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7 common hand & wrist injuries among athletes
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Athletes constantly push their bodies to the limit, making them more susceptible to injuries, especially in the hands and wrists. Whether in contact sports, racquet games, or weightlifting, repetitive strain and sudden impacts can lead to serious conditions that require medical attention. In this blog, we explore seven common hand and wrist injuries among athletes, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
- Wrist sprains
- Finger fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
- Boxer’s fracture
- Gamekeeper’s thumb (Skier’s thumb)
- Wrist fractures
1. Wrist sprains
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting the wrist bones stretch or tear due to excessive force or an awkward fall.
Symptoms:
- Pain & tenderness in the wrist.
- Swelling & bruising.
- Limited wrist movement.
Causes:
- Falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH injury).
- Sudden twists or impact in sports like basketball, soccer, & gymnastics.
- Repetitive wrist motion in activities like tennis or weightlifting.
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination.
- X-ray or MRI to rule out fractures & assess ligament damage.
Treatment:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, & Elevation (RICE).
- Wearing a wrist brace for support.
- Physical therapy for severe cases.
2. Finger fractures
A fracture in the bones of the fingers is common in sports involving direct impact or falls.
Symptoms:
- Severe pain & swelling.
- Deformity or misalignment of the finger.
- Difficulty moving the finger.
Causes:
- Ball sports like basketball & volleyball.
- Impact injuries in martial arts or boxing.
- Falls during skateboarding or cycling.
Diagnosis:
- X-ray imaging to confirm the fracture & assess its severity.
Treatment:
- Splinting or casting for stability.
- Surgery in severe cases to realign bones.
- Rehabilitation exercises after healing.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, leading to numbness & tingling.
Symptoms:
- Numbness and tingling in fingers (thumb, index, and middle fingers).
- Weak grip strength.
- Hand pain that worsens at night.
Causes:
- Repetitive wrist movements in cycling, tennis, or rowing.
- Prolonged grip in weightlifting.
- Poor wrist posture.
Diagnosis:
- Nerve conduction study & electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function.
- Physical examination & wrist flexion tests.
Treatment:
- Wrist splints to reduce strain.
- Stretching exercises.
- Surgery for severe cases.
4. Tendonitis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
Inflammation of the tendons around the base of the thumb, causing pain and difficulty in hand movements.
Symptoms:
- Pain along the thumb side of the wrist.
- Swelling & tenderness.
- Difficulty pinching or gripping objects.
Causes:
- Overuse in racquet sports, golf, or rowing.
- Repetitive gripping motions.
Diagnosis:
- Finkelstein test (a specific movement test to diagnose De Quervain’s).
- Ultrasound or MRI for severe cases.
Treatment:
- Rest & ice application.
- Wrist splints for support.
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Physical therapy & stretching.
5. Boxer’s fracture
A fracture in the small bones of the hand, typically affecting the metacarpal bones of the pinky finger.
Symptoms:
- Swelling & pain in the hand.
- Bruising & misalignment of the finger.
- Limited ability to make a fist.
Causes:
- Punching hard surfaces or opponents (common in boxing & martial arts).
- Impact injuries from falls.
Diagnosis:
- X-ray to confirm the fracture.
- Clinical assessment of hand function.
Treatment:
- Immobilization with a cast or splint.
- Surgery in case of severe misalignment.
- Rehabilitation exercises.
6. Gamekeeper’s thumb (Skier’s thumb)
A tear or sprain in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb, leading to instability.
Symptoms:
- Pain at the base of the thumb.
- Weak grip strength.
- Swelling & bruising.
Causes:
- Falling while skiing or snowboarding.
- Forceful hyperextension of the thumb in sports like basketball or football.
Diagnosis:
- Physical exam with stress tests on the thumb joint.
- MRI to evaluate ligament damage.
Treatment:
- Immobilization with a splint.
- Surgery for complete ligament tears.
- Strengthening exercises post-recovery.
7. Wrist fractures
A break in one of the wrist bones, often occurring from falls or direct impact.
Symptoms:
- Intense wrist pain & swelling.
- Deformity in severe fractures.
- Difficulty moving the wrist.
Causes:
- Falling on an outstretched hand.
- High-impact sports like football, skateboarding, or cycling.
Diagnosis:
- X-ray to confirm the fracture type & severity.
- CT scan for complex fractures.
Treatment:
- Casting or splinting for minor fractures.
- Surgery for displaced fractures.
- Physical therapy for rehabilitation.
Preventing hand & wrist injuries in athletes
To minimize the risk of hand and wrist injuries, athletes should:
- Warm up & stretch before sports activities.
- Use proper equipment & protective gear.
- Practice correct technique & avoid overuse.
- Strengthen wrist & hand muscles through conditioning exercises.
- Seek medical attention for persistent pain or swelling.
Conclusion
Hand and wrist injuries are common among athletes but can be effectively managed with early intervention and proper treatment. If you experience persistent pain, numbness, or limited movement in your hands or wrists, consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis and care.
At Krisha Hand Hospital, we specialize in sports-related hand and wrist injuries, offering expert care and rehabilitation. Contact us today for a consultation and get back to your game stronger than ever.
FAQs
Athletes can prevent injuries by warming up, using proper gear, strengthening their hands and wrists, and avoiding excessive strain.
If there is severe pain, swelling, deformity, or difficulty moving the hand or wrist, immediate medical attention is recommended.
Some minor injuries may heal with rest and proper care, but persistent pain or dysfunction should be evaluated by a specialist.
Yes, wrist braces can provide support and reduce strain, especially in high-impact or repetitive-motion sports.
Contact sports like boxing, basketball, football, & activities involving repetitive motion, such as tennis and weightlifting, pose the highest risk.