Skier's Thumb: The Hidden Danger on the Slopes

Published: Apr 23, 2024

Skier's thumb is a common injury that can happen to anyone, not just skiers. It's a tear in a ligament in your thumb that can cause pain and weakness.

How Does It Happen?

Skier's thumb usually occurs when your thumb is forcefully bent away from your hand. Imagine falling while holding a ski pole or catching your thumb on something as you tumble. This sudden force can stretch or tear the ligament on the inside of your thumb joint. While it's named after skiing accidents, it can happen during any activity where your thumb might get yanked sideways.

Spotting the Signs

If you've injured your thumb, you might feel pain and swelling around the base of your thumb. It might hurt to move your thumb or grip things. Sometimes, your thumb might feel loose or unstable. These symptoms can vary depending on how badly the ligament is damaged. If you notice these signs after a fall or accident, it's worth getting checked out.

Skier's Thumb is a ligament injury in the thumb joint, often caused by a forceful bend away from the hand. It results in pain, swelling, and potential instability of the thumb.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors can usually diagnose skier's thumb with a physical exam and X-rays. They'll gently test how stable your thumb is compared to your other hand. For mild cases, you might just need to wear a special thumb splint for a few weeks. More severe injuries might require surgery to repair the ligament. The good news is that with proper treatment, most people recover well and can return to their normal activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it's common in many sports and activities.

Usually 3-6 weeks for mild cases, longer if surgery is needed.

Only if the injury is severe or doesn't heal with splinting.

Proper equipment and technique can reduce risk, but accidents can still happen.

Key Takeaways

While skier's thumb can be painful, it's usually treatable with good outcomes.

Worried about a thumb injury? Chat with Doctronic to learn more about your symptoms and treatment options.

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References

Anderson D. Skier's thumb. Aust Fam Physician 2010; 39:575.

Ritting AW, Baldwin PC, Rodner CM. Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Clin J Sport Med 2010; 20:106.

Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.