The hands and wrists contain so many bones, ligaments, tendons and joints, it is no wonder these areas are commonly injured in summertime fun! But with proper care, treatment and rest, athletes can typically expect a full recovery.
Injuries can be defined as two types: traumatic injuries or overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries usually involve muscle sprains or strains, tendon inflammation or ligament tears, or broken bones. The most common sports-related fractures occur to the fingers. Overuse injuries tend to be more chronic, and can include tendon inflammation, nerve damage, and even stress fractures.
If you injure your hand or wrist, and a physician is not on-site, be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing:
- Severe pain or severe swelling
- Numbness
- A feeling of coldness or a grayish cast to the skin of the affected area
- Abnormal twisting or bending of the hand or finger
- A clicking or grating noise when you move the afflicted appendage
- Bleeding that does not slow or lasts longer than 15 minutes
In the case of minor injuries, home treatments such as rest, elevating the afflicted limb, applying ice and/or compression can alleviate some of the symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and stiffness.
Reduce the chances of an injury by stretching the fingers before activities, and use wrist guards and gloves for protection. To reduce the likelihood of overuse injuries, as are common in golf and tennis, be sure to take frequent breaks, utilize proper form and techniques, and wear protective gear if possible.
Hopefully your summer will be full of nothing but fun! But if you do sustain an injury, contact Dr. Rehman and her team at Midwest Hand Therapy to get you back in the swing before summer is gone!
