Physical Therapy for a Skier’s thumb

What is Skier’s Thumb?

Skier’s thumb occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), located on the inside of your thumb at the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, is stretched too much resulting in a sprain or tear. Your MCP joint is located at the base of your thumb near your palm, in the webspace.  These sprains usually happen when your thumb is forcefully stretched backward away from your palm.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Skier’s Thumb: 

Sprains occur at varying degrees of severity and are graded from 1-3 with a grade 3 sprain being the most severe.  The following signs and symptoms can occur to varying degrees as well based on the grade of sprain.

• Pain or tenderness around your thumb
• Swelling in your thumb 
• Limited function and range of motion of your thumb
• Loose or unstable thumb joint
• Difficult time grasping things between your thumb and your pointer finger
• A lump in your thumb if your ulnar collateral ligament is completely torn

Diagnosis of Skier’s Thumb: 

After your healthcare provider performs a physical exam on your thumb to check for stability and tenderness, they may have you undergo medical imaging (x-ray, MRI or musculoskeletal ultrasound) to rule out other possible injuries or to see how severe your thumb sprain is.

Physical Therapy Treatment for Skier’s Thumb: 

Physical therapy treatments will vary depending on the grade of your sprain. In the acute phase of more severe sprains, treatment will focus on protecting the affected area and ways to compensate with day to day activities while you recover. The later phases of rehab will focus on strategies to improve range of motion and strength to gradually build you up to your desired activities. 

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