Should i be worried

so i was playing softball and i caught a fly ball and the ball hit the inside of the thumb on my glove hand. i put ice on it right away and it started to swell alittle but not alot. just enough to tell the difference between both thumbs. i can mover alittle up and down and side to side put when i put it into a thumbs up position it hurts and its like bent like when your hand is relaxed and your thumb bends in. the knuckle hurts also but i dont know if  i should go to the doctor or wait a few days then go.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Your question would be more appropriate for an orthopedic forum or a general medicine forum. However, I would advice you to have your thumb evaluated ASAP. Any injury, such as what you sustained, can cause a broken bone, which begins healing after the injury. If left untreated (such as cast/splint, etc), it may heal inappropriately, which can lead to long-term problems.

Again, I suggest you see your primary care physician or emergency department for evaluation (i.e., xray) to determine if you did break a bone or strained the area. Depending on the results will determine the management/treatment plan.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.