3 Common Summer Sports Wrist & Elbow Injuries
The warm weather is finally here in the Clarkston area – meaning plenty of outdoor activity. But with outdoor sports doctors see more wrist and arm injuries in children and adults.
Hand, arm, elbow and wrist injuries can be the result from repetitive athletic activities, a sudden fall or trauma, simply moving the “wrong way”, or overuse.
In this article, Clarkston area board certified hand surgeon Dr. Rehman discusses 3 of the most common summer sports injuries that hand doctors see.
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. It often occurs in baseball players, but can also happen in other athletes that use overhead motions, such as basketball players, gymnasts, pole vaulters and shot-putters.
The repetitive compression of the elbow creates abnormalities of a small part of the humerus (upper arm bone) at the elbow. Fragment of bone and cartilage can actually break off and cause the elbow to lock.
If the condition is caught early, stopping the activity and engaging in physical therapy may allow the area to heal and resolve the pain. In more severe cases, surgery may be required.
Distal Radius Epiphysitis (Gymnasts Wrist)
This condition of the wrist is caused by overuse of the wrist. Gymnasts Wrist primarily affects young gymnasts –with an estimated 25% of gymnasts experiencing the condition.
Pain will be noticeable on the radial side (outside) 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.
In addition to rest and avoiding stress on the wrist, your hand doctor may recommend that the injured arm be put in a cast or brace. Physical therapy may also be needed.
If you suspect your child has Gymnasts’ Wrist it is important to see a specialized hand doctor, as this condition can lead to premature closure of distal radial in the child or teen’s arm!
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Playing tennis or other racquet sports as well as several other sports and activities can also put you at risk for this condition.
The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from repeating the same strenuous motions again and again. This causes an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow.
There are many treatments an elbow and hand doctor can prescribe for Tennis Elbow. We offer a team approach that includes doctor care and physical therapists. In more extreme cases surgery may be required. Dr. Rehman has performed hundreds of tennis elbow surgeries, giving patient’s relief from the pain and enabling them to resume the activities they enjoy.
Top Clarkston Area Elbow, Wrist & Hand Doctor
You want you and your children to benefit from athletic activities, and not be hindered or injured by them! If you or your family members are feeling any pain or soreness resulting from physical activity, it is wise to schedule an appointment with certified arm, elbow, wrist and hand doctor Dr. Rehman.
Untreated injuries can result in lifelong impairments, and in children, this can be particularly damaging. So it can be dangerous to simply self-diagnose or self-treat without seeing a doctor.
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.
Dr. Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
