He shoots, he scores! The crowd goes wild! In basketball, it’s all about being able to take your shot and, and make it. Between dribbling, shooting hoops, throwing, catching, and blocking passes, your hands and arms put in the work during basketball. So much of the arm movement in basketball is focused on the wrist and hands, and because of this it’s probably not surprising that hand and wrist injuries are extremely common on the basketball court.

More often than not injury in basketball is caused by bad technique and a lack of understanding of sports medicine. Protect your wrists and hands while playing basketball by practicing proper technique with a coach, and by establishing care with an orthopaedic specialist for when things go wrong. If you experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in your wrists and hands after playing, it may be time to see an orthopaedic specialist. As always start treatment with the PRICE method (protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate), and if symptoms don’t resolve on their own, set up an appointment with a hand and upper extremity specialist.

Hand and Wrist Injuries

Sprains: Sprains occur when damage is done to the ligaments. Sprains typically occur when the ligament is overstretched resulting in micro tears. These tears cause inflammation, pain, and limit range of motion. Common sprains in basketball include thumb sprains and wrist sprains. Sprains may occur due to overuse or an acute injury. While sprains can typically be treated with non-invasive measures such as rest, the use of splints and corticosteroid shots, some cases may require surgery.

Fractured or broken fingers and wrists: More severe injuries like fractures or broken bones can be caused by blunt force trauma to the fingers or wrist such as with catching a ball improperly or breaking a fall. Treatment usually includes the use of a splint or cast while the fractured or broken bone heals, and physical therapy to aid with recovery, and to prevent further injury to the fingers or wrist when returning to play. Complex fracture or broken bone cases, particularly when paired with ligament damage, may require surgical intervention.

A bad hand or wrist injury can bench a player for the entire season, or in some cases end careers. Aside from your sport’s career, a severe hand or wrist injury can also hinder your ability to accomplish day to day tasks. It’s important to take hand and wrist injuries seriously, if you experience pain, swelling and stiffness after icing and rest, get in touch with an orthopaedic hand and wrist specialist.

Treatment at MidAmerica Orthopaedics

The orthopaedic hand and wrist specialists at MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Hand to Shoulder Clinic are highly trained and respected experts in their field. You can rest assured knowing that our specialists will provide the best treatment available to get you back in the game as soon and as safe as possible.

Two of our expert hand specialists are Anton J. Fakhouri, MD and Gary A. Kronen, MD. Dr. Fakhouri is a hand and upper extremity orthopaedic specialist with focuses in the treatment of hand fractures and tendon repair.

Dr. Kronen is an acclaimed hand and upper extremity surgeon with expertise in surgical repair of the intricate network of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments of the hand. When you visit MidAmerica Orthopaedics Hand to Shoulder Clinic you can rest assured your treatment is in the best hands with Dr. Fakhouri, Dr. Kronen, and their colleagues.

To learn more about MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our Hand to Shoulder clinic, and the different treatment options available to you, visit our website, or give us a call at (708) 237-7200. You can also request an appointment online. MidAmerica Orthopaedics serves various areas such as Chicago, Tinley Park, Palos Hills, Mokena, Evergreen Park, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Orland Park and more.