Now the winter sport season is upon us, we are seeing lots of sport related hand injuries. Hand therapists have extensive post graduate training which enables them to best help you with your hand, wrist or elbow injury. Whenever necessary, we use splinting and taping to allow you to continue playing and working without compromising healing, while also guiding you through the rehabilitation process. Splinting and braces are funded under ACC for hand therapists.

One injury we commonly see is to the thumb MCP joint. These injuries are normally caused by the thumb being forced back or to the side by a ball, opponent, bike handlebar or ski pole.

Grade 1 injuries are mild- the ligament has been stretched but not torn. Depending on your pain and activity levels, you may still need some support for these injuries.

Grade 2 injuries are more painful as the ligament is partially torn. You will experience moderate loss of function with these due to pain and in most cases will benefit from splinting or casting, to promote healing and avoid chronic inflammation and pain.

Grade 3 injuries are severe as there is a complete ligament tear, or the ligament has been pulled off the bone. Sometimes a small chip of bone is pulled away with it- this is known as an avulsion fracture. These injuries are managed in a splint or cast, as left untreated your thumb will remain unstable. Sometimes, surgery may be required.

It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing pain, swelling or instability after a thumb injury. Depending on the severity, thumb MCP joint injuries can initially managed in a custom-made thumb spica splint, which holds the thumb in a safe position for healing.

As healing progresses lower profile splints can be made or prefabricated braces given, to allow a greater range of activities. In some cases, splints can be modified to suit the specific requirements of your sport or job.

Exercises are also required with MCP joint injuries to help rehabilitate thumb strength, mobility and proprioception