Thumb Sprain and Skier’s Thumb Causes and Solutions
What does it mean to sprain your thumb?
A thumb sprain, also referred to as Skier's thumb, is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. This ligament becomes sprained or torn as the thumb is pulled away from the index finger, most likely from a fall or twisting motion. It is known as Skier’s Thumb because it is common skiing injury if the skier falls while still grasping the poles.
What are the symptoms of a thumb sprain?
A thumb sprain most likely causes pain, swelling, and stiffness at the base of the thumb. Pain usually increases while grasping or pinching. Depending on the severity of the injury, the thumb may lose side-to-side stability until the ligament is healed.
How will a brace help treat a thumb sprain or Skier’s Thumb?
Most doctors will recommend a thumb or wrist brace while recovering from skier’s thumb in order to provide stability to the joint and limit the range of motion during rehabilitation. The right wrist brace will provide compression to alleviate pain, and customizable stays for comfortable support while the ligament heals.
