1. 7 Most Effective Exercises Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Exercise and Fitness Quiz!
3. How to Build a Better Butt Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Justin Strittmatter, MD

Coauthor:

Charles Preston, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

If a person experiences any of the symptoms of skier's thumb following an injury, call a doctor as soon as possible. Follow the doctor's instructions about special home care considerations and find out when the thumb can be checked.

If a person determines that skier's thumb is possible, considering the way your accident happened, then the injured person should be taken by car to a hospital's emergency department. There is no need to go by ambulance unless that is the only means of transportation or there is another more serious injury associated with the accident.

An alternative to the emergency department would be an office visit to an orthopedic surgeon (bone specialist) or hand surgeon's clinic. If an orthopedic surgeon is available to see the patient on the day of the injury, it is more efficient to go see the surgeon directly instead from the emergency department's referral.

Must Read Articles Related to Skier's Thumb

Finger Infection Finger infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. Types of finger infections include paronychia, felon, herpetic whitlow, cellulitis, infect...learn more >>

Finger Injuries Finger injuries are very common and range from minor cuts and scrapes to wounds with serious damage to bone, tendons, and ligaments. If not treated properly, se...learn more >>

See the Entire Skier's Thumb Topic Guide »