Broken thumb - am I being impatient?

[Still Mulling]

Hi Folks. Seeking some advice, please.

I broke a sesamoid bone in my thumb (non-dominant hand) nearly 5 weeks ago and, while the swelling has mostly gone down, it's still very painful at times.

I try not to use it through the day but it is soft-splinted not plastered, so I inevitably put it to some tasks.

When I wake in the morning it feels like flexibility is beginning to return, but through the day, and particularly in the evenings, there's a tangible increase in both steady dull-ache and unpredictable flash-pains. I'm also getting flashes of pain into the joint above the break.

Recovery is quoted as 6-8 weeks, so my key question is: should I seek a follow up, as it's rather important appendage for daily functioning(!), or am I just being impatient?

Thanks in advance!

[NDA]

How old are you?

I'm no expert, although I've broken enough bones. Age is a big factor in speed of recovery.

[Still Mulling]

NDA said:

How old are you?

I'm no expert, although I've broken enough bones. Age is a big factor in speed of recovery.

Early 40s.

[Speckle]

If it were me, I'd follow up. It may be nothing to worry about but, having a medical professional confirm it would be reassuring if nothing else.

On the other hand (no pun intended) if it isn't nothing, then you've done the right thing.

[Huntsman]

I broke a thumb, it was in a cast, after 3 weeks I thought I knew best and removed the cast.

All I can say is I'm a fking idiot and I got multiple bkings at home and at hospital.

Be patient.

[Still Mulling]

Huntsman said:

I broke a thumb, it was in a cast, after 3 weeks I thought I knew best and removed the cast.

All I can say is I'm a fking idiot and I got multiple bkings at home and at hospital.

Be patient.

Do you mind sharing what complications you experienced? (Other than earache!)

[Huntsman]

Still Mulling said:

Huntsman said:

I broke a thumb, it was in a cast, after 3 weeks I thought I knew best and removed the cast.

All I can say is I'm a fking idiot and I got multiple bkings at home and at hospital.

Be patient.

Do you mind sharing what complications you experienced? (Other than earache!)

I got bkings at home, triage, xray and fracture clinic, apparently its always men that cut of casts early.

When I took the cast off the whole hand and wrist was really sore and stiff, no strength, but after another 3 weeks in a second cast it was just the same. I could have just been really careful and I think I'd have got away with it.

I was 40ish, it takes a long time to get fully back up to strength, you just have to be patient.

[NDA]

Still Mulling said:

NDA said:

How old are you?

I'm no expert, although I've broken enough bones. Age is a big factor in speed of recovery.

Early 40s.

I just looked up typical recovery times for this fracture or break - 3-6 months is common. Complete immobilisation is the other mention!

I'd wait a bit longer and then maybe talk to your GP.

[Still Mulling]

Thanks Folks. 3-6 months! Guess I'd best reset my expectations from those given by the NHS, in that case

[Tagteam]

I did a finger and it seemed to take ages to heal properly. Quite a few months

[The_Doc]

I work with bones.

Keep it moving, stifness is the enemy, but give it much much longer.

[craig1912]

I had a left thumb P1 shaft fracture on 27 September and was discharged on 15 December. Had similar symptoms and it was never plastered. Saw a hand therapist who gave me some exercises but 10-12 weeks and it was OK. Back to full strength now.

[Caddyshack]

I amputated my pinkie finger coming up to 2yrs ago. After 1 yr it just wouldn’t heal the joint as the knuckle lost too much bone so I had it fused. 1 yr in and I contacted the surgeon today as it still gives lots of pain…I wonder if they will shorten it?

[Still Mulling]

Thanks Folks.

The_Doc: I keep it wiggling in the soft-splint through the day and take the splint off overnight. I’m probably doing to much with it during the day, but it’s difficult not to with kids to run around after!