Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Skier's Thumb Treatment
1. Treat Symptoms
Apply ice to reduce swelling.
Immobilize the thumb with an elastic bandage or brace.
Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18.
2. See a Health Care Provider as Soon as Possible
3. Follow Up
The health care provider will likely X-ray the person's thumb.
A partially torn ligament will be immobilized with a splint or cast. A fully torn ligament may require surgery.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Sprained Thumb."
Children's Memorial Hospital: "Skier or gamekeeper thumb (ulnar collateral ligament injury)."
American Society For Surgery of the Hand: "Thumb Sprains."