Rock Climbing Hand & Wrist Injuries
Indoor rock climbing has become an extremely popular activity in Macomb County. In fact, there are at least a dozen rock climbing facilities in the greater Macomb County area! But while rock climbing challenges the body and mind, the physical demands and unpredictable nature of these activities can lead to various injuries, particularly to the hands, wrists, and shoulders.
According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), about 75% of elite and recreational rock climbers experience upper extremity injuries. Of these, approximately 60% involve the hand and wrist, while 40% affect the shoulder and elbow. The most common injuries include finger tendon injuries, which account for up to 52% of all hand and finger injuries among climbers, and other common issues such as lacerations and fractures.
At Macomb Hand Surgery, Dr. Uzma Rehman specializes in treating these types of shoulder, arm, hand and wrist injuries, helping adventurers recover quickly and return to their favorite pursuits. In this article she explores common injuries sustained during rock climbing and discusses the best treatments to ensure rapid recovery without long-term pain or limitations.
Rock Climbing Hand & Finger Injuries
Hand and finger injuries are prevalent among rock climbers due to the constant use of hands for gripping odd-shaped objects at unusual angles, while bearing weight with the hand, wrist, and arm. Falls or slips during rock climbing can also result in a variety of injuries. Common indoor and outdoor rock-climbing injuries of the hand include sprains, fractures, and dislocations.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), reports that finger injuries are particularly prevalent among rock climbers, with the flexor tendon pulley system being a common site of injury. These injuries often occur due to the high stress placed on the fingers during climbing maneuvers, especially when climbers use a “crimp grip.”
Lacerations can also occur during outdoor rock climbing, often caused by sharp rocks or branches. These require immediate cleaning and dressing to prevent infection. And deep cuts may necessitate stitches. Fractures in the fingers can occur when the hand is caught between rocks or subjected to a sudden impact.
Symptoms of sprains and fractures include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the fingers. Treatment typically involves immobilizing the finger with a splint, but severe cases may require surgical intervention by a board-certified hand-surgeon like Dr. Rehman to realign the bones.
Dislocations, where a bone is forced out of its normal position, are also frequent among climbers. This injury is characterized by intense pain and visible deformity. Treatment involves reducing the dislocation by repositioning the bone, usually followed by splinting. Once healed physical therapy with the certified hand therapist at Macomb Hand Surgery can help restore function and strength – and ensure there is no long-term pain or loss of mobility.
Rock Climbing Arm & Wrist Injuries
In addition to the hands, the arms and wrists endure significant stress during rock climbing. Falls, overexertion, and improper techniques can all lead to rock climbing injuries. Wrist sprains occur when ligaments are overstretched or torn, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited motion. Immediate treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, severe sprains may require a properly placed wrist brace to immobilize the joint and promote healing.
Fractures of the wrist or forearm bones, such as the radius and ulna, are also common when a rock climber falls onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and deformity. Treatment for fractures involves immobilization with a cast or splint, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to realign and stabilize the bones.
Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons, is another common injury among frequent rock climbers. It is often caused by repetitive strain from gripping and pulling motions. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling around the affected tendon. Treatment includes rest and anti-inflammatory medications. In many cases of tendonitis of the wrist or arm, corticosteroid injections by Macomb County hand doctor Uzma Rehman, DO can rapidly improve tendonitis, reducing pain and restoring mobility. And physical therapy can assist in strengthening the surrounding muscles and ensuring that there is no residual pain or loss of movement.
Rock Climbing Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are particularly common in rock climbing due to the extensive use of upper body strength. The shoulder joint is complex and susceptible to various injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, and labral tears. Rotator cuff tears occur from the repetitive overhead movements and strain required in climbing. Symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Treatment ranges from rest and physical therapy to surgical repair in severe cases.
Shoulder dislocations happen when the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, often due to a fall. This injury causes intense pain and a visible deformity. Treatment involves reducing the dislocation (repositioning the joint) followed by immobilization with a sling. In some cases, shoulder surgery may also be required. After shoulder dislocation, physical therapy with the certified therapists at Macomb Hand Surgery can help ensure there are no long-term effects on mobility by restoring full function and strength.
Labral tears involve the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. These tears can result from both overuse due to frequent rock climbing – as well as from a single, sudden traumatic injury. Labral tears are characterized by deep shoulder pain, especially during overhead activities. Initial treatment includes rest and physical therapy, but persistent symptoms may necessitate arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear.
Hand & Wrist Doctor | Rock Climbing Injury | Macomb County
Rock climbing is an exhilarating activity that provide exceptional physical and mental benefits. But like any sport, it comes with the risk of injury, particularly to the hands, wrists, and shoulders.
At Macomb Hand Surgery, Dr. Uzma Rehman has the skill and experience to diagnose and treat these injuries to ensure a swift and safe return to your favorite outdoor activities. If you experience any of these injuries or you are experiencing pain, swelling, or loss of mobility after rock climbing, contact us as soon as possible for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
