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Wrist Injuries in Young Gymnasts
Young gymnasts spend hours working to perfect handsprings, walkovers and other intricate maneuvers that require the use of hands, wrists and arms. Though this hard work can result in mastery of difficult skills, many young people who participate in gymnastics experience injuries to the bones, joints and muscles of the upper extremities. Gymnastics requires the athlete to use the wrist, elbow and shoulder as weight-bearing joints. Because the upper extremities are not designed to bear weight, the repeated stress on the joints —- particularly the wrist —- causes a high incidence of injuries. Gymnastics continues to increase in popularity, with an annual enrollment of approximately 45,000 children and teens. It offers young athletes the benefits of staying physically fit while teaching discipline and teamwork. Young gymnasts, however, are in the high-risk category for injury. Gymnastics comes second only to football in the risk of injury, especially to the wrist. In the wrist and other parts of the upper extremity, young gymnasts are susceptible to stress fractures, strains and sprains. Other common problems among gymnasts include lower back pain, as well as knee and ankle injuries caused by overuse. Because a young athlete’s body is still developing, special care of the injury may be required to promote healing and prevent long-term damage. Minor injuries —- which often result in minimal loss of mobility or mild to moderate pain —- can usually be treated at home with a few simple measures. Apply ice to the injured area for a day or two to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used to alleviate pain. (Aspirin should not be given to a young person, and all medications should be administered in age-appropriate dosages.) The injured gymnast should then be encouraged to rest for a day or two and gradually resume use of the affected joint, muscle or limb. In many cases, these measures will be sufficient, and the young athlete will be able to return to his or her normal level of activity without further care. More serious injuries, such as fractures, may require medical treatment to promote healing and prevent serious damage to the musculoskeletal system. Care from a medical professional is needed when: - Pain and swelling do not improve within 24 to 48 hours.
- The gymnast experiences recurring pain or sustains frequent injuries to the same area.
- The injury causes swelling, instability, deformity, or other obvious changes in the bone or joint.
By taking a few preventive measures, many minor injuries can be prevented and serious injuries can be minimized. To prevent wrist injuries, a brace can be used to stabilize and support the wrist. Young gymnasts should be encouraged to begin each practice session by performing the appropriate stretching regimen to loosen muscles. In addition, parents should assess the quality of the gymnastics program and rely on the judgment of the trainer. Qualified instructors know how to teach techniques that are appropriate for the child’s age and skill level.
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