Corticosteroid injections, sometimes called Cortisone, are often employed to reduce inflammation and pain following an injury, or in the degenerative conditions of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. It is best to consult with a doctor who specializes in the area needing treatment. In the case of the hands and arms, a hand specialist should perform the injection. For the foot, ankle and lower extremities, a podiatrist should be consulted.
In the case of injury or degeneration in the hands or wrists, corticosteroid injections are just one part of an overall plan to return the patient to full health and mobility. Hand exercises, hot and cold modalities and massage therapy may also be employed by the team of hand therapists at Midwest Hand Therapy.
Here is a step by step description of what you can expect from a corticosteroid injection procedure:
The patient will be placed in a comfortable position, so that the area requiring the injection is readily accessible to the doctor.
The injection site will be disinfected with alcohol or iodine.
The patient will be encouraged to relax. If the muscles around the joint are relaxed, the injection will glide more smoothly and with less resistance and discomfort.
If ultrasound is being used, a gel will be applied near the injection site, and a technician will gently press an ultrasound transducer against the skin to show an image of the joint space.
If the affected joint or bursa contains excess fluid, the doctor may gently draw off the fluid with a needle and syringe. This is known as joint aspiration or arthrocentisis.
The doctor will then inject a small amount of cortisone into the joint; the cortisone may be mixed with an anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine. The patient may notice a pinching or a burning sensation.
The injection area will then be cleaned and bandaged, and the patient may be asked to flex the joint several times to help distribute the medication.
Usually patients wait about 30 minutes in the doctor’s waiting room, following this procedure, just to insure they have no unusually severe pain or an allergic reaction to the medication.
These injections can be helpful in reducing inflammation and its associated pain over varying periods, depending on the individual. Frequently the pain is reduced for several weeks or even months, allowing the patient to participate in therapy to strengthen and elongate the muscles and tendons around the joint, to help resolve the issue.
If someone you know is struggling with pain, swelling, tenderness or tingling in the fingers, hands, wrists or elbows, contact Dr. Rehman today. She specializes in injuries and conditions of the upper extremities, and will perform an in-depth analysis of the cause of the condition. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, she will design a comprehensive program of therapy to return the affected area to full strength and mobility.
Anything that reduces the blood supply to the wrists, hands and fingers can cause nerve damage, and this damage creates the feeling of numbness or tingling in that area of the body.
A variety of activities and conditions can contribute to this reduced blood supply. Sometimes repetitive motions over a long period of time, such as in a work, hobby or sports setting, can be a factor. Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to peripheral areas of the body, resulting in nerve damage. Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis can also cause this condition, as can certain chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment.
Some of the most common conditions causing numbness or tingling are:
Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon in the body. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and are responsible for helping to create movement. Normally tendons glide smoothly, but when they become inflamed, this process is affected. Stiffness, pain, and sometimes tingling is noticeable. Sports or other injuries can cause this sudden inflammation, but so can repetitive motions from working on a computer, repetitive manufacturing jobs, sewing, playing a guitar or other activities.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage through the wrist that houses and protects the median nerve, running from the hands all the way up the arm. When this tunnel becomes inflamed, pressure is placed on this nerve and pain, numbness and tingling can occur. Some people are genetically more prone to this condition; others can develop it over time from repetitive motions involving the wrists and fingers.
Again caused by inflammation, in this case the tendons in the fingers, this condition causes a finger or the thumb to become “stuck” in a bent position, and then to snap back when it releases, much like a trigger releasing. Early signs of trigger finger can include stiffness when you move the finger, your joint “popping” when you move it, or a bump at the base of the finger. Repetitive grasping or gripping motions are usually the source of this condition. If not treated properly, the digit can become permanently bent.
The most important step to take when you are experiencing numbness or tingling in the hands is to start with a proper diagnosis of the cause of the condition. It is best to consult a doctor who specializes in treating the hands and the upper body, as these are delicate structures involving complicated interactions between the tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and muscles.
Most causes of tingling and numbness can be treated with a variety of non-invasive techniques, and will successfully resolve with proper treatment and time. Sometimes a surgical intervention is necessary, and in this case you definitely want a hand surgeon; an orthopedic doctor with specialization in the hands, wrists and upper body.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hand, finger, wrist or upper extremity pain, contact Dr. Rehman today. She will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root of the problem, and will design a comprehensive treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.
