Replying to Busted thumbs dillema

Hey just wondering is it common with you fellow newschoolers to have constantly aching thumbs? Some days during this year I had to ski with no poles for couple of days cuase my thumbs couldn't take it anymore.

Is it normal to loose some flexibility in thumbs and feel pain when tensing the thumbs? Its been about 4 weeks since my last ski and they are still pretty sore, I saw one kid with tape around the thumbs what does that do and can I do it at home?

Thanks in advance. +K to everyone