Wrist and hand injuries you can get while playing sports

The wrist and hand combine to provide people the ability to lift and carry objects, using them as they please.  Athletes are prone to sustaining injuries in these parts or develop a condition involving them, which is why care and caution are necessary when using the wrists and hands.  Here are some common injuries to watch out for.

Tendonitis

This is the inflammation, swelling, or irritation of a tendon, and it often results from overuse.  Typically, the tendon becomes irritated when people start a new activity or exercise.

Distal radius fracture

Also known as a broken wrist, this commonly experienced fracture in the body involves the radius bone, a long forearm bone.  A distal radius fracture takes place near the wrist joint on the thumb side, usually taking place from a fall onto an outstretched arm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

This is a frequently occurring disorder that happens even without playing sports, but just the same it causes pain as well as tingling in the hand, wrist, thumb, and the first three fingers.  Risk factors include having a small carpal tunnel, being female, aging, having wrist trauma or injury, and having certain conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes.

Tennis elbow

This overuse injury involves a tendon on the outside of the forearm, which fails and starts to tear away from the bone.  The injury originates near the elbow but may be painful down the forearm.

’Basketball finger’

This occurs during an athletic activity where the hand comes in contact with a ball, ranging in severity from a sprain to a dislocation. 

Ryan Shephard is studying to become a certified sports and rehabilitation specialist. He is majoring in athletic training at the University of Michigan. And has courses in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and pharmacology. Read more on this site.