Neuropathy is any disease condition of the nervous system. The ulnar nerve is the longest unprotected nerve in the human body; it is not shielded by bones or muscles as most other nerves are. This nerve runs from the neck, all the way down the arm, and is responsible for sensation in the fourth and fifth fingers of the hand, the palm of the hand and the underside of the forearm.
This sensitive nerve can become damaged from repetitive jarring motions. Individuals who work with jackhammers or other hydraulic equipment, and even long-distance cyclists and baseball pitchers can be at risk for developing this condition. When the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or “pinched” near the elbow, it is said to be “entrapped.”
Patients with this condition report symptoms of weakness or tenderness in the hand, tingling in the palm and fourth and fifth fingers, sensitivity to cold and tenderness in the elbow joint. Sometimes these symptoms will resolve on their own, but often, if the damage is more severe or the activities causing it are ongoing, medical intervention may be required.
A thorough examination by a specialist trained to heal the hands, arms and upper extremities of the body is the best person to diagnose this condition. The orthopedic doctor will examine the arm and hand, possibly tapping lightly on the ulnar nerve to determine sensitivity. She will take a detailed account of when the condition began and how it has progressed. Other tests may be ordered such as X-Rays, MRI or Nerve Conduction Velocity tests.
Often, Ulnar Neuropathy or Ulnar Nerve Entrapment can be treated through minimally-invasive methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, and corticosteroid injections may be considered. Bracing or splinting, especially at night, may be undertaken. Occupational therapy exercises, when done faithfully, will help to rebuild flexibility and strength.
Occasionally, the condition is more serious and Cubital Tunnel surgery is required. Surgery is typically done on an out-patient basis, and the patient can go home that same day. In this situation, the cubital tunnel is cut to allow more space for the ulnar nerve. Splinting of the arm will be required for several weeks, and occupational therapy with home follow-up exercises will be utilized.
If ulnar neuropathy goes untreated, complications can result:
Partial or complete loss of feeling in the hands or fingers
Partial or complete loss of hand or wrist movement
Chronic pain
Emotional depression stemming from the pain or lack of ability to engage in sports or other life activities
If you or someone you know is experiencing tingling, numbness or pain in the hand, arm, wrists or shoulder, contact Dr. Rehman . She is a specialist in treating disorders, conditions and injuries related to the upper extremities, and will conduct a thorough evaluation and design a comprehensive plan to return you to full functionality. Her team of experienced hand therapists will follow up with exercises and other treatment modalities for a return to full strength and range of motion. Don’t endure pain for even one more day – contact Dr. Rehman today! 586-532-0803
What is it?
As this injury can often occur when catching a baseball, it is sometimes called baseball finger or mallet finger. It is an injury that occurs to the fingertip that is caused by a sharp blow, or a jamming injury, to the fingertip. In this condition, the tendon that is responsible for straightening the tip of the finger is damaged, and you may not be able to straighten your finger.
What are the symptoms?
Pain and swelling at the end of the finger are the most common symptoms, coupled with an inability to straighten the finger completely. This could become a permanent condition if treatment is not sought early enough.
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor who specializes in the hands, wrists and shoulders is the best person to diagnose this condition. The doctor will examine your finger and review your symptoms. An X-ray may be taken to rule out the presence of a fracture. Frequently, the tendon will pull off a piece of the bone to which it is attached at the end of your finger. Most injuries of this nature can be healed through rehabilitation. But if a large fracture of the bone has occurred, or the joint is misaligned, surgical repair may be required.
How is it treated?
Assuming there is no fracture, the finger will need to be straightened and placed into a split to keep it stabilized. This splint may need to be worn up to 6 weeks. This will allow the tendon to reattach to the finger or, if a piece of bone has been pulled off, to allow the bone to heal. The finger will most likely be swollen, so ice packs should be applied for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times per day, or until the pain is gone. Your hand should be elevated on a pillow when you are lying down, or placed on the back of a chair or couch if you are sitting. Most injuries of this nature can be healed through rehabilitation.
When can I return to my sport or activity?
In general, the longer you have symptoms before you begin rehabilitation, the longer the time period of recovery. Returning to your sport or activity will be determined by your rate of healing, rather than a set number of days or weeks. If you return too soon you may worsen the injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Each person recovers at a different rate. The goal of rehabilitation is to get you back to full function as soon as it is safe for you to do so.
