Skier's thumb: an injury of the ligament that connects the bones of your thumb together.

This injury was originally noted in 1955 as a chronic ligament problem seen in Scottish gamekeepers who damaged their thumbs by repeatedly twisting the necks of hares. The injury was termed “the gamekeeper's thumb.”

Acute sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injury in athletes, accounting for an estimated 2 million injuries per year and 20 percent of all sports injuries in the United States.

Important Guidelines for Coaches

• Make it your policy that water be available during practices. Make sure to take frequent water breaks, especially on days that are hot and humid.
• Know the signs and symptoms of dehydration:

During the summer months, many people stay active by playing golf or tennis. These sports, however, carry a risk of injury to the tendons – bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones – in the elbow. This month’s AT Corner will explain how these injuries happen, how to treat them if they occur and, most importantly, how to prevent them.