Cycling, basketball, baseball, football, skiing, boxing are examples of sports activities that mainly require the use of the upper limbs. The regular or occasional practice of these sports is not without risks.
Indeed, a bad posture, a false movement or a fall can cause injuries to the arms, hands or fingers. What are the most common lesions and how to treat them?
The most common injuries
Many sporting activities can lead to serious injuries or wounds to the hands and fingers. The characteristics of these lesions may vary depending on the situation. Injuries can also occur from repetitive movements. Here are the most common cases:
- Torn finger or wrist ligaments
- Elbow ligament tears
- finger dislocations
- tendonitis
- Fractures of the shoulder, arm or forearm
- Sprains in the shoulder or fingers, etc.
Only a doctor can really analyze the severity of the injury and its characteristics. In the event of a fall, shock or prolonged pain, it is therefore more advisable to seek consultation. A specialist will know how to treat a sprained finger, a fracture or tear.
The different treatments for a sports injury to the hands
It is important to note that most of these lesions are unpredictable. However, the risks can be limited by using all the necessary protective equipment, depending on the sport you practice. Treatment varies, too, depending on the type of injury. It is sometimes essential to perform an x-ray to define the severity.
Non-surgical treatments
In the event of a serious injury, one can, for example, immediately apply ice to the painful part, to soothe the inflammation. Then, a tight bandage can also reduce the risk of swelling. Finally, we must try to raise the wound above the level of the heart so that the circulation of the blood is regular.
Some injuries are not very serious and do not require surgery. Some ligaments can, for example, be tied together with adhesive tape for a few weeks. It also often happens that a splint is placed to cover the part of the finger or hand that is injured. In case the bones have deviated, the doctor will try to straighten it.
Surgical treatments
In the most serious cases, surgery will need to be performed. However, even if necessary, the specialist will do his best to use the least invasive techniques. He conceives, in fact, that the person must heal as quickly as possible to resume his daily routine and start practicing sports again as he goes along.
In any case, the injured person should take plenty of rest before resuming sport. This will prevent any risk of re-injury, bleeding or wound infection. There are also simple exercises to eliminate stiffness and discomfort during movement. The doctor can advise on the intensity and frequency of these exercises, depending on each situation.