It is important for you to wear the splint for your mallet finger for at least 6 weeks after the injury. If you wear the splint as the doctor has recommended, you may be able to return to your activities sooner. Not wearing the splint could lead to permanent damage and deformity to the finger.
How can I prevent this injury?
Usually the direct blow that causes mallet finger is accidental, so often these types of injuries are not preventable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the hands, wrist, arm or shoulder, seek a consultation from Dr. Rehman. She will provide a full evaluation and workup to determine the exact cause of the problem, and her team of hand therapists will implement a comprehensive program to help you attain full recovery, range of motion and strength in the affected area. Contact Dr. Rehman today for more information. 586-532-0803
The ice and cold weather of the winter are behind us. It’s that time of the year when thoughts turn to spring cleaning, fresh air and outdoor activities. Our vigilance for accidental trips and falls may be lowered, since sidewalks and parking lots aren’t icy or slick. But it’s just that element of surprise that can cause an accidental slip or fall, even in warm weather. Younger people are at risk for falls, too.
Outdoor hazards include:
Potholes in parking lots: The harsh Michigan winter takes a toll on parking lots, and not every business owner has the money or resources to fix problematic holes or cracks. Be vigilant and look ahead as you cross these areas, especially if you are pushing a shopping cart, which could camouflage holes.
Uneven sidewalks: Even a difference of a mere inch is enough to trip up a walker or runner out on a sunny afternoon. If you’re not nimble enough to get your feet back under you in time, you could wind up with a serious injury to a wrist or hand. Joggers are even more at risk; due to their forward momentum, they have less time to recover their balance.
Boating, skiing or tubing accidents: Weird things can happen with ropes and boats and water. Injuries to fingers can occur, and passengers getting into or out of boats should be especially careful of slippery conditions.
Indoor hazards include:
Carpeting or rugs: All of the edges of carpeting and rugs should be tacked down.
Lighting should be adjusted: Dim lighting can be a culprit, but so can lights that are too bright.
Secure the bathroom: Be sure non-slip bath mats are in place, and grab bars and even shower chairs are on hand for older family members or those with mobility limitations.
Safe Stairways: All stairways must have sturdy handrails. And be sure to use them each and every time you go up and down the stairs.
User-friendly kitchens: Keep frequently-used items at waist height, so reaching, bending and stooping are not repeatedly required. People are more likely to lose their balance if they are not standing upright, evenly balanced on both feet.
Even with diligence, accidents can’t always be prevented. Dr. Rehman and her team of experts are here to assist in the repair and recovery from injuries to the hands, wrist or upper extremities. From the initial evaluation, to the proper diagnosis and design of a comprehensive program utilizing the latest modalities and techniques, Dr. Rehman and her team of hand therapists will guide your recovery. Reach out to Dr. Rehman’s office today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
The golfing season will soon be here, and most devotees are dying to get out on the links in the fresh air and sunshine of a fine Michigan spring.
What can you do to prepare yourself for the activities ahead?
Hopefully, you have not taken the whole fall and winter off being a couch potato! Golf is a rigorous, demanding sport, and proper conditioning will not only help your game, it will help you avoid injuries as well.
First, evaluate where you are now
You should be able to move fluidly, without pain or stiffness. You should also be able to perform the basics of strength conditioning: squatting, hinging, pressing, pulling, planking, jumping and throwing. Even though these moves seem unrelated to golf, they are essential for a powerful swing with maximum force, and to protect you from injury.
Before you head out to play, incorporate dynamic activities that get your body moving, your heart beating faster, and your muscles warmed up. Consider brisk walking, jumping rope and/or doing jumping jacks to fire up the system. Dynamic stretches, incorporating movement of the shoulders, arms, hands and wrists are also helpful to reduce the chance of injury.
If you begin to notice pain
On the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow, this could indicate the condition of golfer’s elbow, also known medial epicondylitis. The elbow joint is comprised of the bone in the upper arm (the humerus) and one of the bones in the lower arm (the ulna), joined together by forearm muscles and tendons. The bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus are called epicondyles. The bump on the inside of the elbow is called the medial epicondyle. The tendons of the muscles that work to bend your wrist attach at the medial epicondyle. Medial epicondylitis may also be referred to as wrist flexor tendonitis.
What causes it?
An overuse of the muscles that allow you to bend your fingers and wrist causes this condition. When these muscles are overused, the tendons are repeatedly tugged at their point of attachment, which is the medial epicondyle. As a result, the tendons become inflamed (tendonitis) and repeated, tiny tears cause pain. This is a common injury in sports such as golf, in throwing sports, and in racquet sports. It also may happen in occupational activities such as carpentry or data entry.
What are the symptoms?
Pain in the bony bump of the elbow on the side closest to the body is the most obvious indicator of this condition. The pain may also radiate along the entire inner side of the forearm when the wrist is bent. You may also notice pain when you make a fist.
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor who specializes in the hands, wrists and shoulders is the best person to diagnose this condition. He or she will examine your elbow and discuss your activities and occupation to make the diagnosis.
What is the treatment?
Ice packs applied to the elbow for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times per day should be continued for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain goes away. If the elbow is swollen, you should elevate it on a pillow when lying down, or on the back of a chair or the couch when sitting up. You may be given an elastic bandage to wrap around your elbow to keep the swelling down.
While recovering from such an injury, you will need to change to a different sport or activity. The doctor may also prescribe a tennis elbow strap for you to wear just below the tender spot on the elbow. This will allow the forearm muscles to pull against the strap instead of against the tender area of your elbow.
Your doctor may also prescribe oral anti-inflammatory drugs, or give you an injection of corticosteroid medication around the injured area, to reduce inflammation. Exercises to regain range of motion and strength will also be prescribed. In severe cases of medial epicondylitis, surgery may be required.
When can I return to my activity or sport?
In general, the longer you have symptoms before you begin rehabilitation, the longer the time period of recovery. Returning to your sport or activity will be determined by your rate of healing, rather than a set number of days or weeks. Continuing to perform the activity while the arm is injured could cause permanent damage. Dedication to executing the exercises, and performing them with the correct form, will also positively influence the rate of healing. The goal of rehabilitation is to get you back to full function as soon as it is safe for you to do so.
When you can forcefully grip your tennis racquet, bat or golf club, or type on a keyboard painlessly, it is safe to return to the activity. In the case of an injury in gymnastics, it is imperative that you can bear weight on the elbow painlessly; that there is no swelling at the elbow and that your strength and range of motion in the injured elbow is equal to the uninjured one.
How can it be prevented?
Medial epicondylitis occurs due to overuse of the muscles that bend your wrist. Avoidance of this overuse is the best prevention. At the earliest signs of pain on the inner side of your elbow, slow down your activity and seek treatment. Wearing a tennis elbow strap and doing elbow stretching exercises will help you prevent medial epicondylitis.
If you or someone you love is experiencing pain in the hands, wrists, arms, elbow or shoulder, contact Dr. Rehman’s office today. She will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause of the problem, and will begin with the least invasive treatment possible. Her team of experienced hand therapists will guide you in your recovery so you can regain full strength and range of motion in the affected area. Call Dr. Rehman today for more information at 586-532-0803.
Each evening the news channels report the top five conditions local hospitals are treating. Without fail, at this time of year, along with viral and bacterial infections, slip and fall accidents are on the list. With the changeable weather of winter, ice can form quickly and unobtrusively, presenting unknown dangerous conditions. Skiing and skating accidents are also common causes of injuries. But if you fall onto your hand or wrist, how can you tell if it is just sprained, or if it is broken?
If the wrist is obviously out of alignment, severely swollen, or you are unable to move it, an X-ray is warranted, as there is most probably a broken bone. Fractures require immediate intervention, to insure the bone is set correctly so healing can proceed properly. Failure to follow through could result in a longer recovery time, and further problems in the future.
But what if it is just sore and hurts? Usually our bodies will tell us if things are getting better or getting worse. If you think the wrist may just be sprained, initial treatment can consist of resting it in an elevated position, icing it for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, Alleve or aspirin. After one to two days, if the swelling and pain has not reduced, further evaluation should be sought.
The most common fractures from falls are breaks to the distal radius. The radius is the large bone in the arm that connects the hand to the elbow. The break typically occurs on the thumb side of the radius, an inch or so above where your wrist bends.
Treatment for this type of injury usually involves casting or splinting the wrist to keep it stable and in a resting position. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be prescribed, and reduced activity during the healing period, which is typically about six weeks. Most urgent care or emergency room doctors are qualified to initially diagnose and treat simple distal radius fractures. But follow up with an orthopedic specialist, a hand doctor, is the best next step. In some severe cases, or if other, smaller bones are also broken in the wrist, surgery may be required. Temporary or permanent pins or wires may be required to hold the bones in place while healing takes place. For this procedure you definitely want a specialist trained specifically in hand surgery.
