Whether someone is a professional athlete, a member of a high school or college team, or is your typical weekend warrior, hand and wrist injuries are common. Prompt management of the injury is essential for healing and preventing any long-term issues. Learning how to handle these common injuries from contact sports is advantageous to anyone who is active.
What Sports Have the Highest Risk for Hand Injuries?
Approximately 25% of all sports injuries involve the hand or wrist. Finger, hand, and wrist injuries are particularly more common in contact sports like soccer, football, wrestling, skiing, snowboarding, high-speed biking, skateboarding, and gymnastics. Injuries can happen from a direct blow or a fall, jerking, jamming, or twisting the hand and wrist.
Pulled muscles and strains, fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, and crushing injuries are among the most frequent conditions diagnosed for an injured athlete or active individual.
How to Spot Severe Hand Injuries from Contact Sports
If you sustain an injury, and have only mild pain, bruising, or swelling, try at-home treatment first. Apply ice, rest, and elevate the hand and use some compression to reduce any minor pain and swelling. In addition, you can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
If the pain becomes progressively worse, stop engaging in regular sports activities, and see The Orthopedic Center right away for an official diagnosis.
Seek immediate care if you experience any of the following acute symptoms:
- Severe sudden pain and swelling
- A clicking or grating sound when moving fingers or hand
- If the hand and fingers feel cold to the touch or turn grey
- Numbness
- Bleeding that does not stop or slow down within 15 minutes
- An abnormal twisting or bending of the hand or fingers
An acute injury should be treated without delay to prevent further complications. The symptoms mentioned above will not improve on their own, as they require professional treatment from a specialist like The Orthopedic Center.
Treatments for Sports-Related Hand Injuries
Depending on the severity of the injury, its location, the type of injury, and how long ago it happened will determine the treatment The Orthopedic Center will recommend.
In fact, several treatments may be appropriate. Pain medications, taping for support, utilization of a brace or splint, and physical therapy can all work hand-in-hand to gradually help the body heal. More severe injuries may require a cast or surgery.
Delaying treatment can cause some severe and long-term consequences, which is why you should call The Orthopedic Center if you have sustained a serious sports-related injury to your hand or wrist.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (256) 539-2728 or request an appointment online today!
Physicians with Speciality Hand, Wrist, & Elbows: