Arms-Hands-Wrists
Thumb / UCL Sprain
A UCL sprain, sometimes called "skier's thumb," is damage to the tissue connecting your thumb bone to your hand bone.
- Swelling at the base of the thumb
- Bruising at the base of the thumb
- Stiffness
- Pain around the base of your thumb
- Difficulty bending your thumb
- Difficulty grasping an object between your finger and thumb
- Thumb getting forced backward or another direction
- Falling on outstretched hand
- Is the base of your thumb swollen and/or bruised?
- Is it painful to move your thumb or grasp an object?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
- 1Rest
- 2Ice your thumb for 15 minutes (put a cloth or towel between the ice and your skin)
- 3Take anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs (please talk to a parent/guardian/doctor before taking any medication)
- 4Seek medical care if there is no improvement within a few days
- Deformity
- Lump
- Severe instability
- Numbess
- Hearing a pop at the time of injury
- Avoid painful activities
- Wear a splint for a few days to reduce motion
For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.