HAND THERAPY TREATMENT

SKIER'S THUMB TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you’ve injured or are experiencing pain in the fingertip with a fracture, swelling and bruising, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

•Within 48 hours

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray & Ultrasound

MANAGEMENT

Thermoplastic water proof orthosis – Short opponens water proof orthosis for 6 – 8 weeks. AROM of all unaffected joints. Strengthening of he adductor policis

WHAT IS SKIER'S THUMB?

This is a common injury among footballers and skiers (hence the name!) but can affect lots of people in everyday movement. The injury actually involves a fracture or ligament tear to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpal joint. It is also known is some literature as “Game keepers thumb” named after an injury common in Pheasant hunters in the 19th century. It involves an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (base of the thumb in the web space between thumb and index finger). This ligament can tear partially or completely when forcefully pushed to the side by a ball or by the ski pole. This injury results in a loss of stability of the thumb when pinching or gripping as well as pain, swelling and functional loss.

DIAGNOSING SKIER'S THUMB

Skier’s thumb is caused by a fracture, strain or tear in the ligament that supports the metacarpal joint of the thumb. It often occurs due to a sudden hyperextension (backwards) or radial deviation (sideways) force to the thumb. There can sometimes be a small fracture of the metacarpal bone or more often just a tear to the ligament. In rare cases there can be a “Stener Lesion” which is where the ligament tears and can get caught on retraction behind the adductor aponeurosis. This rare occurrence is something that needs assessment from a Hand Therapist so as to avoid complications further down the track.

It is common in football, basketball and netball but most often happens in skiing when the ski pole gets jammed against the thumb.

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

ASSESSMENT OF SKIER'S THUMB

In assessing the “Skiers’s Thumb” injury your Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist at Action Rehab will have a careful look at your ultrasound and x-ray and if you don’t already have an x-ray or ultrasound your therapist might refer you for one. The Hand Therapist at Action Rehab will also physically examine the joint that is injured to assess the severity of the tear and loss of function.

Many times the mechanism of injury (how you hurt it) is very useful in diagnosing a Skier’s Thumb injury so the Hand Therapist at Action Rehab will be sure to always ask “how did this happen?”

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treating skier’s thumb injuries.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

View the video below to learn more about what causes skier’s thumb and how your Hand Therapist at Action Rehab protects the thumb and stops it from getting more inflamed. As explained by Action Rehab founder Ben Cunningham.

SKIER'S THUMB TREATMENT

The treatment of skier’s thumb differs depending on how badly the ligament is injured. In some cases, it is best to keep freedom in the joint to prevent unnecessary stiffness. But in most cases we use our custom made thermoplastic waterproof orthosis to immobilize the injury and allow between 2-8 weeks for it to heal.

We will tailor a home exercise plan, such as range of motion and strengthening exercises. This common sporting injury usually require a guard which we can fabricate (as appropriate) to facilitate an early and safe return to sport.

Does Skier's Thumb require surgery?

Generally no, Skier’s Thumb should not require surgery but if you have a Stener Lesion or a significant tear then surgery may be required. The Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist at Action Rehab are experienced in the assessment of Skier’s Thumb and if surgery is required can advise you on the best treatment path as soon as possible.

A delay in seeking hand therapy treatment may result in a more complicated recovery.

Fig 1: Basic Treatment

This basic off the shelf thumb splint immobilises the thumb tip as well as the wrist and allows a lot of movement at the site of the injury that may delay the recovery.

Fig 2: Action Rehab Treatment

This custom made, light, water resistant, thermoplastic splint made by your Hand Therapist at Action Rehab will allow full range of motion for your unaffected joints while providing support and stability to the injured joint allowing it to heal.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR SKIER'S THUMB

Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in the assessment and treatment of skier’s thumb.

Your Hand Therapist at The Hands Physio will set you up with a splinting, stretching and stabilisation program to rehab your skier’s thumb.

It is important to see a Hand Therapist at Action Rehab for your skier’s thumb as soon as you can post injury. Early assessment and treatment in a supporting splint will minimise complications and hopefully get you back to sport and function sooner.

Known for providing Hand Therapy treatment for Skier’s Thumb and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder tendon injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

SKIER'S THUMB FAQS

How common is skier's thumb?

Skier’s Thumb or damage to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the thumb is one of the most common thumb injuries.

How is skier's thumb caused?

Skier’s Thumb is caused by a forceful hyperextension (backwards) or radially deviated (sideways) force on the thumb. This commonly happens when a ski pole or a ball forces it in that direction.

How long does it take to recover from skier's thumb?

It can take a long time to recover from Skier’s Thumb if it is not assessed and treated. It is really important to seek treatment early and not wait for the injury to become chronic.The sooner it is stabilised and splinted then the sooner it improves.

Will it require surgery?

Generally, Skier’s Thumb does not require surgery however if there is a significant fracture, a Stener Lesion or a grade III ligament tear then surgery may be indicated. The Hand Therapist at Action Rehab will be able to assess and advise when surgery is indicated.

Is it a serious condition?

Skier’s thumb can be a serious condition. An injury to the ligament in the thumb can be debilitating and functionally limiting. You should see a Hand Therapist for early diagnosis and treatment.

Will it go away if left untreated?

Skier’s thumb may worsen if left untreated. It’s important to seek early assessment and treatment for your Skier’s Thumb from a Hand Therapist at Action Rehab The Hands Physio.