One year post thumb dislocation

Dear Ask The Doctor: Im 16 years old about a year ago i dislocated my thumb but it went back in by itself so i didn't go to the doctor but lately it's been reallly hurting to the point that i can't hold anything in my hand thats to heavy what can i do and what might be wrong

Dear Rhianna: After reducing a thumb dislocation, the collateral ligaments of the joint must be assessed and also the integrity of the vascular and nerve elements. A cast must be applied for 6 weeks to allow the structures of the injured joint to heal properly. After all these procedures, a physical therapy program must be follow until reach the total function of the joint. Sometimes there are long term complications, as you described: chronic pain, so I strongly recommend that you get an assessment, clinical and imaging, by an orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon, to determine the cause of problem after one year of the dislocation.