Golf
Hand and wrist injuries are common among avid golfers. The injury can occur due to overuse or after a traumatic mistaken shot. Conditions like fractures, sprains and tendonitis are some of the most frequent complaints from golfers.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding injuries typically involve the wrist, as the rider is prone to falling and bracing himself/herself with the hands. Fractures, dislocations and injuries to the ligaments can occur in these situations, which may necessitate treatment from a hand surgeon in select cases.
Skiing
Skiers are prone to a particular injury known as skier's thumb, which occurs when the ski pole gets caught in the hand during a traumatic fall. This condition is a result of damage to the UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) and may require surgery, depending on the extent of the tear.
Tennis
Tennis elbow, also know as lateral epicondylitis, is a bothersome condition caused by overuse or trauma. Most sufferers experience pain when lifting, gripping, or grasping. Lateral epicondylitis involves the tendons that attach to the bone on the outside part of the elbow. Tendons anchor the muscle to bone, while the muscles help to extend and stabilize the wrist. Tennis elbow can result when the tendon's attachment degenerates, which weakens the anchor site and places more stress on the area.
There are many other possible sports injuries that prompt a visit to a hand surgeon. Contact the Great Falls Plastic Surgery Center to learn more about treatment of sports injuries.
