Scaphoid fractures are not always immediately obvious. With less wrist extension it is more likely the lower arm bone (radius) will break. The more the wrist is bent back (extension), the more likely the scaphoid bone will break. The angle at which the wrist hits the ground may determine the type of injury. The break usually occurs during a fall on the outstretched wrist. Wrist fractures are common both in sports and motor vehicle accidents. The scaphoid bone is one of eight small bones that make up the wrist. Scaphoid fractures account for many wrist fractures. With a boxer's fracture, the fifth metacarpal joint (the one at the base of your littlest finger) is depressed and the surrounding tissue is tender and swollen. A boxer's fracture usually occurs when you strike an object with your closed fist. The most common fracture of the metacarpals is a boxer's fracture.

This can decrease the ability to move and cause pain.įractures of the metacarpals (the bones in your hand just before your knuckles) and your phalanges (the bones between the joints of your fingers) are also common sports injuries. A dislocation is when a bone is pushed out of place so that they no longer line up correctly at the joint. It is commonly referred to as broken bone. A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. The resulting injury is a wrist sprain.īones can be fractured and dislocated. Unfortunately, this natural response causes you to land on your palm, bending your wrist backwards, and possibly stretching or tearing the ligaments connecting the bones in your wrist. When you fall forward, as when you trip running or rollerblading, your natural response is to put your hands out in front of you to catch yourself. If you sprain your thumb, you could lose some or all of your ability to grasp items between your thumb and index finger or to grasp well with the entire hand. This ligament acts like a hinge and helps your thumb to function properly. The ulnar collateral ligament may be sprained. Treatment and recovery time will depend on grade of sprain.īreaking a fall with the palm of your hand or taking a spill on the slopes with your hand strapped to a ski pole could leave you with a painful thumb injury. There are different grades of sprain from a minor tear to complete rupture. A ligament is a type of tissue that connects bone to bone. Here is a list of some of the most common injuries athletes experience. Unfortunately, delaying the diagnosis and treatment may result in long-term problems or even a permanent disability. While hand and wrist injuries are very common, some athletes never seek treatment.

Tell if your thumb is jammed