Wrist Sports Injuries

What are Wrist Sports Injuries?

Wrist sports injuries occur when the structures of the wrist bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are damaged during athletic activities. They are especially common in sports involving falls, repetitive wrist motion, or high-impact collisions.

Types of Wrist Sports Injuries

Some common wrist injuries include:

• Fractures: Such as a distal radius or scaphoid fracture.
• Sprains: Tearing or stretching of ligaments.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation from repetitive use.
• TFCC Injury: Damage to the triangular fibrocartilage complex.
• Carpal Instability: Abnormal alignment of wrist bones.

What are the Causes of Wrist Sports Injuries?

Athletes may sustain wrist injuries from:

• Falling on an outstretched hand.
• Repetitive wrist motions in sports like tennis or gymnastics.
• Direct impact from contact sports.
• Excessive twisting or bending forces.
• Weak muscles or lack of conditioning.

What are the Symptoms of Wrist Sports Injuries?

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in the wrist.
• Swelling and bruising.
• Difficulty gripping objects.
• Limited range of motion.
• Clicking or popping sounds with movement.

How are Wrist Sports Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, range of motion testing, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. Sometimes arthroscopy is used for complex injuries.

What are the Treatment Options for Wrist Sports Injuries?

• Immobilization with a splint or cast.
• RICE protocol for initial care.
• Anti-inflammatory medications.
• Rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and flexibility.
• Corticosteroid injections for persistent inflammation.
• Surgical intervention in cases of severe fractures, ligament tears, or instability.