Did I dislocate/subluxate my thumb?

[Cassiel]

Last weekend I was helping my sister move, and while I was helping move her sofa it slipped and seriously hyperextended my thumb. I felt a little pop, but it wasn't out of joint when I looked at it (though it hurt like a MOFO). It swelled unbelievably - twice the size of the other one - and was too stiff and painful to move. But I have really cruddy student health insurance so I didn't have it looked at. Now it's been a week and seems to be getting better, though it's still pretty swollen and painful. I did splint it myself, and I know what the risks are of not having it examined (I was a vet tech, so I am aware of the complications of dislocating/subluxating a joint). What I am wondering is if there is anyone out there who has done this, and what did you/your doctor do about it? Because it's getting better I'm reluctant to do anything more for it. But I'm wondering if there are things I can do to help it along, besides splinting and icing.

[*AHIMSA*]

If you can move it, it's probably not dislocated. It sounds sprained, but you'll need a doctor/other medical professional who can examine you to verify that for you.

[Cassiel]

Thanks!

[LovelyPerv]

Over ten years ago, my finger was hyper-extended like that, and I too heard a pop. It did not swell up, or even hurt that much after the fact so I never had it looked at.

Now, that stupid finger is still giving me problems...especially when it's old. It hurts, gets in the way, and the nerves are becoming more and more damaged.

I don't know what would be different if I DID have it looked at...After all, at the time, it was minor & painless cartilage damage. Still, you may regret it.