Skier's Thumb

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Skier’s thumb, also called gamekeeper’s thumb, occurs when a ligament in your thumb is twisted or torn. Ligaments are tissues that hold your bones together. Ligaments help keep your joints stable (secure). Joints are the areas in your body where two bones meet. Your thumb supports the major movements of your hand. With skier's thumb, you may have trouble doing activities you need your fingers or hand for. You may have pain, swelling and tenderness in your thumb. You may also have trouble moving or using your thumb.
  
  
• You may need imaging tests to help your caregiver plan your treatment. These tests may include x-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or an ultrasound. Treatment for your condition may include using a thumb cast, brace, or a splint. Surgery may be needed to fix badly damaged ligaments or a bone fracture (break). Treatment may decrease your symptoms and make your thumb stable. Treatment may also help bring the function of your thumb, wrist, or hand back to normal.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not stop taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking antibiotics, take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Follow-up visit information:

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. You may also need to see your caregiver to remove your pull-out wires from surgery. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Hand therapy:

After your hand has healed, you may need to see a hand therapist. A hand therapist will help you with exercises to improve your hand strength. The exercises will also help with hand movement and decrease your risk of further injury. Ask your caregiver for more information about hand therapy.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have numbness or tingling in your thumb or fingers.
  
  
• Your thumb or fingers change color.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are bleeding from your surgery site.
  
  
• You have worsening pain in your thumb or hand.
  
  
• You have redness, swelling, or foul smelling drainage coming from your surgery site.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Skier's Thumb (Discharge Care)