The purpose of the following is to provide the reader with information regarding treatment of minor medical issues. The purpose is not to provide medical advice and is not meant to circumvent the need for diagnosis and treatment of medical problems by trained medical professionals. Many more serious medical problems may only be capable of diagnosis by these trained professionals.

Hand, Arm, and Elbow

Hyperextension of the Elbow (elbow bent the wrong way)

Cause: Hyperextension of the elbow most often occurs during contact sports when the athlete receives a blow to his or her outstretched arm. Sports during which athletes typically receive this injury include martial arts and football.

Prevention: Always wear an elbow brace while participating in contact sports. If an elbow brace is not available, ask your athletic trainer to tape your elbow. A consistent strength training program can increase flexibility in your elbow and lower your risk or hyperextension.

Treatment: Immediately use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area. A sling should be used to prevent further injury while your elbow is healing. If the pain does not cease, seek medical attention.

Imaging: Radiographs may be done to evaluate for a fracture or dislocation. MRI may be performed to evaluate for subtle osseous abnormalities or to look for any ligament or tendon injury.

Epicondylitis (tennis or golfer's elbow)

Cause: Epicondylitis is caused when a repetitive motion performed over time causes tears in the tissue. Sports that are commonly associated with tennis elbow are tennis, fencing, squash, and racquetball.

Prevention: The most effective way to prevent tennis elbow is to avoid overusing the elbow. Make sure that you are using equipment that is appropriate for your height and weight and maintain good posture while participating in all sports. You can prevent or delay the effects of tennis elbow by warming up your elbow before and icing your elbow after you exercise.

Treatment: Epicondylitis generally cures itself and can be treated at home. In order to ease the pain and decrease swelling, apply an ice pack that is wrapped in a towel to the area. You may also take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. An elbow strap should most likely be used to support the elbow and prevent further injury. Do some easy daily exercises or get physical therapy to strengthen the elbow. If the pain does not cease, surgery may be needed so contact your doctor if your symptoms don't improve.

Imaging: MRI may be performed to look for any ligament or tendon tears or any changes in the bones.

Muscle Rupture

Cause: A muscle rupture can be caused by a direct blow or by overexertion. Since muscle ruptures have the potential to occur throughout the body, athletes in every sport could potentially develop this type of injury.

Prevention: Create a daily stretching and strength training routine. Stretching and strength training increase muscle strength and flexibility, lowering the chance of muscle rupture. Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.

Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the area of the injured muscle and rest the muscle until the swelling goes down. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Begin gently stretching the muscle as soon as the pain begins to subside. If the pain does not cease, seek medical attention.

Imaging: MRI may be done to look for any soft tissue injuries.

Skier's Thumb (ligament tear)

Cause: Skier's thumb is often seen when a skier falls with a ski pole in his or her hand or when the thumb is bent backward during a skiing accident.

Prevention: Make sure to always ski with poles that can be easily let go of during a fall. Avoid poles with wrist straps that cannot be easily discarded.

Treatment: If you have skier's thumb, seek medical attention immediately so that your doctor can evaluate your injury. In order to ease the pain and decrease swelling, apply an ice pack that is wrapped in a towel to the area. You may also take nonprescription medicine such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. A wrist brace should most likely be used to support the thumb and prevent further injury. If the pain does not cease, surgery or physical therapy may be needed so contact your doctor if your symptoms don't improve.

Imaging: MRI is performed to evaluate the integrity of the ligament and to look for any complications (Stener lesion).

Fracture of the Wrist

Cause: A fractured wrist is a common sports injury that is mostly caused when an athlete falls on an outstretched arm or is hit on the wrist. This fracture is seen in many contact sports as well as in sports where many falls occur, such as skaters, bikers, and skiers.

Prevention: Always wear wrist guards while participating in sports where falls are common.

Treatment: If you believe you have a fractured wrist, seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may need to have your wrist reset. Your doctor will most likely take an x-ray to evaluate the fracture, after which you will receive a splint or a cast. At home, do wrist exercises only if recommended by your doctor. Elevate your wrist and take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor