How to Treat Common Hand & Wrist Injuries in Athletes
Hand injuries are something most athletes deal with at some point since hands bear a lot of pressure in many sports activities. Repeating the same motion, like swinging a tennis racket or lifting weights, can strain the tendons and ligaments in your hands.
Hand and wrist injuries in sports usually happen because of overuse, falls, or direct hits. Sudden impacts, like catching a hard pass or falling, can also cause fractures or sprains. This is why early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical to keep them from getting worse. If not treated right, even a small injury can lead to long-term problems with movements.
ATX Robotic Surgery can thoroughly assess and treat your hand and wrist injuries. Our advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities offer the best care to heal and get back in the game. Book your consultation today!
Common Hand & Wrist Injuries in Athletes
Several injuries of the hand and wrist frequently occur among athletes, such as:
- Sprains and Strains
These are common hand and wrist injuries. A sprain affects ligaments, while a strain causes pain in muscles or tendons. They often occur due to sudden twists, falls, or blows.
- Fractures
Broken bones are serious injuries that usually need medical attention. Hand or wrist fractures commonly happen from falls on an outstretched hand or direct impacts.
- Tendinitis
This condition is caused by inflammation of the tendon due to repetitive stress. It’s often seen in athletes who perform repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as tennis players.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve in the wrist leads to this syndrome. It causes numbness and weakness in the hand and is common among athletes with frequent wrist motions.
ATX Robotic Surgery offers specialized surgical treatments and works with you to reduce pain, restore and improve your range of motion.
Immediate First Aid and Home Care
Knowing how to provide immediate care can make a significant difference in the outcome of a wrist or hand injury.
1. R.I.C.E. Method:
- Rest: Stop using the injured area immediately to prevent further damage.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and numb pain. Use ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
- Compression: Wrap the area with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling, but don’t wrap it too tightly.
- Elevation: Keep the injured hand or wrist raised above heart level to reduce swelling.
2. Immobilization: Using splints or braces can help protect and stabilize the injured area. Proper immobilization prevents further damage and aids in the healing process.
3. Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and swelling. Follow dosage prescriptions and consult with a specialist if you have concerns.
These methods are only for urgent medical care, and you must seek professional help to avoid worsening your injuries.
When to Seek Professional Medical Treatment at ATX
If you have any of these signs, you must see our doctor right away:
- Pain That Won’t Go Away: If resting and taking it easy don’t help, it’s time to see a doctor.
- Swelling and Bruising: A lot of swelling or bruising can mean some serious injury.
- Trouble Moving: If moving your hand or wrist becomes unbearably painful, consult a specialist.
- Looks Odd: If your hand or wrist looks bent or out of shape, it could mean a broken bone that needs fracture surgery or other treatment.
Our specialist will properly examine your hand/wrist injury, potentially using the diagnostic tests below:
- X-rays: Help find fractures or bone issues. They are often the first step.
- MRI: Shows detailed images of tendons and ligaments if the problem is soft tissue.
- Ultrasound: Provides real-time images of tendons and ligaments without any pain.
You may also be advised to have occupational therapy (OT) to recover from upper extremity injuries. It can help you get your strength and movement back. This may be used in addition to or instead of surgery.
Treatment Options for Specific Injuries
Depending on how bad the injury is, your treatment can be as simple as resting or as urgent as surgery.
- Sprains and Strains
Occupational therapy improves movement and strength, sometimes with braces for protection. Gradually returning to activities also helps prevent further strain.
- Fractures
Casting or splinting keeps the bone still for non-surgical treatment. Surgery may be required for severe cases to realign the bone. Recovery time depends on the treatment and injury.
- Tendinitis
Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and occupational therapy help reduce swelling, ease pain, and strengthen tendons.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Management can include ergonomic adjustments, activity modification, and occupational therapy for mild cases. Surgery is typically required for severe cases, weakness, or muscle loss. Our surgeon performs minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release. These methods reduce pain and restore hand and wrist function.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but involves the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Management is typically the same as for carpal tunnel syndrome and is also treated endoscopically if surgery is required.
Always consult a specialist to understand the best treatment for yourself.
Preventing Hand and Wrist Injuries in Popular Sports
Athletes can take these steps to reduce their risk and prevent injuries:
- Warm-Up: Always warm up before starting sports. A good warm-up boosts blood flow to the muscles and gets them ready for action.
- Use Proper Technique: Whether lifting weights, swinging a racket, or throwing a ball, using the right technique is crucial. Poor technique can put extra stress on the hands and wrists.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles in the hands and wrists helps support the tendons and ligaments better, which lowers the risk of injury.
- Protective Gear: In some sports, wearing protective gear like gloves or wrist guards can help prevent injuries.
With these measures, you can help protect your hands and wrists and keep your movements safe.
ATX Robotic Surgery in Austin and Georgetown Helps Athletes to Get Back in the Game
If you’re searching for hand surgery near you in Austin or Georgetown, consider ATX Robotic Surgery. We specialize in different types of hand and wrist surgery with advanced techniques and compassionate care. Our expert is dedicated to helping you recover and return to your sport or activity as soon as possible. Get in touch with us to discover how we can assist in your recovery and keep you moving forward. Contact now!
