Skier's Thumb in Thousand Oaks

Name: Skier's Thumb
Brand: Elevate Plastic Surgery

Skier’s thumb is an injury to an essential ligament in the thumb that can cause chronic instability, pain, and other serious issues if not properly treated. Elevate Plastic Surgery proudly offers patients skier's thumb treatment in Thousand Oaks.

Receive Quality Skier’s Thumb Treatment in Thousand Oaks

If you're an avid skier, you're probably familiar with the term "skier's thumb." This injury occurs when the ligament in the thumb is torn or sprained, typically as a result of a fall while holding a ski pole. Skier's thumb can be a painful and debilitating injury, making it difficult to grip and hold objects. Although this type of injury is most common for skiing enthusiasts, it can be caused by other kinds of accidents and activities as well. If you believe that you’re suffering from skier’s thumb, you may be a good fit for treatment at Elevate Plastic Surgery.

What Is Skier's Thumb?

Skier's thumb is a type of injury that affects the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb, which is responsible for stabilizing the thumb joint. Skier's thumb is a common injury among skiers and snowboarders, but it can also occur due to other activities, such as basketball, football, and volleyball. The injury occurs when the thumb is forcefully bent away from the hand, such as when a skier falls, and the thumb is pointing outward from the fist while holding a ski pole. This can cause the UCL to stretch or tear, resulting in pain, swelling, and instability of the thumb joint.

Symptoms of Skier's Thumb

Typically, anyone suffering from skier’s thumb will experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Pain around the base of the thumb
Swelling around the base of the thumb
Weakness in the thumb
A feeling of instability in the thumb
Stiffness in the thumb joint

If you experience any of these symptoms after a fall or sudden twist of the thumb, it’s important to seek medical attention. Delaying treatment can result in long-term damage and chronic pain.

Treatment Options for Skier's Thumb

If you have been diagnosed with skier's thumb, there are several treatment options available to you. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the injury. If you schedule a consultation with Dr. Rahgozar, he’ll take the time to evaluate your injury and symptoms to help you decide on the best treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

If your skier’s thumb injury is mild, Dr. Rahgozar may recommend non-surgical treatment options. These may include the following:

Immobilization - Dr. Rahgozar may recommend immobilizing your thumb using a splint or cast for a specific period of time. This will help to keep your thumb in place and prevent further damage.
Ice and Compression - Applying ice and compression to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and pain.
Physical Therapy - In some cases, Dr. Rahgozar may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in your thumb.

Surgical Treatment Options

If the skier’s thumb injury is severe or non-surgical treatment options have not been effective, Dr. Rahgozar may recommend surgery. There are a few common surgical techniques that may be used to correct this type of injury:

Thumb Reconstruction - This involves repairing or replacing the damaged ligament using a graft from another part of your body or a synthetic graft.
Pin Fixation - During this procedure, Dr. Rahgozar will use pins to hold the bones in your thumb together while the ligament heals.

These surgeries will typically be performed on an outpatient basis using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.

What Is the Recovery Like After Surgery for Skier's Thumb?

After surgery for skier's thumb treatment in Thousand Oaks, you will need to wear a cast or splint for several weeks to immobilize the thumb joint. The specific length of time you will need to wear the cast or splint will depend on the severity of your injury and the type of surgery you had. During the first few days after surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort. Dr. Rahgozar will prescribe pain medication to help manage this discomfort. You may also need to elevate your hand and apply a cold pack periodically to reduce swelling.

After the appropriate period of time, Dr. Rahgozar will remove the cast or splint and get you started on physical therapy. Physical therapy will help you regain strength and mobility in your thumb. He will teach you specific exercises that you can use to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your hand and wrist. Most patients can return to work and gradually resume their normal routines approximately one to two weeks after undergoing surgery to correct skier’s thumb. However, you’ll need to avoid activities that put strain or pressure on your thumb for significantly longer. These actions should be avoided until Dr. Rahgozar gives you the go-ahead.

Why Choose Elevate Plastic Surgery for Treatment of Skier’s Thumb in Thousand Oaks?

At Elevate Plastic Surgery, we offer a warm, welcoming environment and compassionate, patient-centered care. At our clinic, your treatment for skier’s thumb will be handled by Dr. Paymon Rahgozar, a skilled hand and wrist specialist and triple board-certified hand surgeon. Throughout his prestigious career, Dr. Rahgozar has trained at several top institutions and has been regularly recognized for excellence in his field. He and the rest of our team believe in getting to know each patient and providing fully personalized treatment, allowing us to consistently deliver high-quality, life-changing results. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our office today.