Doctronic logo spinning
Skipping wait room
AI Doctor ready
Starting secure consult

Preventing Skier's Thumb: Safeguarding Your Hands on the Slopes and Beyond

Published: May 29, 2024

While skier's thumb is a common injury, there are ways to reduce your risk. Understanding prevention strategies can help keep your thumbs safe during sports and everyday activities.
Contents

Proper Equipment

For skiers, using the right equipment is crucial. Choose ski poles with straps that release easily in a fall. Some newer designs have a quick-release mechanism that can reduce the risk of thumb injuries. For other sports, like basketball or volleyball, taping your thumbs or wearing protective gloves can provide extra support.

Technique Matters

Learning and practicing proper techniques for your sport can significantly reduce injury risk. For skiers, this means learning how to fall safely and how to hold your poles correctly. In ball sports, proper catching and throwing techniques can help protect your thumbs. Even in everyday activities, being mindful of how you use your hands can make a difference.
Strategies to prevent skier's thumb include using proper equipment such as quick-release ski poles, practicing safe techniques, and conditioning for sports and daily activities.

Strength and Flexibility

Building strength and flexibility in your hands and wrists can help prevent injuries. Simple exercises like squeezing a stress ball or doing wrist curls can improve your grip strength. Stretching exercises for your fingers and thumbs can improve flexibility. Consider incorporating these into your regular workout routine, especially if you participate in hand-intensive sports or activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, warming up your hands and wrists can help reduce injury risk.

Those with previous hand injuries or certain medical conditions may be at higher risk.

Proper gloves can offer some protection, especially those designed for sports.

Yes, it can occur during falls or accidents in everyday life.

Key Takeaways

While no prevention method is foolproof, combining proper equipment, technique, and conditioning can significantly reduce your risk of skier's thumb.
Want to learn more about protecting your hands during sports and daily activities? Consult with Doctronic for personalized prevention strategies.

Related Articles

References

  1. Fricker R, Hintermann B. Skier's thumb. Treatment, prevention and recommendations. Sports Med 1995; 19:73.
  2. Engkvist O, Balkfors B, LindsjΓΆ U. Thumb injuries in downhill skiing. Int J Sports Med 1982; 3:50.

This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.

AI Doctor Visit Required

Appointments available 24/7

πŸ˜€ πŸ˜€ πŸ˜€
sthetoscope

Top licensed doctors

Available in all 50 states

dossier

Full service care

Prescriptions, referrals & treatment

check

No insurance needed

All notes available in Doctronic

15-min consultation. No hidden costs.

AI Doctor Visit Required
Close icon

Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First

Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care

Lifebuoy

For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.

If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.

Contact us

You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai

We aim to reply within 5-7 days

How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?
Not likely at all Extremely likely