In either case, as part of the healing program, your hand specialist will likely prescribe gentle exercises to keep the wrist flexible and to re-build strength. As healing progresses, the exercises will increase in duration and frequency, and may include weight bearing in the later stages of healing.
The hands and wrist are comprised of many delicate bones, tendons and ligaments, and can perform incredibly minute movements. A specialist trained specifically in this area, such as Dr. Rehman, will be able to provide the long-term treatment program and other modalities needed to regain full strength and range of motion. Her team of hand therapists will guide your recovery until it is complete.
To learn more about the services offered by Dr. Rehman, call 586-532-0803 today. Or reach out through this website here.
The New Year is upon us, and many kids may have gotten new sporting equipment over the holidays. This time of year brings new hopes, and your children may have their dreams set on becoming a star player in their sport of choice.
But with children playing competitive sports at younger and younger ages, parents need to be informed consumers and safeguard their child from injury or over-training. Competition is a cultural value in the US, and those who “play through the pain” are lauded as warriors and champions. But the standards that apply to professional sports should not be applied to youth sports. Children are still growing, and because of this, they are more prone to injuries that can become lifetime limitations if they are not handled promptly and properly.
If your child is in a sport, how can you be sure he or she is not over-training or being played too much? An organization called Safe Kids reports that, of 752 coaches surveyed nationwide, over half the coaches reported being pressured, usually by parents, but sometimes by the child, to play a child who was injured. Children sometimes hide their pain, or minimize it, so that they can play. The expectations of parents and teammates can be overwhelming for a youth athlete. The watchful parent will be aware and be sure their injured child receives proper medical attention and time to rest and heal, before being allowed to play their sport.
Youth sports foster confidence, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. If your child is in a sport where “winning at all costs” is the attitude, either by other parents or the coach, this is not the team for your child. Children need to learn how to cope with success and defeat, in order to put the game in a proper perspective. This in turn helps them cope with other successes and failures in their lives.
Rotating sports throughout the year will help the youth athlete maintain a balance, and work different sets of muscles, to reduce the chance of over-use injuries.
Here are a few more tips to keep your youth athletes safe:
Be sure your child receives a pre-participation sports physical examination, to spot any potential problems ahead of time.
Be sure your child is wearing the proper protective gear, and that it fits him or her correctly. Research the best quality and have the coach check the fit to make sure it is right.
You child should know how to correctly use the athletic equipment, such as bindings on snow skis, etc. Here again, instruction by a professional trainer or coach is required.
Even children need to warm up their muscles before playing. At least ten minutes of stretching and warm-ups are required.
Kids need to stay hydrated. For proper hydration, kids should drink half their weight in ounces of water each day. So if your child weighs 120 pounds, he or she should drink 60 ounces of water daily. Beware of caffeine –loaded drinks, as they are diuretics.
And never let your child play or train if he or she is in pain.
If you or one of your family members notice pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling in their hands, wrist, elbow or shoulder, contact Dr. Rehman for a thorough evaluation. She is a trained orthopedic doctor who specializes in the treatment of injuries and conditions of the upper body. Her team of rehabilitation specialists will implement a program of recovery so that your young athlete can get back to his or her sport with full range of motion and ability to bear weight pain-free.
Call today to schedule an appointment or to learn more: 586-532-0803
The big holiday is just around the corner, and you’ll love watching their faces light up when they unwrap the new skates, skis or snowboard on their wish list. But beginning athletes in these sports are more likely than experienced ones to receive an injury. So along with that great equipment, be sure to book some lessons from a professional trainer, to make sure the equipment fits them properly and they learn some basics of how to fall correctly.
In the U.S., snowboarding accidents are on the rise, and most of these injuries involve the wrist or the hand. Since a snowboarder’s feet are locked into place, they are not as likely to twist when falling. Usually the hand and wrist take the brunt of the fall. It’s estimated that about 25% of snowboarding injuries are to the wrist. Most are fractures of the forearm bone, just above the wrist joint; another susceptible area is a small wrist bone called the scaphoid. The best defense is to wear wrist guards and to be taught how to fall correctly before even hitting the slopes. Wrist guard technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, and gloves are even available with built-in wrist guards. If your child or teen is experiencing pain after a snowboard fall, get it checked out by a specialized hand surgeon.
