Skier’s Thumb

THE INJURY: Skier’s Thumb

THE FALLEN: Down hillers and telemarkers

THE INCIDENT: Said skier loses an edge and falls onto an arm that’s still clutching a pole.  the impace yanks the thumb outward, rupturing the ulnar collateral ligament.

THE WORKOUT: Improve grip strength by squeezing a tennis ball throughout the day.   Regain flexibility and mobility by looping a rubber band over thumb and forefinger and repeatedly extend the thumb against the resistance.  This injury doesn’t have the juicy potential for hot-tub war stories that a blown knee has, but hey, there’s only so much glory to go around.

Foley, Kevin. (1999, January).  Down, but Not Out.   Outside page 92