Skier's thumb usually occurs when your thumb is forcefully bent away from your hand. Imagine falling while holding a ski pole or catching your thumb on something as you tumble. This sudden force can stretch or tear the ligament on the inside of your thumb joint. While it's named after skiing accidents, it can happen during any activity where your thumb might get yanked sideways.

If you've injured your thumb, you might feel pain and swelling around the base of your thumb. It might hurt to move your thumb or grip things. Sometimes, your thumb might feel loose or unstable. These symptoms can vary depending on how badly the ligament is damaged. If you notice these signs after a fall or accident, it's worth getting checked out.

Doctors can usually diagnose skier's thumb with a physical exam and X-rays. They'll gently test how stable your thumb is compared to your other hand. For mild cases, you might just need to wear a special thumb splint for a few weeks. More severe injuries might require surgery to repair the ligament. The good news is that with proper treatment, most people recover well and can return to their normal activities.

While skier's thumb can be painful, it's usually treatable with good outcomes.