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. OrthoArizona 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.

Speak with an Orthopedic Specialist Today

Are you suffering from a recent injury? Make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists today to start your healing journey. OrthoArizona has nearly two dozen offices throughout the Valley, each focused on quality care, compassion, and excellent customer service. Since 1994, OrthoArizona has been dedicated to compassionate care of the highest quality.

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or other educational medical material.