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!
Carpal Tunnel syndrome is an insidious condition, and symptoms of it can range from a mild tingling or numbness in the hands and wrist, to full-blown pain and inability to use the hand. If left untreated for too long, the damage can become permanent.
But to diagnose and treat it correctly, you need the right doctor.
Orthopedic doctors are specialists in treating injuries and conditions of the muscles and skeleton of the body, but within this category there are specialists. The hand and the upper extremities are very complex and interrelated; doctors who specialize in these areas are known as “hand surgeons.”
But that term can be misleading, as not all Carpal Tunnel issues involve surgery. A comprehensive program can often be designed to minimize the aggravating activity and help the area heal. This is where the specialist and her team of hand therapists come in. Depending on the situation, a variety of techniques may be used. Splinting to immobilize the wrist and hand may be required, plus medication and special exercises to strengthen the area. Sometimes an injection of Corticosteroid may be given, to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Each case is different, and individualized plans are designed for each patient. Follow-through on the exercises and the doctor’s orders will determine how quickly the condition heals and how soon you can return to your regular activities.
With today’s rapidly-developing technology, specialization in medicine is not just good but necessary. If you feel you are suffering from any of the effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, reach out to Dr. Rehman and her team of specialized Occupational Therapists for a full evaluation and a comprehensive treatment program. With proper help, Carpal Tunnel does not have to be a lifelong condition.
What is it?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (also called De Quervain’s tendonitis) is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are the strong bands of tissue that attach the muscles to the bones. The tendons going to your thumb are covered by a special sheath, and it is the inflammation of this sheath that causes the condition. Women seem to be more affected by this condition than men.
What causes it?
This condition is often caused by repetitive activities and overuse of the thumb or your wrist, especially in activities that repeatedly move your thumb away from your wrist, such as skiing or hammering. It also can occur shortly after pregnancy, possibly due to fluctuating hormones and the need to hold the newborn frequently for breast feeding.
What are the symptoms?
The pain may develop over time or it may come on suddenly. It can travel from the thumb up to the forearm. Pain when moving your wrist, difficulty making a fist or holding objects may be indicative of this condition. Swelling and tenderness may be present on the thumb side of your wrist, and you may feel or hear a creaking sound as the tendon slides through the sheath.
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 conduct a physical exam of your hand and arm, and will locate the areas that are tender and painful to move. An X-ray may be taken to insure you do not have a broken bone, if the pain is the result of an injury.
What is the treatment?
A splint that stabilizes your wrist and thumb may be prescribed, to be worn 24 hours a day for up to 4 to 6 weeks. The thumb and wrist must be protected from activities that could worsen the condition.
Ice packs can be applied to the thumb and wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours until the pain has abated. Ice can also be used in a massaging method by filling a styrofoam or paper cup with water and freezing it. The top of the cup can be torn away, and the bottom held to massage the ice over the affected area.
Oral anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed, and an injection of a medication such as cortisone may be given.
Rehabilitation exercises will also be defined for you to perform to help heal the area.
If these minimally invasive methods fail, surgery could be required, to release the tendon’s tight covering to allow it to move more smoothly. This is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can go home the same day.
When can I return to my activity or my 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 wrist 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 move your thumb and wrist without experiencing any pain, it is safe for you to take up the activity again. You may need to continue to wear the supportive splint until you no longer have symptoms.
How can it be prevented?
Try to avoid activities that overuse your thumb or wrist, to prevent the occurrence of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. If you do perform such activities, take frequent breaks and shake out the hands, hold the wrist tightly and flex the fingers, and rub your hands together like you are washing them. Stimulating the blood flow and allowing the tendons and sheath to rest between activities may help prevent this condition.
If you or someone in your family is experiencing pain, swelling, tingling or tenderness in the hands, wrist, arm or shoulder, reach out to Dr. Rehman today at 586-534-0803. She is a specialist in these areas of the body, and will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition. Making sure you get the correct diagnosis is important tyo a good treatment outcome. Her team of Hand Therapists will follow through to help you return to recovery with full range of motion and strength.
After one of the hottest summers on record, the cooler weather of fall is a welcome relief. Breezes blow, days are sunny, and homeowners’ thoughts turn to getting their castle ready for the blasts of winter. Gardens need to be put to bed, siding needs cleaning, windows need caulking and the leaves and abundant acorn crop need raking.
But injuries caused by strains or too many repetitive tasks in a short time span can occur.
