Introduction
A torn ligament in the thumb is often called a ski thumb and is a very common consequence of a sports injury. If the thumb is severely overstretched outwards, the inner collateral ligament of the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal joint tears or breaks off. The ski thumb is called the torn ligament because, in the case of a jammed ski pole, the thumb can be excessively stretched away from the hand, causing the injury.
But also in other sports such as basketball, football or in everyday life, an accident can lead to a torn ligament in the thumb. If a torn ligament of the thumb is suspected, a doctor should be consulted, since an insufficiently treated ski thumb leads to consequential damage such as malpositioning of the basic joint of the thumb or permanent joint instability. Overloading of the thumb base joint, which leads to joint wear (arthrosis), is also possible as a complication without treatment. Do you have pain in your thumb, but are not sure whether it is only overstretching?
What is a ski thumb?
A ski thumb is an acute sports injury in which there is a (partial) tear in a ligament of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the thumb. This is the ulnar collateral ligament, a ligament that runs along the inside of the thumb towards the index finger. In healthy people, the ulnar collateral ligament is responsible for stabilizing the thumb joint laterally.
It secures the thumb during extension and flexion and protects it from bending to the side. This form of torn ligament is called ski thumb because it is one of the most common acute sports injuries when skiing. A ski thumb can also occur in other sports injuries or rarely as a result of chronic damage to the collateral ligament.
In the case of the ski thumb, the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb can tear completely or partially. The ligament often tears at the end farthest from the body. The cause of the (partial) tear of the ligament is a lateral buckling of the thumb during an accident.
Complaints with ski thumbs are an instability in the thumb. The thumb swells up and becomes very painful under pressure. Often the thumb can be opened to the side. In case of a complete tear of the collateral ligament, surgery is usually performed, whereas in case of a partial tear, conservative treatment is possible.
Symptoms
A torn ligament in the thumb is primarily very painful. Immediately after the tearing of the ligament, the pain occurs and is usually intensified by pressure on the affected area, by stress and movement of the thumb. There is also typically swelling and bruising (haematoma) at the base of the thumb.
In some cases, the thumb can be straddled to the side unusually strongly due to the torn ligament. In most cases, the thumb can no longer be gripped powerfully and the thumb gives way or bends to the side under stress. Gripping or pressing is only possible to a very limited extent.
After a few days, the pain often improves, but the torn ligament should still be treated, as consequential damage can occur without treatment. In most cases, a torn ligament of the thumb is accompanied by severe pain, especially immediately after the accident. The usual rules of first aid apply until a doctor can be consulted.
In order to relieve the pain, the injured hand should be placed high up and kept still. Cooling with cold compresses or cold water is also useful to relieve the pain and prevent swelling. If the pain does not improve with the above measures, painkillers such as ibuprofen can also be taken. The recommended dose as stated in the package insert should not be exceeded.