Hand injuries are something most athletes deal with at some point since hands bear a lot of pressure in many sports activities. Repeating the same motion, like swinging a tennis racket or lifting weights, can strain the tendons and ligaments in your hands.
Hand and wrist injuries in sports usually happen because of overuse, falls, or direct hits. Sudden impacts, like catching a hard pass or falling, can also cause fractures or sprains. This is why early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical to keep them from getting worse. If not treated right, even a small injury can lead to long-term problems with movements.
ATX Robotic Surgery can thoroughly assess and treat your hand and wrist injuries. Our advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities offer the best care to heal and get back in the game. Book your consultation today!
Common Hand & Wrist Injuries in Athletes
Several injuries of the hand and wrist frequently occur among athletes, such as:
- Sprains and Strains
These are common hand and wrist injuries. A sprain affects ligaments, while a strain causes pain in muscles or tendons. They often occur due to sudden twists, falls, or blows. - Fractures
Broken bones are serious injuries that usually need medical attention. Hand or wrist fractures commonly happen from falls on an outstretched hand or direct impacts. - Tendinitis
This condition is caused by inflammation of the tendon due to repetitive stress. It’s often seen in athletes who perform repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as tennis players. - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve in the wrist leads to this syndrome. It causes numbness and weakness in the hand and is common among athletes with frequent wrist motions.
ATX Robotic Surgery offers specialized surgical treatments and works with you to reduce pain, restore and improve your range of motion.
Immediate First Aid and Home Care
Knowing how to provide immediate care can make a significant difference in the outcome of a wrist or hand injury.
1. R.I.C.E. Method:
- Rest: Stop using the injured area immediately to prevent further damage.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and numb pain. Use ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
- Compression: Wrap the area with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling, but don’t wrap it too tightly.
- Elevation: Keep the injured hand or wrist raised above heart level to reduce swelling.
2. Immobilization: Using splints or braces can help protect and stabilize the injured area. Proper immobilization prevents further damage and aids in the healing process.
3. Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and swelling. Follow dosage prescriptions and consult with a specialist if you have concerns.
These methods are only for urgent medical care, and you must seek professional help to avoid worsening your injuries.
When to Seek Professional Medical Treatment at ATX
If you have any of these signs, you must see our doctor right away:
- Pain That Won’t Go Away: If resting and taking it easy don’t help, it’s time to see a doctor.
- Swelling and Bruising: A lot of swelling or bruising can mean some serious injury.
- Trouble Moving: If moving your hand or wrist becomes unbearably painful, consult a specialist.
- Looks Odd: If your hand or wrist looks bent or out of shape, it could mean a broken bone that needs fracture surgery or other treatment.
Our specialist will properly examine your hand/wrist injury, potentially using the diagnostic tests below:
- X-rays: Help find fractures or bone issues. They are often the first step.
- MRI: Shows detailed images of tendons and ligaments if the problem is soft tissue.
- Ultrasound: Provides real-time images of tendons and ligaments without any pain.
You may also be advised to have occupational therapy (OT) to recover from upper extremity injuries. It can help you get your strength and movement back. This may be used in addition to or instead of surgery.
Treatment Options for Specific Injuries
Depending on how bad the injury is, your treatment can be as simple as resting or as urgent as surgery.
- Sprains and Strains
Occupational therapy improves movement and strength, sometimes with braces for protection. Gradually returning to activities also helps prevent further strain. - Fractures
Casting or splinting keeps the bone still for non-surgical treatment. Surgery may be required for severe cases to realign the bone. Recovery time depends on the treatment and injury. - Tendinitis
Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and occupational therapy help reduce swelling, ease pain, and strengthen tendons. - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Management can include ergonomic adjustments, activity modification, and occupational therapy for mild cases. Surgery is typically required for severe cases, weakness, or muscle loss. Our surgeon performs minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release. These methods reduce pain and restore hand and wrist function. - Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but involves the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Management is typically the same as for carpal tunnel syndrome and is also treated endoscopically if surgery is required.
Always consult a specialist to understand the best treatment for yourself.
Preventing Hand and Wrist Injuries in Popular Sports
Athletes can take these steps to reduce their risk and prevent injuries:
- Warm-Up: Always warm up before starting sports. A good warm-up boosts blood flow to the muscles and gets them ready for action.
- Use Proper Technique: Whether lifting weights, swinging a racket, or throwing a ball, using the right technique is crucial. Poor technique can put extra stress on the hands and wrists.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles in the hands and wrists helps support the tendons and ligaments better, which lowers the risk of injury.
- Protective Gear: In some sports, wearing protective gear like gloves or wrist guards can help prevent injuries.
With these measures, you can help protect your hands and wrists and keep your movements safe.
ATX Robotic Surgery in Austin and Georgetown Helps Athletes to Get Back in the Game
If you’re searching for hand surgery near you in Austin or Georgetown, consider ATX Robotic Surgery. We specialize in different types of hand and wrist surgery with advanced techniques and compassionate care. Our expert is dedicated to helping you recover and return to your sport or activity as soon as possible. Get in touch with us to discover how we can assist in your recovery and keep you moving forward. Contact now!
