A first degree sprain should be treated immediately with the P.R.I.C.E. Principle – Protection, Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation.
If possible, the hand should be rested for the first couple of days post-injury to allow the healing process to take place.
X-rays can show whether the bones of the thumb and hand are broken. Your hand specialist will examine the thumb to determine whether the ligament is torn. Some tears can be treated using a splint or a cast. Other tears need to be fixed surgically.
If the injury is chronic, the ligament might not be able to heal even with treatment. In these cases, a new ligament sometimes is created using a tendon. If there is arthritis at the joint, fusing the joint so that it does not move at all might be the best option.