Upper Extremity Injuries in Athletes

As an athlete, you know that injuries are a part of the game. But while some injuries are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting hurt.

Here are some of the most common upper extremity injuries in athletes:

Repetitive overuse injuries

Repetitive overuse injuries are the most common type of injury in athletes. These injuries occur when you use the same muscles or joints over and over again, without giving them enough time to rest and repair themselves.

Some common repetitive overuse injuries in athletes include:

• Tennis elbow: This is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. It is often caused by overhead activities, such as tennis or throwing.
• Golfer’s elbow: This is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. It is often caused by gripping and twisting motions, such as golf or weightlifting.
• Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain (RCRSP): Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is a condition that occurs when the tendons, bursa, or tissues that surround the shoulder joint become inflamed or torn. It is often caused by overuse, such as from repetitive overhead motions such as throwing or swimming. Symptoms of rotator cuff related shoulder pain include pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion in the shoulder.
• Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain: This is an injury to the ligament that stabilizes the elbow joint. It is often caused by repetitive throwing motions, such as in baseball or softball.

Traumatic injuries

Traumatic injuries are injuries that are caused by a sudden, forceful event. These injuries can occur during sports participation or in other activities.

Some common traumatic injuries in athletes include:

• Fractures: Fractures are breaks in the bones. They can occur in any bone in the upper extremity, but they are most common in the wrist, hand, and elbow.
• Sprains: Sprains are injuries to the ligaments that connect bones together. They can occur in any joint, but they are most common in the wrist, ankle, and knee.
• Strains: Strains are injuries to the muscles or tendons. They can occur in any muscle or tendon in the upper extremity, but they are most common in the shoulder, elbow, and forearm.
• Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are no longer properly aligned. This can happen when there is a sudden, forceful movement of the joint. Dislocations can occur in any joint in the upper extremity, but they are most common in the shoulder, elbow, and some carpal bones of the hand.

Surgery-requiring injuries

In some cases, upper extremity injuries may require surgery. This is most likely to be the case for traumatic injuries, such as fractures or dislocations. Surgery can also be used to repair tendons or ligaments that have been torn or damaged.

If you are an athlete who has suffered an upper extremity injury, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you to recover faster and get back to your sport.

Here are some tips to help you prevent upper extremity injuries:

• Warm up before exercising
• Cool down after exercising
• Strengthen your muscles
• Stretch your muscles
• Use proper technique
• Take breaks
• Listen to your body

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of upper extremity injuries and stay healthy and active.