A thumb sprain occurs when damage is sustained to the soft tissue structures in the thumb, specifically the ligament (soft tissues that connects bone to bone). This can be caused by direct injury to the ligament through sporting activity such as a ball hitting the thumb or whilst falling having an outstretched thumb and that thumb hitting the ground can cause a sprain. A sprained thumb is also known as a skier’s thumb due the fact of how easy it is to sprain a thumb whilst skiing at high speeds and hitting a ski pole.

Signs and symptoms

• Lowered range of motion
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Joint feels unstable