Skier's Thumb

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help ease the pain. You may use a heating pad (set on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• If your thumb is not in a splint or cast, do not use it until your doctor gives the okay.
• If you're given a plaster or fiberglass cast:
  • Do not try to scratch the skin under the cast using a sharp or pointed object.
  • Check the skin around the cast every day. You may put lotion on any red or sore areas.
  • Keep the cast dry. Wrap it in a plastic bag to protect it during bathing.
  • If your fiberglass cast gets a little wet, you can dry it off with a hair dryer.
• If you're given a plaster splint:
  • Do not get the splint wet. Use a plastic bag for protection while bathing.
  • If your fingers start to get numb or tingly, loosen the elastic bandage (ace wrap) around the splint.
  • Wear the splint until your doctor says you may take it off or until your follow-up examination.
• You may use over-the-counter medications for pain.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Your thumb or fingers change color or the pain increases. Your cast or splint may be too tight.
• You have continued numbness or tingling in your thumb or fingers.