Wrist sprain of palmar ligaments-hyperextension injury (Tennis) - Research Paper Example

? Wrist Pain of Palmar Ligaments-Hyperextension Injury (Tennis) Wrist sprain of palmar ligaments-hyperextension To comprehend wrist sprain of palmar ligaments, it is important to explain what the term sprain means. According to Hertling and Kessler (2006), the word sprain is incorporated in sports health when individuals who have at one time experienced a slight shock or strain experience pain on the wrist. The identification of this condition is involves elimination. To effectively identify this condition, medical practitioners must have to eliminate certain conditions such as ruptures or breakage of the bone, shocking and painful volatility, as well as ripping of tendons. Incidents of individuals having sprains involving ligaments of the wrist are widespread and in most times contributes to constant hurting or twinge in the wrist n instances where these cases are not dealt with immediately. This paper summarizes the anatomical structures involved, common mechanisms of injury, common symptoms, recommendations for modifications of general exercise, criteria for return to sport, future injury prevention, and rehabilitation through each stage of healing; namely inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation stages. Anatomical structures involved and common mechanism of injury According to Hammer (2005), the anatomical structures involved are the ligaments of the wrist. When playing tennis, an accidental fall may sometimes break or crack a muscle of the wrist. This sprain happens in a particular manner. Having an accidental fall while holding out your hand appears to compel the wrist to extend more than normal. In explaining the fall, Hertling and Kessler (2006) posits that “Because the fall on the outstretched hand tends to force the wrist into hyperextension, the palmar radiolunate and palmar lunocapitate ligaments tend to be sprained” (p. 417). Sometimes, a tennis player may fall and hit the back side of the hand. This compels the part between the hand and the arm to tremendous palmar flexion. Consequently, a wrench or injury of the tendons occurs. Common symptoms The major symptom of this injury is tremendous pain in the ligaments of the wrist. This pain is typically contained and limited to a region within the injury. It is however important to point out that the pain is experienced when the individual is playing tennis hence exercising the wrist. The act of putting the wrist into extensive exercise strains or gives pressure to the injured tendon. The wrist may also be inflamed a little bit and soft. Serious sprains may be accompanied by bruising and darkening of the skin at the injured region (Hewetson, Austin & Gwynn-Brett, 2009). Modifications to general exercise There are certain activities that should be avoided while healing a sprain of the palmar ligament. An abrasion of the tendon may not necessarily be pressured tremendously by reflexive and flaccid movement of any part of the body. Therefore reflexive movements done carefully are recommended. Inclining frontward conveys and spreads the body weight all the way through every part of the arm and hand. This is not advisable in the process of healing as it replicates hurting or twinge (Souza, 2009). Exercising the joint in a manner that creates pressure on the tendons or muscles is not recommended in the process of healing. Controlled and restrictive support of the joint and tendon would be of significance in exercising twinge reprieve. Striking the injured region gently offer support and as well aids in decreasing hurting. On the other hand, action of movement that elevates the level of hurting should be scrutinized and studied as certain alterations and adjustments to these movements may lessen the level of hurting. Rubbing down the injured region increases movement from one end to another of the pressured tendon. In less serious sprains, pain and other indications of injury may lessen in about three days but more serious sprains may take months to heal (McKeag & Moeller, 2007). Therefore, an exercise plan should be developed on the basis of these durations. Criteria for return to sports A tennis player may go back to playing if the movements of the wrist and hand do not add any pressure. It is also important for an individual to wait till the lesions have subsided. The individuals must undergo through the process of management (Herrera, 2008). To go back to the pitch, the player must be able to have exercised the wrist efficiently and to ensure the arm has a powerful grip without any pain experienced. Prolonged pressure of the wrist and hand may worsen the injury. Future injury prevention There are various ways of preventing future injuries of the wrist and hand. For instance, a tennis player may avoid going out to practice or play in an icy and wet court. Donning shoes suited for icy and wet conditions will also prevent falls in future. A tennis player is also supposed to put on appropriate gears that will shield his/her wrist in case of a fall (Kita, 2005). Rehabilitation Rehabilitation takes place through the three stages of healing; namely inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation. In the inflammatory stage icing is important to reduce swelling. Icing should be done every 3 to 4 hours. Exercise the injured wrist and at the same time be careful not to pressurize the hurting joint. This will enhance mobility. Incorporation of a splint is also of significance as it assists in managing signs and indications of the injury. Apply pressure on the injured wrist to manage the symptoms especially lessen pain, and using a bandage, drape the entire arm to manage the symptoms. At the inflammatory stage the injured hand should always be kept at a raised position above the heart to prevent swelling (McMillan, Feigin & DeAngelis, 2006). At the proliferation stage, all the treatment activities performed during the inflammatory stage are repeated to lessen swelling. In addition, a massage would help in severing down collagen necessary for the formation of a scar. Other rehabilitation techniques include acupuncture aimed at elevating blood flow. In the maturation stage, healing therapy is conducted (McMillan, Feigin & DeAngelis, 2006). A sling may be use to prevent further damage of the ligaments. Continued exercise to strengthen the arm is also important. In conclusion, wrist sprain of palmar ligaments is an injury on the wrist that can be avoided through wearing protective gear when exercising or playing tennis. Wearing shoes suited for icy and wet conditions will also prevent falls in future. A wrist sprain of palmar ligaments occurs when an individual accidentally falls while holding out his/her hand. The impact compels the wrist to extend more than normal hence the injury. This form of injury is characterized by pain on the wrist, swelling and softness of the wrist, and darkening of the skin. Some of the actions involved in rehabilitation of wrist sprain of palmar ligaments include icing, massage, using a splint, using a sling, and acupuncture all aimed at reducing inflammation. References Hammer, W. (2005). Functional Soft Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods. Sadbury, USA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Herrera, J. E. (2008). Essential Sports Medicine. New York, USA: Springer. Hertling, D., & Kessler, R. M. (2006). Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders: Physical Therapy Principles and Methods. Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Hewetson, T. J., Austin, k., & Gwynn-Brett, K. (2009). An Illustrated Guide to Taping Techniques: Principles and Practice. New York, USA: Mosby Elsevier. Kita, J. (2005). Men’s Health Best Sports Injuries Handbook. London, UK: Rodale Publishers. McKeag, D., & Moeller, J.L. (2007). ACSM’s Primary Care Sports Medicine. Philadelphia, USA: Wolters Kluwer Health. McMillan, J. A., Feigin, R. D., & DeAngelis, C. (2006). Oski’s Pediatric s: Principles & Practice. Philadelphia, USA: Wolters Kluwer Health. Souza, T. (2009). Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor. Sadbury, USA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Read More