Common Hand and Wrist Injuries While Playing Sports
Sports enrich our lives in a number of ways and provide many health benefits. However, sports also carry the chance of injury. Common hand and wrist injuries include muscle strains, ligament tears, and tendonitis, among others. Explore the most common sports-related hand and wrist injuries, along with treatment options, to help keep you in the game.
Hand and Wrist Injuries in Sports
There are several injuries that may occur in an athlete’s hands or wrists. These can be classified into two main categories: traumatic (acute) and overuse (chronic). Traumatic injuries often occur in athletes who participate in high-impact sports. This includes activities like football, hockey, and wrestling. Common traumatic injuries in athletes include:
- Joint dislocations
- Muscle strains
- Tendon inflammation
- Ligament tears
- Fracture injuries in the fingers
Overuse injuries occur when an athlete repeats a particular movement, which often happens in sports like baseball, tennis, or golf. This type of injury is usually stress-induced and include:
- Tendonitis
- Tendon dislocation
- Nerve injuries
- Stress fractures
What Should I Do If I Injure My Hand or Wrist?
Should you sustain a hand or wrist injury while participating in a sports game, seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Severe swelling or pain
- Numbness
- Coldness or grayness in the finger, hand, or wrist
- A clicking, grating, or shifting noise while moving your finger, hand, or wrist
For minor hand or wrist injuries, at-home treatments that include rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected limb can help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness. An anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may also be taken to help with pain and inflammation.
If a sports injury doesn’t resolve on its own, surgery may be part of the care plan. NY Orthopedics offers a wide range of treatment options for sports medicine with the latest, state-of-the-art technology to help you get on the road to recovery faster.
Arthroscopic repair, for example, is a common procedure in which physicians can treat injuries in the wrist. Your doctor uses an arthroscope — a small camera with a light — to help them see inside the joint. They will then insert specialized surgical tools through a small incision to make any necessary repairs.
Understanding the most common hand and wrist injuries can help you stay safe while on the field or the court. If you do find yourself with pain or an injury, NY Orthopedics offers multiple locations across New York and an office in New Jersey with top-level care to help you stay in the game. To learn more about injury prevention or make an appointment, contact us today!
