Has your big toe been in this kind of accident? Let's talk about 'Skier's Thumb'!

Imagine that while playing sports, riding a bike, or simply tripping and falling, your big toe suddenly bent back or to the side. Since then, have you had pain or swelling at the base of your big toe, between your index and middle fingers? Do you find it difficult to hold something like a pen or a cup, or do you feel like you have a weak grip? If so, this is most likely a common injury known as 'Skier's Thumb.'

What exactly is 'Skier's Thumb'?

Simply put, 'Skier's Thumb' is an injury to a ligament , the soft tissue that connects the bones of our big toe. This is a strong, stretchy band, like a rubber band. This ligament is what gives the big toe stability when we grip and hold things. In an accident, this ligament can be sprained, torn, or sometimes completely torn.

This is called 'Skier's Thumb' because this injury is most common among skiers who fall and bend their big toe while using the sports equipment in their hands. However, this is not unique to those who play that sport. This condition can occur in our country for various reasons.

• When playing: From hitting or falling from the ball in sports like volleyball, netball, basketball, and rugby.
• Falls: Incorrectly bending the big toe when falling while walking, running, or any other activity with the arm outstretched.
• Car accidents: If you have a habit of keeping only your thumb on the steering wheel while driving, this can cause damage to your big toe in the event of an accident.
• Other causes: Any action that pulls the big toe back or to the side can cause this injury.

Do you have 'Skier's Thumb'? Check out these symptoms

These symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after an accident. Sometimes, the pain may start as a mild ache and then gradually increase.

When should I see a doctor?

You can go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or you can also see an Orthopedic Surgeon . It is better if you can see a specialist on the same day of the accident. Because starting the right treatment for such accidents as soon as possible is very important for the recovery process.

What kind of tests will the doctor do?

When you see the doctor, he will first ask you a few questions about how the accident happened. So go in with a little idea of ​​these things:

• When did the accident happen?
• How exactly was the hand and thumb at the time of the accident?
• How long ago did the pain and swelling start?
• Did your big toe feel like it was bent more than usual?

Then the doctor will examine your hand.

• The injured thumb is compared to the thumb of the healthy hand. This can help determine if there is any looseness in the ligament.
• Tests nerve function in the hand.
• They will order an X -ray to rule out a fracture.
• They check to see if there is any damage to other parts of the hand, such as the wrist and elbow.

What are the treatments?

Treatment depends on the extent of damage to your ligament.

First aid that can be done at home

You can do these things to control pain and swelling before seeing a doctor.

• Apply ice: Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and apply it to the painful and swollen area for about 20-30 minutes. Do this 3-4 times a day. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
• Rest: Keep your big toe as still as possible. Using a wrist brace, which you can buy at a pharmacy, can help keep your toe immobile.
• Painkillers : You can take paracetamol for pain. You can take a medicine like ibuprofen to reduce swelling. However, if you have a stomach ache or conditions like gastritis, never take these medicines without consulting a doctor.

Medical treatment

Based on your test results, if the doctor determines that you have 'Skier's Thumb', he will choose a treatment method.

• If the ligament is only slightly damaged (partial tear): Surgery is often not necessary. A special plaster of Paris (cast) or brace is worn for about 4 weeks to keep the big toe immobile.
• Complete rupture of the ligament: In this case, surgery is usually required. The surgery involves reattaching the torn ligament to the bone and repairing it. Sometimes, special devices such as suture anchors are used for this. After surgery, the hand will need to be in a cast for a few weeks.

After surgery, once the cast is removed, regain movement in the hand and finger.The doctor also advises you to undergo physical therapy .

Can't this accident be prevented?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be reduced.

• When playing: Be careful with your hand, especially in catch-and-go sports. When falling, practice rolling your body instead of extending your arm and putting your weight on the ground.
• When driving: When you grip the steering wheel, practice holding it with your thumbs on the outside with the other fingers. This is a small change, but it goes a long way in protecting your thumb in the event of an accident.