Posted on 23 Apr 2024
Being active in sports can lead to adrenaline, excitement, and unfortunately the possibility of a sports-related hand injury. Sports-related hand injuries can interrupt your day-to-day and cause unnecessary discomfort. Knowing what hand-related issues there are can help you understand the severity of your injury.
Sports-Related Injuries
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon is inflamed, causing swelling, pain, and discomfort. Tendonitis in the wrist can require medication, splinting, hand surgery, or physical therapy.
Bowler’s Thumb
Bowler’s thumb is a neuropathic disease that occurs rarely. This is caused by long-term pressure that occurs on the ulnar digital nerve of your thumb. Effective treatment includes pressure relief, rest, and possible surgery.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an injury caused by the tearing or swelling of the tendons that bend your wrist upwards. This injury is typically caused by repetitive movements of the forearm muscles that are attached to the outer elbow. This injury strains the area causing muscle or tendon soreness to occur. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, arm braces, medication, injections, and surgery.
Skier’s Thumb
Skier’s thumb involves an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament or UCL in the thumb. Treatment typically involves a splint of full operative repair of the injured ligament.
Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures include a break in one of the small bones within the wrist joint or distal radius. This injury commonly occurs when an individual tries to catch themselves while falling. Treatment options include physical therapy, a splint, or surgery.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an injury where the sheath around your tendons attached to the thumb becomes swollen and inflamed. This makes it very difficult to move your thumb and wrist. Treatments include using a split, receiving injections, and surgery.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendonitis that involves small tears in the tendon that connect the elbow to the inner forearm. This surgery causes pain and swelling in the tendons and forearm. Injections, physical therapy, medication, and braces are common treatments.
Boxer’s Fracture
Boxer’s fracture involves a break in the metacarpal attached to the pinky finger. This injury is commonly caused by hitting something with a closed fist. Treatments include medication, splinting, and possibly surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
Treatment Options
Mild
If you are experiencing a mild hand injury, a splint or cast may need to be applied by the Neaman Hand team, you may need to ice the area, and rest from any athletic activity.
Severe
In more severe hand injuries, it is important to seek immediate care, receive surgery at the Neaman Surgery Center, and rest the injured hand. You may need to receive X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to diagnose your injury.
Emergency care should be pursued if you see a visible bend in your fingers or hand or hear an abnormal noise when moving your hand.
Schedule an Appointment
If you or a family member is suffering from a sport-related injury, seeking treatment as soon as possible is important for your recovery. Contact us today at Neaman Hand Therapy & Surgery in Salem, OR to schedule an appointment and begin your journey to comfort and recovery.