The most common upper body injury in downhill skiing is an injury to the thumb. This condition, often called “skier’s thumb” occurs when the skier falls and fails to release his or her poles. The pole acts as a lever upon impact with the ground, and bends the center of the thumb, tearing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Accounting for 8 to 10% of skiing injuries, this type of injury may need splinting or even surgery, depending on the severity of the tear.
Young Olympian hopefuls may be inspired by the complex ice skating routines they see on TV. But as usual, it’s harder than it looks. Most upper body injuries in this sport involve a fracture of the wrist, and if your child is experiencing pain here, it is best to get it checked out by an orthopedic hand surgeon. Training from a professional on how to fall can minimize the chance of this type of injury, and be sure to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before hitting the ice.
The hand and wrists are delicate and contain an abundance of bones, ligaments and tendons. They can be easily damaged in a sporting accident, and if not treated properly and early, can become lifelong problems. If your young athlete sustains an upper body injury this winter, seek a full and complete evaluation by a specialized hand surgeon such as Dr. Rehman. She and her team of hand therapists will use the least-invasive treatment that will return full range of motion and strength to the injured area.
A few more tips for those Olympian hopefuls in your family:
Be sure they’ve got the right gear and that it fits them properly; helmets and wrist guards for snowboarders and poles without platforms or saber handles for skiers
Teach them to inspect their gear or skates each time before they go
Keep blades on skates sharpened; watch for chips or gouges in the ice
Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before hitting the slopes or the ice rink
Know how to fall: Snowboarders should practice falling onto the forearms, as this will protect the hands and wrists and disperse the energy of the impact. Snowboarders should also try to land bottom first when falling backward, as this protects the head and tailbone. Skiers should practice releasing their poles when they fall.
Skaters should limit the number of repetitions of jumps per session, and practice new jumps off the ice first, using a harness
And never allow your youngster to skate or ski if it is painful
Winter time sports can be a fun, lifelong pursuit. Start them off on the right foot with the proper gear and training this winter, and then enjoy!
How could anyone help but be inspired by Simone Biles, the four-foot-nine powerhouse that swept the Olympic medals in Brazil just last month? Perhaps you have an aspiring gymnast in your family, and with school beginning again, now is a great time for him or her to join a gymnastics group. Gymnastics builds muscle, flexibility, balance and more. It is an amazing core and strength workout, with no barbells required. Physical skills and confidence are built through regular practice, workouts and competitions. And this sport helps to build a strong work ethic; persistence, patience and practice all pay off here.
But injuries can and do occur.
Leg, knee and ankle injuries can be a problem, but here we will focus on upper body injuries common in gymnastics. Overuse injuries to the upper body can include:
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum
This is an injury to the outside of the elbow that occurs from repeated weight-bearing activities on the arm and elbow. The repetitive compression of the elbow creates abnormalities of a small part of the humerus at the elbow. The fragment of bone and cartilage can actually break off and cause the elbow to lock. If this happens, surgery may be required. If the injury is caught earlier, stopping gymnastics and allowing the area to heal may be enough to resolve the pain.
Distal Radius Epiphysitis
An overuse injury to the wrist, this condition can develop from a gymnast’s training in vaulting and tumbling. Pain will be noticeable on the radial side of the wrist; the side closest to the thumb. X-rays may be used to diagnose this condition, and a widening of the growth plate may be noticeable. Rest and avoiding stress on the wrist may be required, and to assist in healing the injured arm may be put in a cast or brace.
As a parent, you want your child to benefit from physical activities, not be hindered by them. So make sure that you talk to your kids, and check out whether they are feeling any pain or soreness. There’s a lot of pressure on young athletes today to score well and support the team; they may not tell you if they are hurting. Be sure your child’s workout routines are varied, and that the same activities are not performed week after week, month after month. Varying the muscles used reduces the likelihood of injury. Kids should always have days off from training. They don’t have the strength or stamina that high school or college-age gymnasts have, so they shouldn’t train like them.
If you have anyone in your family who suffers from pain, stiffness, swelling or lack of mobility in their shoulder, arm, hand or wrist, contact Dr. Rehman today. She will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the cause, and she and her team of therapists will design a comprehensive program to heal the condition and help return the patient to full strength and range of motion. Untreated injuries can result in lifelong impairments, and in children, this can be particularly damaging. So don’t self-diagnose or treat. Call Dr. Rehman today at 586-532-0803 to learn more.
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