

1. Severe Pain: Intense, persistent pain that does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medications may indicate a more serious injury.
2. Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling, bruising, or discoloration around the thumb may suggest a fracture, ligament tear, or other serious injury.
3. Deformity: Visible deformity, misalignment, or abnormal positioning of the thumb, such as a crooked appearance or inability to move the thumb normally, may indicate a fracture or dislocation.
4. Inability to Move or Use the Thumb: Difficulty moving or using the thumb, such as gripping objects or performing daily activities, may suggest a significant injury affecting the thumb’s function.
5. Tenderness and Sensitivity: Tenderness, sensitivity to touch, or pain with gentle pressure over the thumb may indicate underlying damage to the bones, ligaments, or soft tissues.
6. Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation, numbness, or tingling in the thumb, fingers, or hand may indicate nerve involvement, such as nerve compression or injury.
7. Open Wound or Puncture: If the thumb injury involves an open wound, laceration, or puncture wound, there is an increased risk of infection and may require medical attention.
8. Persistent Symptoms: Symptoms that persist or worsen over time, despite home remedies or initial treatment, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about what happens if you don’t get treated for a broken thumb. If you would like us to evaluate you, and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.