A Sprained Thumb is often referred to as Skier’s Thumb, due to the prevalence of this injury during skiing. It is a common cause of thumb pain and swelling. Skier’s Thumb refers to damage to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament at the base of the thumb. It is important to note that this injury is not exclusive to skiers and can occur to anyone where there is sufficient force applied to the thumb that takes it in a direction furthest away from the hand.
In severe Sprained Thumb injuries there is often immediate thumb swelling and bruising may develop in a few days. In more chronic cases of Sprained Thumb that have not been diagnosed early, then there may be a persistent thickening of the joint with chronic thumb swelling. The joint between the Metacarpal and thumb bone will feel lax and unstable. The ability to pinch grip small objects between the thumb and the index finger is often severely impaired because of the resultant instability in the MCP joint.
Diagnosis is made by physical examination by our Physios. During the immediate period following damage to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the thumb, cold therapy applied by Physiotherapists is the best treatments. With a Physio rehab programme, sprains tend to resolve in around four to six weeks. Electrotherapy can be effective in the early stages, then mobilisation (see Manipulation and Mobilisation) can aid ligament repair and help restore function. Thumb strength and dexterity can be improved by using hand therapy balls and therapeutic putty. Grip and thumb strengthening devices can also be useful to restore normal hand and thumb strength. All of these are for sale in a retail section of the clinic.
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