One should not try to stretch ones arms and turn around in a tight upstairs hallway at the same time. One learns that the thumb will lose in a collision with a door jamb.

Now with proper rest one will probably survive the trauma, unless one is male and the thumb damaged is the one used to change channels. I will now try to learn how to change channels with the left hand. It will be a handicap I know but (cue disco music) I will survive. I just won't be up to full speed for a day or two.