Athletic Training Blog Series #16
Skier/Gamers Thumb
Skier’s Thumb which can also be known as Gamekeeper’s Thumb is an injury of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) at the Metacarpophalangeal Joint (MCP) which is where the thumb meets the hand. It got its name from the high rate of occurrence of a skier falling while still holding a pole in their hand. It is also called Gamekeeper’s Thumb due to repetitive trauma that occurs during long term gaming (Lay off the fortnight and go outside in the sunshine)
Symptoms of this injury can include:
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling at the base of thumb
- Difficulty grasping objects
- Difficulty throwing objects
- Unstable or wobbly at the base of the thumb
- Bruising at the base of the thumb
Athletes that use their hands in their chosen sport are at a higher risk of this injury. Thus football players, rugby players, and wrestlers can be prone to this injury since they grab at their opponents on a consistent basis.
Skier’s Thumb is diagnosed with manipulation looking for laxity (looseness) in the joint. X-Rays and MRI may also be ordered to reveal the severity of the injury. It is important to see an Orthopedic specialist or hand specialist for this injury. Many of these injuries in a less severe state can be treated non-surgically. The athlete will wear a splint, ice, and use NSAIDS as necessary. The splint will need to be worn for 4-6 weeks. If there is a complete tear of the UCL, surgery will be necessary. After surgery, the athlete will be in a cast or splint for 6 weeks. Surgical intervention is best if it occurs within a month of the original injury.
Rehab for this injury involves basic exercises. The athlete will work on Range of motion of the thumb as well as the wrist. As the ROM improves the athlete will work in grip strength. This can include ball squeezes and picking up small objects like paper clips. Once the athlete can return to sport, there is a taping that can be done to give extra support and confidence.
