Use only hard sports tape. Make sure the skin of the injured hand is dry. Start by taping the anchor using a full-width strip of tape starting in the pit of the palm. Wrap it over the meaty part of the palm just under the thumb, around the back of the hand, and over the other side of the palm - it should cross your starting point.
Full Answer
How do you tape your thumb to your wrist?
Place a strip of tape in a comfortable (not too tight) ring around the base of your wrist, just below the bony prominences. This strip is considered an anchor, which gives support and provides fixation points for the various taping methods you can use to tape or strap your thumb.
What are the tests for gamekeeper's thumb?
There are no laboratory tests that aid in the detection of gamekeeper's thumb, but physical examination will allow the doctor to determine the precise nature of the injury, and if the ligament has been partially or fully severed.
What is gamekeeper's thumb and what causes it?
Gamekeeper's thumb accounts for close to 85% of all treated injuries to the base of the thumb, and it is the second most common injury reported as a result of skiing. It can also occur in sports involving bats, or in a fall from a bicycle or motorcycle.
How do you use anchor tape on your thumb?
Wrap up your thumb, looping the tape around your thumb comfortably along the line of the webbing of your finger. Carry the tape back down, crossing it over the first strip and attaching it to the anchor tape directly beneath the index finger. The loop of tape should look like an 'awareness ribbon' wrapped around your thumb.
How do you tape your gamekeeper thumb?
Position the thumb in a relaxed position similar to the way you would hold it over a keyboard. Starting near where your anchor ended, lay the strip over the MCP joint, form a loop around the thumb, and then wrap so it ends where your anchor started (it should form a shape like the generic awareness ribbons).
How do you wrap your thumb with tape?
4:066:09Taping Tutorial: How to tape (strap) a thumb and wrist for sports, Simple!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then lock the end of the tape down with some rigid tape. Use your hands to conform the tape toMoreAnd then lock the end of the tape down with some rigid tape. Use your hands to conform the tape to the thumb. And then check that the first knuckle of the thumb can move freely.
How do you tape a hypermobile thumb?
0:283:19Functional Kinesiology Taping Technique for Thumb InstabilityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'm going to apply a heavy stretch right over that and then it's just paper off tension. The restMoreSo I'm going to apply a heavy stretch right over that and then it's just paper off tension. The rest of the way almost like just allowing the tape to fall down in a spiral line.
How do you use KT tape for thumb pain?
3:235:47KT Tape: Thumb - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd for this piece we're going to drop that wrist down in a comfortable position I'm going to twistMoreAnd for this piece we're going to drop that wrist down in a comfortable position I'm going to twist and tear the paper backing. And we're going to stretch this tape with our thumbs with even pressure.
How long does a sprained thumb take to heal?
A mild sprain usually heals within four to six weeks if you wear a splint or cast to immobilize your thumb and refrain from activities that irritate it. A more severe thumb sprain, such as a grade 3 sprain, could take several months before it's fully healed and you're able to use your thumb like normal again.
Can you put KT tape on your thumb?
KT Tape has been shown to provide support during motion of the thumb and wrist, and has markedly reduced pain in many subjects*. KT Tape also increases circulation to reduce inflammation and speed the healing process.
Should I strap my thumb?
The unique structure and alignment of your thumb makes it exceptionally mobile but vulnerable to injury, particularly when playing ball sports. Strapping the thumb can help prevent injuries from occurring and provide pain relief.
How do I fix a sprained thumb?
TreatmentRest. Try not use your hand for at least 48 hours.Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down. ... Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling.Elevation. As often as possible, rest with your hand raised up higher than your heart.
Should I wrap a sprained thumb?
Taping the thumb can provide protection from further injury especially if the athlete wants to continue to participate in sports during the healing process. Once the swelling begins to subside, the athlete can begin range of motion and strengthening exercises for the thumb and hand.
How to wrap thumb?
Position the thumb in a relaxed position similar to the way you would hold it over a keyboard. Starting near where your anchor ended, lay the strip over the MCP joint, form a loop around the thumb, and then wrap so it ends where your anchor started (it should form a shape like the generic awareness ribbons).
What to do if you break your thumb while skiing?
By packing a roll of standard hard sports tape when you go skiing, you can start the recovery process right away. If you notice disfigurement of the thumb or suspect that any of the bones in the thumb or hand may be broken, DO NOT tape it and seek immediate medical attention.
Why is it called a skier's thumb?
