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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Skier's Thumb Treatment

1. Treat Symptoms

  • Apply ice to reduce swelling.
  • Immobilize the thumb with an elastic bandage or brace.
  • Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18.

 

2. See a Health Care Provider as Soon as Possible

3. Follow Up

  • The health care provider will likely X-ray the person's thumb.
  • A partially torn ligament will be immobilized with a splint or cast. A fully torn ligament may require surgery.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Andrew Seibert, MD on October 04, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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