Hand Sports Injuries

With high rates of sports participation across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, hand injuries are a common and often underestimated issue. Whether it’s a quick game of netball at Moore Park, a surf down at Bondi beach, or a competitive AFL match, the hands are constantly at risk of injury or overuse.

Injuries to the hand and wrist or fingers can be frustrating and have a serious impact your ability to work, train, or carry out activities of daily living. Understanding common types of hand injuries and how to manage or prevent them is essential, not just for athletes, but for anyone staying active.

1: Tendon injuries: mallet and jersey finger injuries 

Tendon injuries of the hand are common in sports and should never be ignored.

Jersey finger occurs usually in rugby or AFL, when the fingertip gets caught on an opponent’s jersey, causing a tear in the flexor tendon and making it impossible to actively bend the tip of the finger. Mallet finger affects the extensor tendon and usually results from a direct blow to the fingertip, leaving it drooped despite still being able to bend it downward. Both injuries require prompt assessment, as early splinting or surgical intervention is often needed for the best outcome. Following this rehabilitation through physiotherapy to regain strength, mobility and function is essential.

2: Volar plate injuries 

The volar plate is a thick band of ligament located on the palm side of the finger, providing stability during movement and activity. Injuries to the volar plate typically occur when the finger is forcefully hyperextended (very common in ball sports such as netball and basketball), causing the ligament to overstretch or tear. This often results in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility and strength in the affected finger. Management usually involves a period of splinting or strapping, but early rehabilitation is essential to prevent long-term stiffness and maintain joint function.

3. Distal radius and scaphoid fractures 

Both distal radius (wrist) and scaphoid (bone in the hand close to the wrist) fractures commonly occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand and are particularly common sports such as AFL and rugby.  Wrist fractures are diagnosed with x-ray and typically require a period of immobilisation in a cast. Early diagnosis is crucial for scaphoid fractures, as poor blood supply to the scaphoid can lead to non-union or long-term wrist dysfunction. Management of scaphoid fractures typically involves immobilisation in a thumb splint or cast, and in some cases, surgical fixation may be required to ensure proper healing.

4. Dequervian’s tenosynovitis 

Dequerivian’s tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tissue that covers the tendon that move our thumbs upwards and out to the side. It is commonly caused by repetitive use of the thumb/wrist and can be seen a lot in the tennis playing population. Treatment of Dequervian’s requires a period of immobilisation in a splint for aggravating activities,  followed by a period of strengthening to help build tolerance to higher loads put through the thumb in particular with racquet ball sports

These are just a few of the many hand injuries that can occur in the hand – if you are concerned about any hand injury you may have give us a call on 8068 7737 or book in online at isophysio.com.au or by clicking the button below.