Rest the thumb and stop the activity that caused the injury
Remove rings or tight jewelry from the hand
Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time
Repeat icing every 2 to 3 hours for the first 24 to 48 hours
Keep the thumb elevated above heart level when possible
Use a compression wrap if it does not cause numbness or increased pain
Take over-the-counter pain relief if you can safely use it
Avoid forcing the thumb to move
Gently move the thumb only if pain is mild and motion is possible
Seek medical care if there is severe pain, deformity, swelling, numbness, or inability to move the thumb
Seek medical care if symptoms do not improve within a few days
Seek urgent care if the thumb looks dislocated or broken