DATELINE: Feb. 25, 2012, Hayward Wisconsin.
I took a spill during the Birkiebiner cross-country ski race and tore a tendon in my thumb. I've since learned that this is a somewhat common injury called "skier's thumb". I had surgery to re-attach the tendon to the bone (using a screw), and then I had my hand placed in a cast for four weeks.
Just got the cast off today (finally!). I thought about trying to swim this evening, but came to the conclusion that I'm clearly not strong enough to put even minimal pressure on my thumb yet.
If anybody has experience recovering from a similar injury, I'd really like to hear about your experience. Specifically, at what point does swimming feel good and not painful?
I'm looking forward to getting back in the game.
Thanks,
Kevin LeRoy
I've never torn a tendon - but I have recently had carpal tunnel release in both hands - and transposition of the ulnar nerve in both elbows (less than a month ago). It is amazing how much we use our thumbs, isn't it?!! I know my recovery is light years faster than yours, but I can tell you that although it looks/feels bleak at this point, it is amazing how each day it gets a little bit better. Remember not to do any twisting motions (opening jars is my issue still) during the day. I've tried using paddles & found that was a big no no. I have also discovered that if I try and swim "locking" my thumb next to the hand, that it helps a wee bit. Hang in there! :)
Opening jars with with paddles on is really hard to do even with good thumbs - i can't even adjust my goggles with out taking the paddles off. :D
I've done the skiing thumb over-stretch more than once, but never torn the thumb tendon (saved that for knee meniscis). Thumb was very painful and swollen for week+, and as Celeste said, reminding one of how important opposing digits are. Might try taping around the top of the thumb to the pointer, if the tape wil stay on, as it would "fix" that end of the thumb and should cut the stress from pulling in half (i think) at the real fixed joint. Good luck with recoop for you both.
I've never torn a tendon - but I have recently had carpal tunnel release in both hands - and transposition of the ulnar nerve in both elbows (less than a month ago). It is amazing how much we use our thumbs, isn't it?!! I know my recovery is light years faster than yours, but I can tell you that although it looks/feels bleak at this point, it is amazing how each day it gets a little bit better. Remember not to do any twisting motions (opening jars is my issue still) during the day. I've tried using paddles & found that was a big no no. I have also discovered that if I try and swim "locking" my thumb next to the hand, that it helps a wee bit. Hang in there! :)
Opening jars with with paddles on is really hard to do even with good thumbs - i can't even adjust my goggles with out taking the paddles off. :D
I've done the skiing thumb over-stretch more than once, but never torn the thumb tendon (saved that for knee meniscis). Thumb was very painful and swollen for week+, and as Celeste said, reminding one of how important opposing digits are. Might try taping around the top of the thumb to the pointer, if the tape wil stay on, as it would "fix" that end of the thumb and should cut the stress from pulling in half (i think) at the real fixed joint. Good luck with recoop for you both.
