How do you treat skiers thumb?

Skier’s Thumb Treatment Self-Care at Home

1. Apply ice to the thumb for 35 minutes at a time, up to 4 times per day.
2. Avoid movement of the thumb as much as possible.
3. Take acetaminophen for pain relief or ibuprofen for anti-inflammatory action.

How long does it take for skiers thumb to heal?

At some point as you recover, your provider will ask you to begin exercises to regain movement and strength in your thumb. This may be as soon as 3 weeks or as long 8 weeks after your injury. When you restart an activity after a sprain, build up slowly. If your thumb begins to hurt, stop using it for a while.

Does skier’s thumb need surgery?

With skier’s thumb, the ligament is stretched or torn (sprained). This can cause pain and can limit movement and use of the thumb. You may need surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament and restore function.

What happens after skiers thumb surgery?

The first 2-3 days after surgery can be painful and medications will be prescribed to help. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the thumb gradually improve over time. Most patients can return to better function at about 3 months post-operatively, but maximum improvement can take 6 months or so.

Why is it called skiers thumb?

WHAT IS SKIER’S THUMB? Skier’s thumb occurs when one of the two main ligaments that support the thumb, the ulnar collateral ligament, is abruptly stretched beyond its limits. It is typically referred to as skier’s thumb because it commonly results when a skier falls with an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole.

How do you prevent skiers thumb?

The simple way to try and prevent it from happening has to do with how you put your hand through the pole strap before you set off down the run. The right way is to reach your hand underneath the strap and then grip the pole handle over the top of it.

Do they put you to sleep for thumb ligament surgery?

After the block is placed, you will be given more medication in the operating room by the anesthesia team to make you sleepy. Generally they do not put you completely asleep, but rather you will drift off to sleep and can be completely unaware of the surgery, if you want.

How long does pain last after UCL thumb surgery?

Most patients have minimal pain by 6 weeks after surgery, with nearly full thumb and hand motion by 3 months. Your symptoms will continue to improve by working in therapy. It is important that you consistently work with your therapist to optimize motion and strength after surgery.

Can a UCL thumb tear heal without surgery?

Non-operative treatment Treatment of a thumb UCL injury will depend on the severity of the injury. Mild and moderate sprains can be treated conservatively without surgery.

Why does my thumb hurt after skiing?

A “Skier’s Thumb” injury happens when you fall onto your outstretched thumb. Blunt force on your thumb can stretch or tear the ligament along the outside of your thumb. Your thumb can become very sore and unstable, causing pain and making it difficult to pinch, grasp, or grip objects.

What does a Stener lesion feel like?

Patients with this lesion present with ecchymosis, soft tissue swelling, and focal tenderness of the ulnar aspect of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.