How to Heal a Split Tendon in the Thumb

Injuring a tendon in the thumb is a common condition especially for athletes and highly active individuals. In most cases, the tendon can be healed through a series of relatively easy steps, but in severe cases, surgery is necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Anti-Inflammatory medication
• Hand brace

Show More

Instructions

Treatment

• 1

  Rest the thumb. Do not perform any strenuous activities with the thumb. Make sure that the tendon is kept completely immobile for the first 48 hours after the injury. Rest is the most essential step in the healing process.

• 2

  Ice the tendon. Apply ice to the injured tendon for 15 minutes per hour on the day of the incident. On the following days, ice the tendon for 15 minutes every two to three hours. Diligently ice the tendon to reduce swelling and speed up the recovery process.

• 3

  Take an anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen or aspirin are effective over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. They reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with the injury.

• 4

  Wear a hand brace. Your physician can provide you with a properly fitting hand brace which will immobilize the thumb tendon while it heals.

• 5

  Elevate the thumb. Keep the injured tendon elevated above the level of the heart. This not only speeds recovery, but also keeps blood from pooling around the inflamed tendon. Be sure to elevate the thumb during sleep by propping it up with soft objects.