The first step is to pace yourself. You can’t get it all done in one day, or even one week. Work for two or three hours, and then rest until the next day. Pay attention; if your hands or wrists start to feel numb or are tingling, you should stop the activity and come back to it later or the next day. Try to get leaf rakes that are the proper size for you, and that have ergonomically designed handles.
Do some warm-up stretches before you start, especially if you are not an active person. Lifting the arms overhead, bending side to side, toe touches or forward bends can help loosen up arms, back and legs for the demands of fall clean-up. A five to ten minute warm-up period will help to generate heat in your body. This in turn helps to make the tendons, ligaments and other connective tissue more pliable and less prone to injury.
Even when walking about your neighborhood, beware of fallen leaves. They can disguise holes or uneven pavement, and they are very slippery when wet. In the earlier hours of the day, patchy frost may form in shaded areas, making dangerous slippery spots. Falls onto an outstretched hand can damage the bones, ligaments and tendons in the hand and the wrist. The hand is comprised of 27 bones, and even a slight injury to one of these can be painful and require proper medical attention.
If you or your family are dealing with pain, stiffness, lack of mobility or numbness /tingling in the hands, wrist, arm or shoulder, reach out to Dr. Rehman today. Upper body injuries that are incorrectly diagnosed or left untreated can cause permanent damage. Seek a thorough examination and comprehensive treatment program by a Board Certified Osteopathic doctor with a team of rehabilitation experts. Call Dr. Rehman’s office today at 586-532-0803 to learn how she and her team can help.
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.
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a small piece of tissue composed of cartilage and ligaments on the little finger side of the wrist, situated just past the end of the forearm bone called the ulna. Cartilage is a tough, rubbery tissue that acts as a cushion for joints. Ligaments are connective tissue that attach the cartilage to the bones , in this case in the wrist.
Usually an injury of some sort causes this condition; either an accident or a sports-related injury. A fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the little finger side of the wrist can generate the problem. Sometimes swinging a bat or racquet can cause it, or a violent twist to the wrist at work or in a sport can also result in damage to the TFCC.
Pain on the little finger side of the wrist is indicative of the condition, often accompanied by clicking or catching when moving the wrist. A doctor who specializes in the hands, wrists and shoulders is the best person to diagnose this condition. A physical exam will be conducted, and your doctor may order an X-Ray, an MRI or an arthrogram—an X-ray that is taken after a special contrast dye is injected into the wrist, to better show the area of injury. Arthroscopy may be necessary to diagnose the tear.
The early treatment of TFCC injuries includes:
Wearing a protective support, such as a splint or a cast
The application of ice for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times each day
Oral anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or other s
Rehabilitation exercises designed specifically for the wrist
An injection of a cortisone-like medication
A complete tear in this area may require surgery. However, many tears do become painless with rest and time, even if they don’t actually heal.
Patience with wearing the splint or cast, and dedication to performing the prescribed exercises to regain full range of motion and strength once the TFCC is healed will result in the best outcome. The goal is to have your injured wrist be as strong as the uninjured one, with no pain present when performing your activity such as golf, gymnastics or work. Returning to your activity too soon could cause permanent damage to the area.
Prevention is always a good idea, but typically these injuries are a result of an accidental mishap. Using proper equipment that fits you correctly, stretching before working out, and taking frequent breaks can help prevent over-use or injuries cause by fatigue.
If you or someone you love is experiencing pain, stiffness, tenderness or numbness in the fingers, hand, wrist, arm or shoulder, contact Dr. Rehman for a thorough evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. Her team of specially-trained therapists will help you recover more quickly and with confidence, with the best chance of regaining full use of your affected limb. Call her office today at 586-532-0803.
With the changes in schedule summer brings, sometimes it’s difficult to keep up the exercise routines we’ve committed to. With a little bit of creativity, you can stay in shape and entertain your kids at the same time. A bonus: the more flexible and strong each family member is, the less likely they are to be injured in a sporting event.
Morning Family Stretch
Set aside five to ten minutes each morning for the whole family to do some stretching exercises. Stretching helps to get the blood flowing and warms up the muscles for the activities of the day. Make this a daily routine for your family; it is healthful and a quiet bonding experience to help balance the hectic life most kids have.
Kids Make Great Dumbells (and their giggling will keep you going)
Try this Russian Twist: While seated on the floor with your knees bent, hold your child in front of you, engage your core and twist from side to side. Repeat 10 to 20 times. This is a great one for arms and abs.
Squat Press: Stand while holding your child in front of you with your feet hip distance apart, arms extended, but elbows not locked. Slowly lower into a squat like you are sitting in a chair and then slowly stand back up straight. Be sure to keep your knees in line with your ankles. Repeat this 10 to 15 times. Great for the arms and lower body.
