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Wrist & Hand

Skier Thumb

Skier thumb is an injury to the ligament on the inside of the thumb joint. It commonly occurs when the thumb is forced away from the hand during a fall or sports injury.

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Typical Recovery Time
Recovery may take 4 to 8 weeks or longer if surgery is needed.

Symptoms

  • •Thumb pain
  • •Swelling
  • •Weak pinch
  • •Instability
  • •Bruising

Common Causes

  • •Fall on thumb
  • •Ski pole injury
  • •Sports trauma
  • •Forced thumb abduction
  • •Ligament tear

Treatment Options

1Thumb spica brace
2Activity modification
3Hand therapy
4Surgery if complete tear
5Pain control

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if thumb weakness, instability, or bruising occurs after injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is skier’s thumb?
Skier’s thumb is an injury to the ligament on the inside of the thumb joint. This ligament helps stabilize the thumb during gripping and pinching. The injury can cause pain, swelling, and weakness.
What causes skier’s thumb?
It often happens when the thumb is forced away from the hand, such as during a fall while holding a ski pole. It can also occur in ball sports or falls onto the hand. The force stretches or tears the thumb ligament.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb. Pinching, gripping, or holding objects may be difficult. Some people feel looseness or instability in the thumb.
How is it treated?
Partial tears may be treated with splinting or casting. Complete tears often require surgical evaluation, especially if the ligament is unstable. Early treatment helps restore thumb strength and function.
When can I return to sports?
Return depends on ligament healing and thumb stability. Mild injuries may recover in several weeks, while surgical cases take longer. Athletes may need protective bracing during return.
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