Sprained thumb: causes, symptoms, treatment

Definition

What is that skier's thumb ?

Skier's thumb (Literal meaning: skier's thumb) is an injury to the soft tissue that connects the bones of your thumb. In medicine, these soft tissues are called ligaments. On Skier's thumb , the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb is injured ranging from mild to even severe to the degree where the ligament is completely torn. This injury is common in skiers.

In severe cases, with a complete ligament tear, surgery may be required. A firm and stable ligament is very important because of its function to grip objects in the hand.

Signs and symptoms

What are the symptoms skier's thumb ?

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of sprained thumb include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb, which is in the middle between the thumb and forefinger
• The thumb is swollen
• Cannot pinch, grasp, or hold objects with thumb and forefinger
• The side of the thumb facing the index finger feels soft to the touch
• The side of the thumb facing the index finger is bluish or blackish in color
• Pain that gets worse when the thumb is moved
• Pain in the wrist (which actually radiates from the thumb)

There may be some symptoms and signs that were not mentioned. If you have any questions about the signs, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms as mentioned above or hand injury while exercising, or have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor. Everyone's condition is different. Always discuss with your doctor for further instructions, the method of diagnosis, and the best treatment for you.

Cause

What causes sprained thumb?

Injury during sports is the most common cause of damage or injury to a ligament.

Holding your body down with your palms open will put tremendous pressure on your thumbs, which can tear the ligaments. Especially if when you fall, your hand is holding something (such as a badminton racket).

Another cause of sprained thumb is traffic accidents, in which the driver's thumb is in the position to grip the steering wheel of a car or bicycle and motorcycle handlebars. Any injury that causes the thumb to curve backwards or forwards or to the side can also cause the thumb to sprinkle.

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How skier's thumb diagnosed?

The doctor will make sure you don't have another fatal injury first and then examine your thumb further.

The doctor will ask how the sprain happened. You will need to answer the following questions:

• When did the injury occur?
• What are the positions of the hands and thumbs when sprained?
• How long after the injury did you begin to feel pain and swell in your thumb?
• Can your thumb curl in an abnormal direction?

The doctor will also ask about your medical history such as:

• Have you had the same injury before?
• Have you had surgery on your hand or wrist?
• Do you have any drug allergies?
• Have you had a broken bone in your hand or wrist?
• Are you left-handed?
• What is your current job?

The doctor will then examine the thumb with the following tests:

• Compare the movement and curve of the sprained thumb with a healthy one
• Check the function of the main nerves in the hand
• X-ray scan to make sure there are no broken bones
• Examination of the hands, arms, wrists, elbows, and shoulders to make sure there are no other injuries

How skier's thumb treated?

Medical treatment

You may be referred to an orthopedist or surgeon. This is the time when the team of doctors will determine whether you need surgery or not.

Usually, partial ligament damage will only rest for a few weeks. Meanwhile, complete ligament damage requires surgery.

Operation

If you need surgery, the doctor will operate and repair the damaged ligament using the anchor suture technique (anchor suture). After surgery, your hand may be bandaged and cast to hold it in place until it heals.

You may need to have a cast for some time, depending on the instructions of your orthopedic surgeon.

Meanwhile, if you also have a fracture, your hand may be cast in a special position or surgery to stabilize the broken bone.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a sprained thumb?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you treat your sprained thumb:

• Apply ice for 35 minutes, about four times a day. Don't apply ice directly to the skin, but wrap the ice in a soft cloth or soak the cloth in ice water until it's cool enough. You can continue to apply the compress until the pain gets better. Remember, this method still cannot replace visits and medical treatment from a doctor.
• Avoid moving your thumb. Ask your doctor the best way to hold your thumb while it heals.
• Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen). However, avoid these drugs if you have digestive problems.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.