What are Hand and Wrist Sports Injuries?
Hand and wrist sports injuries refer to damage or trauma incurred on the bones, joints, or tissues of the hand and wrist while playing sports. Injuries can be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (developing over time).
Common Hand and Wrist Sports Injuries
Common hand and wrist sports injuries include the following:
- Fractures: Broken bones occurring from a direct hit or fall
- Dislocation: Bones being forced out of their normal position from their joints
- Sprains: Tearing or stretching of the ligaments supporting the hand and wrist bones
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to the bone
- Nerve injury: Damage or compression of the nerves supplying the hand and wrist bones
- Ligament tears: Serious damage to the ligament tissues
Symptoms of Hand and Wrist Sports Injuries
Symptoms of hand and wrist sports injuries include the following:
- Pain and tenderness: Distress in the hand and wrist area
- Weakness: Diminished grip strength
- Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the joints
- Swelling and bruising: Increased warmth and redness in the affected area
Diagnosis of Hand and Wrist Sports Injuries
Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination as necessary. The following diagnostic tests may be ordered:
- X-rays: This imaging study uses radiation to detect any damage to the bone.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: This is an imaging study that uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to detect any damage to soft tissue structures.
- Ultrasound: This test produces images of the soft tissues and joints in the hand using high-frequency sound waves.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This scan uses multiple x-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the bone.
Treatment for Hand and Wrist Sports Injuries
The treatment for hand and wrist sports injuries varies, depending on the severity and the cause, and includes the following:
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition while the hand and wrist area heals.
- Medications: Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications or prescription medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Braces and splints: These devices help to immobilize and support the hand and wrist area while it heals.
- Cryotherapy: Applying ice to the affected area in order to reduce swelling.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles and relieve joint stiffness to restore functional ability and movement.
- Surgery: In severe cases or when conservative treatment fails, your doctor will recommend surgery to fix broken bones or repair torn ligaments and tendons.
