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Gamekeeper’s Thumb – Causes, Symptoms & Best Physiotherapy Treatment at Physio360 Chennai.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read


What is Gamekeeper’s Thumb?

Gamekeeper's thumb is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. This ligament is essential for thumb stability, grip strength, and pinch activities. When it gets overstretched or torn due to sudden force, it results in pain, swelling, and weakness.

This condition is commonly seen in:

  • Athletes (cricket, volleyball, basketball, skiing)

  • Gym trainers

  • Accidental falls on an outstretched hand

  • Sudden thumb hyperabduction injuries

At Physio360 Chennai, we provide the best physiotherapy treatment for Gamekeeper’s Thumb, focusing on fast recovery, ligament healing, and restoring grip strength.


Anatomy of the Thumb UCL

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL):

  • Is located on the inner side of the thumb MCP joint

  • Prevents excessive sideways movement

  • Plays a major role in pinch grip and power grip stability

When this ligament tears partially or completely, the thumb becomes unstable.


Causes of Gamekeeper’s Thumb

Common causes include:

✔ Falling on an outstretched hand

✔ Sports injuries (ball hitting thumb forcefully)

✔ Sudden twisting or pulling injury

✔ Gym accidents (heavy weights slipping)

✔ Repetitive stress in manual workers

In Chennai, we frequently see this injury in sports persons and gym enthusiasts visiting Physio360 Sports Physiotherapy Centre.


Symptoms of Gamekeeper’s Thumb

  • Pain at the base of the thumb

  • Swelling and tenderness

  • Difficulty in gripping objects

  • Weak pinch strength

  • Thumb instability

  • Bruising around the MCP joint

If left untreated, it may lead to chronic thumb instability and arthritis.


Diagnosis

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, diagnosis includes:

  • Detailed clinical examination

  • Valgus stress test for UCL

  • Grip strength assessment

  • Referral for X-ray (if fracture suspected)

  • MRI (in severe ligament tear cases)

Early diagnosis ensures fast recovery and better ligament healing.



Best Physiotherapy Treatment for Gamekeeper’s Thumb at Physio360 Chennai

At Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Clinic Near Me in Chennai, we follow a structured rehabilitation protocol:


1️⃣ Acute Phase Management

✔ Thumb immobilisation (splinting)

✔ Cryotherapy (ice therapy)

✔ Pain management modalities

✔ Taping techniques


2️⃣ Subacute Phase

✔ Gentle range of motion exercises

✔ Isometric strengthening

✔ Soft tissue mobilisation

✔ Oedema control techniques


3️⃣ Advanced Rehabilitation Phase

✔ Putty exercises

✔ Pinch strengthening drills

✔ Grip strengthening with therapy balls

✔ Functional retraining for sports activities

✔ Proprioception training

Our goal is complete thumb stability, strength restoration, and prevention of re-injury.


Recovery Time

  • Mild sprain → 3–6 weeks

  • Partial tear → 6–8 weeks

  • Complete tear (post-surgery rehab) → 8–12 weeks

With proper physiotherapy at Physio360 Chennai, recovery is faster and safer.


Why Athletes Should Not Ignore It

Ignoring UCL injury can lead to:

Chronic instability

Decreased performance

Weak grip strength

Early arthritis

Early physiotherapy intervention ensures long-term joint protection.


Prevention Tips

✔ Proper sports technique

✔ Strengthening hand and forearm muscles

✔ Wearing protective taping during high-risk sports

✔ Avoiding sudden jerky movements

✔ Regular mobility exercises



Why Choose Physio360 Chennai?

Best physiotherapist in Chennai

Sports injury rehabilitation experts

Advanced manual therapy techniques

Customised exercise protocols

Fast recovery programs

Affordable and quality physiotherapy

If you are searching for:

  • Best treatment for Gamekeeper’s Thumb near me

  • Thumb ligament injury physiotherapy in Chennai

  • Sports injury clinic near me

  • Hand injury rehabilitation centre

Physio360 Chennai is your trusted destination.


Book Your Consultation Today

Don’t ignore thumb pain or instability. Early treatment ensures complete recovery and prevents complications.

Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Chennai

📍 Moulivakkam Gerugambakkam

Book your appointment today for fast and effective recovery!


RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

2.Gamekeeper's Thumbhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29763146/.

 
 
 
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