Throw a Dance Party
Push the furniture out of the way, round up your family’s favorite tunes, and crank up the speakers for a blast of exercise that will get everyone involved. Dancing is super fun and a great cardio workout. Make one afternoon or evening a week your “Dance Party Night” from now till the kids go back to school.
Family Competition
We’re all about competition in our culture, and most kids are involved in at least one organized sport by the time they are a few years old. Motivate your family by setting weekly goals, and create a chart and point system that helps your family track their activity or eating habits throughout the day. See who can be the healthiest!
All these suggestions should help, but if you or your child are injured in one of your organized sports—or at the company baseball game—be sure to reach out to Dr. Rehman and her team of rehabilitation professionals. Specialists in hand, arm and shoulder rehabilitation, they can help resolve tendonitis, golfer’s or tennis elbow, hand and wrist pain, and many other conditions. To learn more, contact Dr. Rehman’s office at 586-532-0803 today!
With warmer weather, everyone is more active and outdoors more frequently. That can up the odds of having an accident, either slipping and falling, or an injury in a ball game or other sport. A fall onto your wrist or hand, or a strike from an object, or a forced twisting of the wrist can all cause a wrist sprain.
A sprain of any type is an injury that causes a stretch or tear to a ligament. Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another in your body. Your wrist is comprised of eight bones that attach to your hand and to your forearm. The wrist joint itself is covered by a joint capsule and the bones are connected to each other by ligaments. When an accident occurs and the wrist is sprained, the ligaments that connect the bones are damaged. Pain, swelling and tenderness in the wrist typically accompany such an injury.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Wrist Sprains
An orthopedic doctor, such as Dr. Rehman, who specializes in the hands, wrists and shoulders, is the best person to diagnose this condition. She will review your symptoms and do a physical exam of the wrist. An X-ray may be needed to insure no bones have been broken.
Treatment may include:
Ice packs on the wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone
Elevating your wrist on the back of a chair or couch while sitting, or on a pillow when lying down
Oral anti-inflammatory or other pain medication may be prescribed
A splint or a cast may be needed to support and stabilize the wrist, and prevent further injury
Specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist may be prescribed by your physician
While recovering from an injury, if you are involved in a sport or activity that uses the wrist, you may have to change to a different type of activity until the wrist is fully healed.
With the short summers in Michigan, people are often anxious to get back to their 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 wrist is injured could cause permanent damage. Resting the injured area, icing as noted above, and dedication to executing the exercises with the correct form will also positively influence your 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 the injured wrist has full range of motion and no pain, you may return to your activity. Prior to this, the doctor may allow you to perform the activity with your wrist in a brace. Ultimately, your injured wrist, hand and forearm need to have the same strength as the uninjured side. You must not have any pain when doing activities such as swinging a bat or a racquet or performing tumbling in gymnastics.
If you are having pain in your wrist, hand, shoulder or arm, contact Dr. Rehman today at 586-582-0803. Getting a complete and thorough evaluation and a comprehensive treatment program will get you on the road to recovery. The sooner you begin the healing process, the sooner you can get back to your activity.
Today, children are participating in sports at earlier ages than ever before. And the demands on their bodies continue to increase.Young baseball pitchers are especially at risk for arm and shoulder injuries. But a new program, aimed at injury prevention, could help these young athletes reduce their chances of injury.
At a recent Specialty Day conference, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) revealed the results of a research study designed to analyze the effects of a well-monitored preseason training program for young pitchers. The study involved 143 pitchers, whose median age was 15.7 years. The program was supervised by an athletic trainer and included resistance training with dumbbell weights and elastic tubing, as well as a focused flexibility program. The time commitment from the youth pitchers was approximately 15 minutes, four times per week.
Numerous arm flexibility and strength improvements were noted in the athletes who participated in the program, versus those without the special training. Of particular note was the fact that young pitchers in the special program, who had had a previous injury, were four times less likely to suffer an injury than those in the general arm care program.
The AOSSM is a world leader in sports medicine, education and research. They work closely with sports medicine specialists, orthopedic physicians and rehabilitation professionals to promote the STOP Sports Injuries campaign, to prevent overuse and traumatic injuries to youth athletes.
If your young athlete is having pain, stiffness or weakness in his or her hand, arm, elbow or shoulder, contact Dr. Rehman today at 586-532-0803. Awareness, early intervention and a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan will get your child back with their teammates, with no risk of long-term damage.
And isn’t safety the most important part of today’s youth sports programs?
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