What is Skier's Thumb?
Have you ever taken a fall while skiing and got your thumb caught up with your ski pole? Or maybe just slipped on the ice and landed with your hand outstretched? If you have pain in your thumb or wrist after mishaps like these you may have sprained your ulnar collateral ligament, commonly known as skier's thumb.
A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligament sprains are differentiated by the degree of damage done. A Momentum Physiotherapist can identify the degree of ligament sprain as well as other possible causes of thumb or wrist pain, which may include injuries to tendons, joints, or other ligaments. Once the root cause of the pain is determined appropriate treatment can be provided.
Treatment for an ulnar collateral ligament sprain varies depending on the degree of sprain but can include immobilization through bracing or taping, manual therapies like massage, acupuncture, stretches, and exercises.
If you have thumb or wrist pain, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to see how we can help!
Raina Hawthorne is a physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.