Skier's Thumb

• Introduction
• 1 Knee Ligament Injuries
• 2 Snowboarder's Ankle
• 3 Skier's Thumb
• 4 Wrist Fractures
• 5 Head & Spinal Injuries
• Risk Factors
• Prevention Tips

What is a Skier's Thumb Injury?

The common upper limb injury in skiing is 'Skier's thumb', which accounts for around 10% of all skiing injuries. Skier's Thumb is usually caused during a fall when the ski pole is held in the hand, catches in the snow and acts as a lever against the inside of the base of the thumb. This overextends the thumb and causes damage to the Ulnar collateral ligament at the base of the thumb. Most often there is a sprain of the ligament, but sometimes there can be a complete rupture.

Skier's Thumb Explained

What can you do to prevent Skier's Thumb?

Unless you are in deep powder snow and fear losing your ski poles, it's best not to put your hands inside the ski pole loop when skiing, as this greatly increases the risk of sustaining a Skiers thumb sprain in the event of a fall.

Also, wearing a Thumb Stabiliser helps to protect the Ulnar collateral ligament, without limiting hand movement and function.

We recommend the Mueller Thumb Stabilser for the prevention of Skier's Thumb.

Thumb Stabilsers Explained

What should you do if you suffer a Skier's Thumb Injury?

In the immediate period following damage to the Ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb, ice packs and compression are the best treatments. Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed by a doctor to help relieve inflammation and pain.

Sprains tend to resolve in around four to six weeks and can be aided by physiotherapy treatment. Ultrasound can be effective in the early stages, then massage and mobilisation can aid ligament repair and help restore function. Thumb strength and dexterity can be improved by using hand therapy balls and therapeutic putty.

Snowboarder's Ankle

Wrist Fractures

Recommended Products for Sprained Thumb

Thumb Supports & Braces

ProCare POL'AX 1 Thumb Wrap

A thumb support that provides partial immobilisation following thumb injuries and thumb surgery....

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Our Price
£13.99

ProCare ThumbSPICA

A lightweight thumb support with firm outer shell and soft terry lining for thumb immobilisation...

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Our Price
£20.99

Mueller Thumb Stabiliser

Adjustable thumb brace to treat and prevent thumb injuries such as a broken thumb or sprained thumb and to prevent Skier's thumb...

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Our Price
£25.99

FREE Drinks Bottle with this item on orders > £50

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Vulkan Neoprene Wrist Support

A high quality neoprene wrist support that covers the palm of the hand. Provides excellent...

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Our Price
£15.99 £14.03

FREE Vulkan Bottle with this item on orders > £50

Vulkan Silicon Wrist Support

Silicon lined wrist support providing extra compression for wrist injury treatment and sports use. The warmth and compression...

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Our Price
£20.99 £18.06

FREE Vulkan Bottle with this item on orders > £50

Aircast A2 Wrist Brace with Thumb Spica

Adjustable, lightweight and removable wrist/thumb brace that can also be used as a protective cast....

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£29.99 £26.08

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Ice Packs & Cold Therapy

PhysioRoom.com Instant Ice Pack

SAVE UP TO 75%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant ice pack, without the need for refrigeration. ...

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  1+ £2.03
  6+ £1.52
12+ £1.01
24+ £0.51

 

Aircast Hand & Wrist Cryo/Cuff with Cooler

Ultimate hand & wrist ice therapy; provides 6 hours continuous cold and compression to minimise bleeding, swelling and pain. ...

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Our Price
£143.99 £104.86

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Pain Relief

Mentholatum Deep Relief Gel

Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...

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£6.99 £6.01

 

 

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Tenscare Touch TENS Machine

Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset programmes. Just stick on the...

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Our Price
£40.99 £25.99

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Taping & Strapping

Mueller Taping Starter Kit

Versatile, compact taping kit for athletic events when you need extra support for a joint. Contains 3 rolls of Athletic...

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£20.99

FREE Drinks Bottle with this item on orders > £50

PhysioRoom.com Taping Starter Kit

SAVE 28%!Perfect for all taping and strapping techniques. This Taping Starter Kit includes 6 rolls of 4...

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£21.99 £16.17

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Home Rehabilitation Kit

Therapeutic Putty (85g tub)

Therapeutic putty for strengthening the hand and wrist, as well as improving fine motor skills....

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Our Price
£7.99

Hand Therapy Ball

Extra firm squeezable balls for strengthening the hand and wrist. Colour coded according to level of resistance....

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Our Price
£11.99 £10.03

Digiflex Finger & Grip Strengthener

Ergonomically designed finger and grip strengthening device, with individual spring resistance for each finger which allows...

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Our Price
£24.99

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