It’s called Skier’s Thumb because it happens frequently when skiers try to break a fall with their hands while holding their poles, putting the thumbs in the perfect position for hyperextension of the MCP joint. It is also common in basketball, volleyball and lacrosse players. The fluid capsule in the MCP joint (and any other joint) ...
How long does it take for a skier's thumb to heal?
During the healing process, the fluid capsule is very fragile and prone to re-rupturing, so it is crucial to keep the thumb immobilized for 4-6 weeks after injury, or as prescribed by a doctor.
Where to wrap a strip of sandpaper?
Wrap it over the meaty part of the palm just under the thumb, around the back of the hand, and over the other side of the palm - it should cross your starting point. Continue placing the strip between the thumb and index finger around to the back of the hand again.
Can you tap your thumb if it is broken?
If you are confident that the injury is minor and the thumb is not broken, this taping method can stabilize the joint until you can see a doctor for X-rays and prognosis. At the time of injury, ice the joint to prevent swelling and continue to do so until swelling has gone down.
What is GameKeeper’s Thumb?
Gamekeeper’s Thumb, also known as Skier’s Thumb, results from acute or chronic injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Ligaments are strong, flexible, fibrous connective tissues that connect bone to bone. The UCL is the main ligament, located on the inner aspect at the base of the thumb, which stabilizes the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The UCL may be strained or torn (partially or completely) producing a weakened grasping or pinching ability of the thumb.
How is GameKeeper’s Thumb treated?
The doctor will likely immobilize the thumb in a cast or splint which is worn continuously form the first 3 weeks or so. After that time the splint may be removed to perform hand therapy and strength exercises only . Total time in thumb splint is usually about 4 – 6 weeks.
How can Dr. Knight help you with Gamekeeper’s Thumb?
Upon ascertaining the severity of your case, he will proceed in the manner most appropriate to bring your hand back to full use.
Why is the thumb called a skier's thumb?
The name Skier’s thumb comes from the commonness of this injury to skiers, as well as people who play racket sports, because the hand is constantly gripping tightly a handle, which can put strain on the ligament. The name Gamekeepers’s thumb is an older one, and comes from the action of gamekeepers to snap the necks of rabbits ...
How long does it take for a gamekeeper's thumb to heal?
Whether treated conservatively or with surgery, the recovery time for a gamekeeper’s thumb is generally from four to six weeks, either in a cast and splint or splinted after surgery. A period of physical therapy will be integral to the recovery process, to ensure that the ligament heals correctly.
What does it mean when your thumb is hurting?
Pain at the base of the thumb is the most obvious and common symptom, acocmpaneid by swelling and weakness, and loss of the ability to pinch the thumb and forefinger together. In more severe cases, pain from the thumb may be referred to the wrist, but this is not necessarily a diagnostic feature.
Why does my thumb hurt when I ski?
Gamekeeper’s Thumb can be caused by acute injury or chronic overuse. This frequently results from a fall on an outstretched hand that violently pulls the thumb away from the index finger and can stretch or tear the UCL. This is common during skiing accidents when the skier falls without releasing the ski pole.
Your Care Instructions
Skier's or gamekeeper's thumb is a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament. This injury happens when your thumb is pulled back or to the side, away from your fingers. It often happens when skiers fall on an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Put ice or a cold pack where your thumb connects to your hand. Do this for up to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Where can you learn more?
Enter Q046 in the search box to learn more about "Skier's or Gamekeeper's Thumb: Care Instructions".
What is a gamekeeper's thumb?
Treatment. A gamekeeper's thumb, also called a skier's thumb, is an injury to one of the important ligaments at the base of the thumb joint. The injury involves the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. The UCL is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that connects the bones at the base of the thumb.
Why does my thumb get caught on a ski pole?
Because of the shape of the ski pole, the thumb tends to get caught and significant stresses are placed on the ulnar collateral ligament. If the thumb is bent far enough, the ulnar collateral ligament will tear. 2 . While there are many ways to injure the ulnar collateral ligament, a skier's thumb is the term used for an acute injury to ...
Why is it difficult to pinch your thumb?
For these reasons, people with more significant injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament may choose to have a surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the damage to ligaments .
What test is used to determine if a thumb ligament is damaged?
