Reducing Your Risk for Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries in Sports

As a complex mechanical system of tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles attached to 27 bones, the hand is one of the most complex parts of your body. Your hands allow you to do a wide variety of tasks that involve strength and dexterity, including sports-related skills like swinging a bat and throwing a ball.

A high number of injuries that are related to sports involve the hand, finger, or wrist. They can range from minor cuts and scratches to conditions that are more severe, including dislocations and fractures. Whether you play basketball, soccer, football, hockey, or another sport, you know that an injury can occur at any moment, which is why it’s important to do what you can to reduce that risk. At Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, we’d like to help you. We’ve included some tips in this blog.

Common Causes of Hand, Wrist, and Finger Injuries in Sports Include:

• Having a sudden or awkward impact, with a person or the ball
• Falling awkwardly when diving for a loose ball
• Getting stepped on, especially with cleats
• Sliding into a base
• Getting fingers caught in equipment
• And more

Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the risk of injury to your fingers, hands, or wrists when participating in a sport.

Prevention Tips to Help Reduce Your Risk of Injury

• Refrain from playing through pain.
• Ask your athletic trainer or doctor about taping or bracing mildly injured fingers during games and practice. This may help to reduce more serious damage.
• Avoid wearing jewelry, such as bracelets and rings, while participating.
• Try using a closed fist instead of an open hand for sports-related skills like blocking a football or serving a volleyball.
• Contact us for more tips!

At Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, we offer expert care for finger, hand, and wrist injuries, providing patients with the potential for maximum recovery. To learn more about preventing injury while playing sports, or recovering from injury, contact us at 1-800-385-PHSC (7472).