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Courtesy of University Sports Medicine
www.ubsportsmed.buffalo.edu
HOW IS AN ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT SPRAIN OF THE THUMB TREATED?
A grade III sprain with a very loose joint requires surgery to repair the ligament. Grade I and grade II sprains may be treated with a cast, taping, or splinting so that the thumb does not move for up to 6 weeks.
Initially, the hand should be kept elevated on a pillow when you are lying down, or on the back of a chair when you are seated. Place ice on your thumb for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain goes away. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication or other pain medication.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY SPORT OR ACTIVITY?
The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Return to your sport or activity will be determined by how soon your thumb recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since the injury occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.
After you have sprained the ulnar collateral ligament of your thumb, you may return to your sport or activity when your injured thumb has regained full strength as compared to your uninjured thumb. Swelling must be gone, and you must have a full range of motion.
In sports such as skiing be sure that you are able to grasp a ski pole with full strength. In sports such as baseball or tennis, be sure that you are able to grasp the bat or racquet with full strength and without pain. Your doctor may advise you to wear a thumb or wrist brace, or to tape your thumb before your sport or activity.
HOW CAN I PREVENT AN ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT SPRAIN?
Ulnar collateral ligament sprains are caused by falling onto an outstretched thumb. Many times this happens during accidents that are not preventable. However, in skiing you may be able to avoid this injury by using ski poles that do not have straps.
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