With the advent of winter and the recent snowfalls, avid sports fans are ready to get out and have some fun! Sledding, ice skating and skiing are all attractive activities for a Michigan winter, but common injuries can occur.
What is the biggest problem when skiing? Falling down! And sometimes when you fall down, you forget to release your poles. When this happens, an injury to the thumb can occur. It is sometimes called Skier’s Thumb, and also called Gamekeeper’s Thumb. When a fall occurs and you fail to release your poles, or you try to use them as leverage, injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) can occur. This ligament is located in the joint where the thumb meets the hand; the UCL’s job is to assist your thumb and fingers to pinch objects. This type of injury is not only painful, but frustrating as well.
If you notice the following symptoms after an injury on the slopes, seek immediate attention from a qualified doctor who is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery:
Pain or swelling at the base of the thumb
Difficulty picking up objects
Tingling or numbness of the thumb and/or hand
Instability of the thumb at its base
Bruising at the base of the thumb
It is best to seek treatment as soon as possible after such an injury. Skier’s Thumb can turn into a chronic condition if damage is done that is left untreated. Most often, treatment by your doctor will consist of the application of ice packs, 4-6 weeks of immobilization, and the continued use of anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling during the healing process. If quite severe, surgery may be required. Typically an outpatient procedure, the surgeon enters at the base of the thumb through small incisions, removes the damaged tissue and will re-attach the ligament to the bone.
Dr. Rehman is an experienced, Board-certified Orthopedic doctor who specializes in hand injuries. Contact her today for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan for your injury, so you can get back on the slopes before winter is gone!
