Thumb Swelling and Discoloration: Trauma, Infection, and Other Causes

Acute thumb swelling/discoloration suggests:

• Sprain/strain: Ligament (sprain) or muscle/tendon (strain) injury from forced bending/twisting.
• Fracture: Bone break from high-impact force (fall, crush).
• Dislocation: Joint displacement from hyperextension/abnormal force.
• Infection: Bacterial (paronychia, felon, cellulitis), viral (herpetic whitlow), fungal—erythema, warmth, pus, fever.
• Other: Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombosis, tumor (rare).

Immediate care: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Seek urgent evaluation for deformity, inability to move, severe pain, signs of infection, or if symptoms worsen.