Tests used to confirm the diagnosis may include X-rays or MRIs. X-rays can be helpful as they allow your healthcare provider to stress the joint and see if the ligament is doing its job or if it damaged too much to stabilize the joint. In addition, sometimes X-rays show a small piece of bone pulled off the thumb metacarpal by the UCL ligament. This bone, called a Stener lesion, is a sign that surgery may be necessary as the bone can prevent the UCL from healing in its proper position without a surgical repair. 1
What is the bone that is pulled off the thumb?
In addition, sometimes X-rays show a small piece of bone pulled off the thumb metacarpal by the UCL ligament. This bone, called a Stener lesion, is a sign that surgery may be necessary as the bone can prevent the UCL from healing in its proper position without a surgical repair. 1 .
How long does it take for a thumb splint to heal?
If the tear is partial, and the thumb is not too loose, the patient is usually placed in a cast or a modified wrist splint (called a thumb spica) for 4 to 6 weeks. By immobilizing the damaged ligament, healing can take place while the thumb will be protected from further injury.
How to tape a thumb?
For the best results when thumb strapping, it is recommended to prepare the thumb by doing the following: Shave off any hair around the area on the back of the hand being taped (Hairy guys only). Ensure the hand is clean from dirt or oil.
Why is it important to tape your thumb?
When taping a thumb its important comfort and to maintain usability of the thumb and hand, that the thumb is not taped too tight, or taped with the wrong technique , as it will prevent the blood flow or even worse cause the thumb to stick out and increase the risk of injury .
Why is thumb taping important?
So a good thumb taping technique is important for both thumb injury prevention and to assist the player to continue playing with injury.
How many passes to tighten rigid tape?
Finish off with Rigid Strapping Tape with the same technique with 1-2 passes, not to tight, just to hold it all together and give extra support.
What is the most common injury to the thumb?
One of the most common thumb injuries is the ulnar collateral ligament injury, or sprained thumb injury, where the ligaments of the thumb that support the pinch or grasp activites is strained, or torn. During a fall while playing sports, there is a natural tendancy to use the palm to cushion the impact, and sometimes the thumb can get caught in ...
What is a Gamekeeper's thumb?
Gamekeeper’s Thumb, also called Skier’s Thumb, is an injury to the thumb on the little finger side, at the second joint from the thumbnail (MP joint). The ligament can be either torn itself, or the ligament can be torn from the bone, usually pulling a small fragment of bone off with it, as illustrated below.
Where is the broken fragment on the thumb?
This is a view of the thumb from the top, looking straight down on the thumbnail. Note the broken fragment of bone from the middle phalanx. (Note: this x-ray has been modified to remove the sesamoid bones, which can be confused with fracture fragments.)
Why is the thumb important?
Because the stability of the thumb is important for holding things between the thumb and the index finger, treatment is directed toward optimizing the healing of the ligament to restore its full function. Gamekeeper’s thumb is a common injury. The incidence is increased in skiers, but it does not depend on the type of ski pole used.
What is the muscle on the index finger called?
The muscle on the index finger side of the thumb (adductor) has an expansion called the aponeurosis, which usually gets stuck between the ruptured ligament and its site of insertion at the base of the proximal phalanx, preventing the ligament ends from touching. This is called a Stener lesion and prevents the ligament from healing back together. ...
Can you see a fractured thumb?
This is a view of the thumb from the side. You cannot see the fracture fragment, since it is in the middle of the bone on this view. What you can see is that the joint is not parallel: the bones are closer to the right than to the left. (Again, the sesamoids have been removed.)
Can a thumb fracture be seen on an x-ray?
If the history (typically a fall that stressed the thumb) and the clinical exam (painful, swollen thumb MP joint, especially on the index finger side of the thumb) are suggestive of an injury, an x-ray should be taken. If the x-ray does not show a fracture (no gamekeeper’s fracture), but the history and clinical exam show a sufficient injury, there still might be a gamekeeper’s thumb (the kind with just a ligament injury), which is actually more serious. The reason is due to the anatomy of the thumb. The muscle on the index finger side of the thumb (adductor) has an expansion called the aponeurosis, which usually gets stuck between the ruptured ligament and its site of insertion at the base of the proximal phalanx, preventing the ligament ends from touching. This is called a Stener lesion and prevents the ligament from healing back together. This lesion also can be associated with the gamekeeper’s fracture, but this can usually be seen on the x-ray, because the fracture fragment is several millimeters away from where is it supposed to be. The real challenge is to diagnose a gamekeeper’s thumb due to a ligament injury, since the ligaments don’t show up on the x-ray! At times, an MRI may be useful.