Skiing Injury - Skier's Thumb
The common upper limb injury in Skiing is 'Skier's thumb', which accounts for around 10% of all Skiing Injuries. Skier's Thumb usually happens 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. Usually, there is a sprain of the ligament, but sometimes there can be a complete rupture.
In days gone by, it afflicted gamekeepers and was known as 'Gamekeeper's thumb' as it became an occupational hazard of the gamekeeper. This injury is not exclusive to skiers and can occur to anyone engaged in an activity in which there is sufficient force applied to the thumb that takes it in a direction furthest away from the hand. Like skiers, soccer goalkeepers and rugby players are also susceptible to this injury.
Skier's Thumb is an apt description of this injury since the mechanism of injury commonly occurs in Skiing, if the skier holds on to the Ski Pole during a fall.
In acute injuries, there is often immediate swelling and bruising that may develop in a few days. In more chronic cases that have not been diagnosed early, then there may be a persistent thickening of the joint with chronic swelling.
In the immediate period following damage, ice packs and compression are the best treatments. Sprains tend to resolve in around four to six weeks and can be aided by physiotherapy treatment. Where there is a total rupture of the ligament, then surgical repair may be considered.
Visit  to view the full article and other Snowboarding and Skiing Injuries.
|
|
|
|
For a complete list of all discount coupons with our merchants, subscribe to our Discount RSS Feed: 
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
Chinese
Dutch
Home
Print Article
Email Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles
